Winter is always a time of year I don’t like seeing the fish in the pond. They are so docile and in shut down. It’s good to see there is an easy product to use to help keep the pond (and fish) in good health until the warmer weather arrives and they come back to life. And easy pond maintenance who wouldn’t want that? Well done and thank you Mark for sharing this with us
Will you ever do a build a pond day? Im a teacher so if there is one in the summer I'd love to come and listen, I've built my own eco system pond now and built my own skimmer out of a big blue barrel! I'd like to come and find out other things aswell though about planting, edges etc!
Most pond owners I know struggle with the when to change between cold water and normal beneficial bacteria. I normally pour mine at the bottom of the waterfall does that make a difference?
Really depends on your maintenance regime, lots of people slow up this time of the year, dry hands and not wanting to clean as much. Really depends on the system. The bacteria going to do the hard work for you.
I'm going to be building my first bog filter this coming Spring. I live in Colorado, USA, where we get cold winters. What should I know about winterizing the bog plants?
Treat them the same as pond plants. Look for hardy pond plants or enjoy the tropical ones as annuals, you have a great summer season for tropical lilies
Hi Mark, thank you for this video. I have a question for you: I have bought the pond gummy a few days ago. Now I am wondering whether there is a better time to use it in the pond or it can be used at anytime of the year?
Hi, I have a question. I will not be using my waterfall thru the winter as I have learned that a snow or ice build up can cause the water to be redirected right out of the pond. I will be using a aerator thru the winter to keep the pond oxygenated and from completely freezing over. So, will the aeration alone disperse the BB when I have to reapply every week?
Can I use this cold water bacteria to start the cycle on a new pond and if so is the best way to feed the bacteria to use ammonia as the new pond presently has no koi in it
Yes if the pond is brand new you can seed the pond with a few different bacteria’s. This bacteria will kick start things or Multi Aqua this one is a dry sachet based product. Feeding the bacteria is great until the koi go in.
@@ThePondAdvisor I’ve used pee as well for my last pond. But think I would struggle to explain that my girlfriend I presume pee does work though , do you agree.
Hint on adding bacteria: Check the expiration date! Also, green water can be your best friend. You as pond owner hate it but the fish love it (as long as it not too thick and taking away the oxygen). Green water indicates too many fish, overfeeding, insufficient filtration, and/or some other intervention such as over cleaning, medication treatment, etc. Taking away your obvious indicator can lead to more severe problems. I would limit food for a few days, add nitrifying bacteria, and add a dozen or so food supplement tablets of Folic Acid, 800 mg each tablet, every day until green water clears up. Faster bacteria growth, healthier bacteria, and longer lasting into the cold months, and faster bacteria growth coming out of winter. Just my humble opinion and 25 year experience.
@@ThePondAdvisor Been wanting to know for a long time but couldn't find an answer. Only one manufacture was able to answer what's in his and that is Bascillus (genera) subtillis (specie). Which is a facultative anaerobe (you're right). I just love to study bacteria. Plus I'd like to know what it is exactly that is being added in my pond.
@@KoiRun50 very sensible, if you doing lots of maintenance on more of a koi pool style, i.e daily backwashing or big water changes then it’s a waste of time adding the bacteria, but on these low attention eco system ponds it’s a great product. Two totally different systems
I’m yet to be convinced by the addition of bacteria. There are many different types of bacteria already in the pond and once conditions are ideal for them to thrive they will multiply rapidly. Adding bacteria is only useful if the conditions are ideal for them to thrive, in which case nature has probably already had a head start. The only reason I see to add bacteria is if you have disinfected the pond and destroyed the natural biological load. Or is it a case of overloading to rapidly digest waste, and then the bacteria die due to lack of food?
