FAQ
Why does the MICROBEACT smell like rotten eggs?
The smell is attributable to the natural production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate reducing bacteria as part of the ecosystem. This provides a source of energy for the purple sulfur bacteria in the product and, as a metabolic inhibitor, preserves the product giving it its long shelf life.
If I open it and there's no smell, how do I know if it's still good?
If there is no smell, it doesn’t mean it’s dead. It is definitely bad if it is whitish-grey and has a burnt rubber smell. The bacteria are definitely dead in that case. If it is pinkish or brownish in color, just shake it up it should be fine.
What environmental factors will negatively impact the performance of the bacteria in the pond?
Neighbors spraying pesticides in the area; nearby parking areas with road cleaning chemicals from maintenance vehicles; countywide pesticide spraying programs; unseasonable temperature drops; chlorine from tap water; salt and other medications added to the pond; lime and acids from cement foundations; hurricanes and strong winds blowing toxic debris into the pond. Although these will impact the bacteria, it should not eliminate all from the pond. The bacteria can reestablish itself.
Does MA/Sludge Away or MA/ Gravel Substrate Cleaner permanently discolor my water?
No, the dark color from Sludge Away is not permanent. When added to the pond, Sludge Away will usually turn the water dark-colored. The color can take up to 1-2 weeks to dissipate but is harmless to plants, fish or other inhabitants and will not harm humans or animals. The color is due to the type of bacteria necessary to biodegrade the more difficult buildup of debris and sludge. The bacteria must first solubilize the sludge before it can be biodegraded. It is the solubilization process which discolors the water. Depending upon the amount of buildup to be solubilized, the discoloration time will vary.
What is bioaugmentation for my water garden or aquarium?
It is the purposeful inoculation of a pond with a pre-selected consortium of microorganisms to establish the ideal numbers and distributions of populations to restore the natural balance to your pond. This provides a healthier environment for all forms of aquatic plant and animal life in an ecologically balanced pond or aquarium.
What is the difference in using liquid product over dry bacterial product?
It is the purposeful inoculation of a pond with a pre-selected consortium of microorganisms to establish the ideal numbers and distributions of populations to restore the natural balance to your pond. This provides a healthier environment for all forms of aquatic plant and animal life in an ecologically balanced pond or aquarium.
What is the difference in using liquid product over dry bacterial product?
A major benefit in using liquid (live) bacteria over powdered (spore) bacteria is that the live bacteria will start to colonize and go to work immediately whereas the powdered will take longer and the liquid bacteria possess photosynthetic properties which are not available in the powdered forms. The powdered (such as MA/TAC) on the other hand, contains additional beneficial additives that may not be in the liquid, such as sodium bicarbonate, sea salt and activated carbon. A primary difference, which is instantly noticeable, is the lack of odor in the dry product.
Do the microbes need special conditions in the pond or aquarium in order to work?
It can’t be used within 72 hours of the application of pesticides or algaecides. It is also necessary to turn off any UV lights for minimum of 24 hours after an application to allow the bacteria to become established. Microbes work best in a pH neutral range, 6.5 – 8.6.
Are these products safe for use with pets, humans and other wildlife?
Studies with MICROBEACT in shrimp farms and fish farms have shown the other livestock grows larger because they are healthier when the MICROBEACT is used. We have studies from a certified toxicology lab on acute oral toxicity, acute and chronic dermal toxicity, and acute ocular toxicity and the MICROBEACT is negative for all. Copies of these reports are available on request.
Can microbe-lift cause dermatologic or ocular reactions in humans or other pets?
We have studies from a certified toxicology lab on acute oral toxicity, acute and chronic dermal toxicity, and acute ocular toxicity and the MICROBEACT is negative for all. Copies of these reports are available on request. The chemical treatments (parasite protections, wound healant, pH buffer, etc.) must be used as directed as these are not biological interventions. These contain chemicals to be used in times of crisis intervention. (MSDS sheets can be found on our website microbeact.com)
What if the bacteria are ingested? Can the bacteria be harmful in any way to dogs, cats or birds drinking out of the pond or aquarium?
