Beneficial Bacteria for Ponds

Facultative bacteria (commonly referred to as 'beneficial bacteria'), already exist in your lake or pond. However, in some circumstances, we recommend supplementing your water bacteria levels with a process known as biological augmentation.

Think about how the human body releases enzymes to break down food in the digestive system, certain bacteria in ponds produce an enzyme that degrades algae and other organic matter. This microbial breakdown helps bacteria to multiply, consuming nutrients that would otherwise support the growth of algae. Those bacteria then become part of the food chain, providing value to fish, invertebrates and other organisms. This promotes a healthy food web.

FacBac, which is not harmful to humans, is available to buy in soluble PVA sachets which you simply drop into your lake or pond.

Advantages of introducing facultative bacteria

FacBac will reduce:

✓ Levels of nutrients
✓ Phosphorus and nitrogen loading
✓ Algal blooms
✓ Toxicity
✓ Sludge build-up

Dosage guidelines

❊ Multiply the width and length of the waterbody (in meters) and divide the answer by 4000. The resultant value is close enough to the surface area in acres.
❊ For each acre of surface area, the initial dosage required is 3kg of FacBac.
❊ Using the water-soluble sachets, distribute the required amount evenly around the waterbody. For small bodies of water, dispersal can be from the side. For larger bodies access to a boat and associated safety equipment and competencies is advisable.
❊ To maintain a healthy and active bacterial colony re-application of the spores is required every two weeks until the algal blooms are no longer present.
❊ The re-application dosage is 2kg per acre.

You can't have too many beneficial bacteria in a pond, but you can have sub-optimal conditions and so as with all our lake treatments, we invite you to give us a call so we can help provide the best advice for your specific circumstances.