In short, add bacteria reduces the need for maintenance, helps prolong the amount of time between cleanings, as you know bacteria becomes lazy after 500 multiplications or if the food runs out. Some pond owners don’t need to add bacteria as they are back washing and do lots of water changes. Most on the other hand do not and would see the benefit of bacteria, I would always recommend trying bacteria for at least two months. Like you say, lots of different bacteria are in the pond already, if you cleaning filters you removing the good bacteria as well as the waste, if bacteria has not worked for you try a different strain, not two blends are the same!
Great question and concerns, I did cover this a little in the video. May be another bacteria video is in order! A deep dive into which is the best and why they don’t have a chance to work or not every pond or pool would benefit. Lots of people call koi pools ponds as well. I don’t see any need for adding bacteria to a koi pool set up! As the bacteria would just be flushed down the toilet
@@ThePondAdvisor I’ve never heard of bacteria becoming lazy. As they have been around for billions of years, surely they can’t be that lazy. Of course they will start to slow their multiplication rate as the nutrients are used up. Fortunately, I have a very good maintenance regime, where my bacterial load is cherished. Tap water never gets near my filters. I have added bacteria previously at the start of spring, but I’m not sure I needed to. Call me a cynical old git. 🙂
Instead of attacking proteins and carbohydrates they do become lazy attacking starch and sugars. Classic Eutrophication, they the bacteria will not however breakdown in-organic substances (like sand) so open bodies of water with rivers will have sand particles as well as organics. If you are happy with flushing the pond / pool every time the koi defecate you again don’t need to add anything and you can have bigger fish loads.
@@ThePondAdvisor I don’t quite do that, but I do have zero ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. I use a mixture of physical, biological filtration and watercress to remove the nitrates. Thank you for the info about the behaviour of the bacteria. I must add I thoroughly enjoy your videos.
Winter is always a time of year I don’t like seeing the fish in the pond. They are so docile and in shut down. It’s good to see there is an easy product to use to help keep the pond (and fish) in good health until the warmer weather arrives and they come back to life. And easy pond maintenance who wouldn’t want that? Well done and thank you Mark for sharing this with us
very informative as always 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
Thank you
thanks Mark very useful
Thank you 🙏
Lovely to see this pond again, looking fab 👍 good info thank you 🍻
Thanks for watching my friend
Thanks mark, another great video to help with the upkeep of the ponds during the winter time ,👌👌
Thank you for your time
Great useful video thank u. 👍👍
Thank you 🙏 glad you liked it
Good Stuff MJ🐸🎄☃️🎄☃️
Thank you 🙏
Winter maintenance is so vital for the pond as well as the fish 🐠... great tips Mark!!!
Thanks dan well Put, hope the snow is not effecting you guys to much.
Good video mate not many people know about the winter beneficial bacteria boss video pal 🔥🔥
Thank you 🙏
Will you ever do a build a pond day? Im a teacher so if there is one in the summer I'd love to come and listen, I've built my own eco system pond now and built my own skimmer out of a big blue barrel! I'd like to come and find out other things aswell though about planting, edges etc!
Yes we will be releasing a save the date events list new year. Will be good to see you!
Thanks, Mark!
My pleasure!
Very important info.
Thank you
Most pond owners I know struggle with the when to change between cold water and normal beneficial bacteria. I normally pour mine at the bottom of the waterfall does that make a difference?
Anywhere their is good circulation, bottom of the waterfall, I like in front of the skimmer as it’s then pumped up with the oxygenated pond water.
Great video Mark. Quick question are the dosages based on US or Imperial gallons?
US gallons and Litres on the bottle,
Thanks for the info mark , I might have to get me a bottle 👍
Really depends on your maintenance regime, lots of people slow up this time of the year, dry hands and not wanting to clean as much. Really depends on the system. The bacteria going to do the hard work for you.
@@ThePondAdvisor I'm still doing water changes and adding clay every fortnite
@@progressivepondkeeping you can add treatments after the water change, what do you use to condition the tap water
@@ThePondAdvisor 3 stage dechlorinator
Perfect 👌🏻
Hi Mark, is there a build video for this pond? I’m sure I’ve seen it before but I can’t find it now. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍
Think it was this one Fish Pond Builders Northamptonshire - ruclips.net/video/IFj5ZCA4hyE/видео.html
@@ThePondAdvisor spot on thanks 👌🏻
Great video, thank you. Where can I get the professional grade product from?
waterfeature.shop/collections/pond-treatments
@@ThePondAdvisor sold out! I’ll find it somewhere else I’m sure, thanks for getting back to me.
I'm going to be building my first bog filter this coming Spring. I live in Colorado, USA, where we get cold winters. What should I know about winterizing the bog plants?
Treat them the same as pond plants. Look for hardy pond plants or enjoy the tropical ones as annuals, you have a great summer season for tropical lilies
@@ThePondAdvisor - Thank you
New Pond Guy Going 2 put my pond in ground 9x6 .Do u Cover Essex Mark . Cheers
We have a very large network of pond builders, where about’s in Essex are you. Reach out to me via my personal email if you wish. mark@anypond.com
Hi Mark, thank you for this video.
I have a question for you: I have bought the pond gummy a few days ago.
Now I am wondering whether there is a better time to use it in the pond or it can be used at anytime of the year?
Quick fix, is ok to add this time of the year. Works down to 32oF or 0oC they do work better in warmer water however, 5oC (40oF)
@@ThePondAdvisor Thank you for your reply
@@amnehh2542 my pleasure
Can you buy Aquascape products in the UK ???
waterfeature.shop/products/cold-water-beneficial-bacteria/
Hi, I have a question. I will not be using my waterfall thru the winter as I have learned that a snow or ice build up can cause the water to be redirected right out of the pond. I will be using a aerator thru the winter to keep the pond oxygenated and from completely freezing over. So, will the aeration alone disperse the BB when I have to reapply every week?
Yes it will
Been looking on your site for this. Will go and grab some. Just a thought, what is the shelf life of this.
Most of the treatments are two years.
Thank you. Supper fast with the advice as always 👍
Hi, what's the best treatment for a wildlife pond with cloudy water? Steve
waterfeature.shop/search?q=floc&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
just a question what feeds the bb when its in the bottle
They are dormant ready to be released
@@ThePondAdvisor ok got ye cheers mark
Hello Mark .I'm new to ponds , Just came across your video(very helpful) , How do you work out how much water a pond holds ?
Here is a link to a volume calculator
www.calculator.net/volume-calculator.html
It really depends on the shape of the pond, sometimes you are best at splitting the pond or pool up into shapes.
If you have ledges or shelves then times the volume by .75 or .65, or use averages
Can I use this cold water bacteria to start the cycle on a new pond and if so is the best way to feed the bacteria to use ammonia as the new pond presently has no koi in it
Yes if the pond is brand new you can seed the pond with a few different bacteria’s. This bacteria will kick start things or Multi Aqua this one is a dry sachet based product. Feeding the bacteria is great until the koi go in.
@@ThePondAdvisor thanks. Is household ammonia ok to feed
@@alunharry2094 I would read the label? I have only ever used starter fish, plant food or pee. But that’s another story for another day.
@@ThePondAdvisor I’ve used pee as well for my last pond. But think I would struggle to explain that my girlfriend
I presume pee does work though , do you agree.
Hint on adding bacteria: Check the expiration date! Also, green water can be your best friend. You as pond owner hate it but the fish love it (as long as it not too thick and taking away the oxygen). Green water indicates too many fish, overfeeding, insufficient filtration, and/or some other intervention such as over cleaning, medication treatment, etc. Taking away your obvious indicator can lead to more severe problems. I would limit food for a few days, add nitrifying bacteria, and add a dozen or so food supplement tablets of Folic Acid, 800 mg each tablet, every day until green water clears up. Faster bacteria growth, healthier bacteria, and longer lasting into the cold months, and faster bacteria growth coming out of winter. Just my humble opinion and 25 year experience.
ruclips.net/video/rfcniCXqTXY/видео.html
thank goodness it's still December, which means I didn't miss my birthday lol
Ha Ha, it was very cold 🥶 to funny
Mark would you know know the genera of bacteria in these bottles?
I am not a bio chemist, Facultative anaerobes
Why do you ask?
@@ThePondAdvisor Been wanting to know for a long time but couldn't find an answer. Only one manufacture was able to answer what's in his and that is Bascillus (genera) subtillis (specie). Which is a facultative anaerobe (you're right). I just love to study bacteria. Plus I'd like to know what it is exactly that is being added in my pond.
@@KoiRun50 very sensible, if you doing lots of maintenance on more of a koi pool style, i.e daily backwashing or big water changes then it’s a waste of time adding the bacteria, but on these low attention eco system ponds it’s a great product. Two totally different systems
Hi Mark,
Do you cover London?
We have contractors all over, are you looking for a service call?
@@ThePondAdvisor I have a large size pond and I just want an advise on the wetland filter
and install a water fall. do you do this.
Yes best to email “mark@anypond.com”
@@ThePondAdvisor ok thanks Mark
If it's that cold why do you have the waterfall on? That makes the water even colder.
Your right but it wasn’t that cold we needed to turn of the feature.
Drinking game: Have a shot of beneficial bacteria, everytime he says beneficial bacteria.
How many times? Pro or The domestic grade, some tongue twisters could be also produced
See you in the bathroom 🚽 😂
Hi, I've got 2 draco drums, 2 nexus and heated why would this benefit me
Thanks for watching and reaching out, this product would not benefit your fish pool!
I’m yet to be convinced by the addition of bacteria. There are many different types of bacteria already in the pond and once conditions are ideal for them to thrive they will multiply rapidly. Adding bacteria is only useful if the conditions are ideal for them to thrive, in which case nature has probably already had a head start. The only reason I see to add bacteria is if you have disinfected the pond and destroyed the natural biological load. Or is it a case of overloading to rapidly digest waste, and then the bacteria die due to lack of food?
In short, add bacteria reduces the need for maintenance, helps prolong the amount of time between cleanings, as you know bacteria becomes lazy after 500 multiplications or if the food runs out.
Some pond owners don’t need to add bacteria as they are back washing and do lots of water changes.
Most on the other hand do not and would see the benefit of bacteria, I would always recommend trying bacteria for at least two months.
Like you say, lots of different bacteria are in the pond already, if you cleaning filters you removing the good bacteria as well as the waste, if bacteria has not worked for you try a different strain, not two blends are the same!
Great question and concerns, I did cover this a little in the video. May be another bacteria video is in order! A deep dive into which is the best and why they don’t have a chance to work or not every pond or pool would benefit. Lots of people call koi pools ponds as well. I don’t see any need for adding bacteria to a koi pool set up! As the bacteria would just be flushed down the toilet
@@ThePondAdvisor I’ve never heard of bacteria becoming lazy. As they have been around for billions of years, surely they can’t be that lazy. Of course they will start to slow their multiplication rate as the nutrients are used up. Fortunately, I have a very good maintenance regime, where my bacterial load is cherished. Tap water never gets near my filters. I have added bacteria previously at the start of spring, but I’m not sure I needed to. Call me a cynical old git. 🙂
Instead of attacking proteins and carbohydrates they do become lazy attacking starch and sugars. Classic Eutrophication, they the bacteria will not however breakdown in-organic substances (like sand) so open bodies of water with rivers will have sand particles as well as organics.
If you are happy with flushing the pond / pool every time the koi defecate you again don’t need to add anything and you can have bigger fish loads.
@@ThePondAdvisor I don’t quite do that, but I do have zero ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. I use a mixture of physical, biological filtration and watercress to remove the nitrates. Thank you for the info about the behaviour of the bacteria. I must add I thoroughly enjoy your videos.