We don’t recommend drinking right out of the original container; however in the pond or aquarium the bacteria are safe and anything in the pond can safely be ingested. There is NO oral toxicity.
Can any of the bacteria harm sick fish?
MICROBEACT is beneficial to sick fish in many ways. All products were formulated specifically to reduce stress and some are to treat sick fish. The bacteria in MICROBEACT products will target organic debris in the pond or aquarium and have been proven safe for use with fish, plants and other wildlife. (Use the MICROBEACT chemical treatments, such as MA/ Ich-Out, MA / Protectant, MA/Restore, etc, to promote healing in sick fish.)
Will any of the MICROBEACT products harm plants?
No. Plants have benefited from use of MICROBE-LIFT products in the pond and aquarium. Certain products, such as MICROBEACT / ENSURE and MA / BLOOM & GROW are formulated especially for healthy plant growth.
If using a biological filter, why add live bacteria?
The biological filter will benefit from a bacterial inoculation to get it jump started in spring. The bacteria in MICROBEACT also do many targeted chores in the pond or aquarium, some of which are in areas that do not traverse the filter, such as bogs or the bottom of ponds with no bottom drain. The answer to this would be yes, you cannot have too much “good guy” bacteria in the pond or aquarium. Any excess of the beneficial bacteria will simply die off when the food supply is gone. We recommend the maintenance dosages to preserve the optimum numbers and distribution of bacteria for the best results under the changing conditions of your pond or aquarium.
If measured wrong, will an overdose harm the pond/ aquarium or its inhabitants?
Unlike chemicals, the live bacterium will not harm the pond/ aquarium or inhabitants.
Can more than one MICROBEACT product be used at the same time?
MICROBEACT products can be administered together. They are perfectly compatible with each other. Simply follow the directions for usage on the side of the box for each product you use. They are doing different jobs in the pond or aquarium.
Will a UV light interfere with the bacteria in MICROBEACT ?
Yes, we recommend that you turn off the UV light for a 48-72-hour period after the initial application and for 24-48 hours after each subsequent application. This is when the organisms are growing most rapidly and when they are the most sensitive to the UV light.
What environments have shown the least results when MICROBEACT was added?
Concrete and cement ponds have residual lime and acids in them. The lime may leach out of the concrete for years adversely affecting the bacteria’s results if not properly washed and prepared at time of installation.
What will MICROBEACT do for my pond, lagoon or aquarium?
It reduces ammonia levels, nitrogen levels, reduces noxious odors caused by urine, fecal matter, algae, overfeeding, etc., reduces hydrogen sulfide odors, improves dissolved oxygen, reduces buildup of bird droppings and organic sediment. Also reduces nitrate nitrogen levels and most potential sources of fish toxicity.
How long will it take to see results?
Introducing a live bacterial culture to a pond is like introducing any other life form, such as fish. Your pond should be adequately aerated, especially in warm weather, to provide the oxygen needed by your fish and aerobic bacteria. Oxygen uptake by the bacteria will be higher if there is a significant buildup of organic waste in the pond or aquarium. You should begin to see results in 7-10 days and in 25-30 days you should see complete results. Unlike chemical products which work almost immediately when added to a pond, but become diluted, the active bacteria in MICROBEACT multiply to provide the populations necessary to give the desired effect. Some time is naturally required for this growth to occur. When you plant grass seed you wouldn’t expect to mow it right away, would you?
Can MICROBEACT be diluted to extend the product utilization?
MICROBEACT should be used as is and not tampered with. The bacteria are grown in the container, and by attempting to dilute it could upset the balance of equilibrium in the bottle and jeopardize the remainder by shortening the shelf life.
How will MICROBEACT make my life easier?
These products establish a balance of nutrients in the pond/ aquarium, remove ammonia, nitrogen and other organic waste, which in turn produces cleaner water and a healthier environment for the inhabitants of the pond/ aquarium. It will reduce the manual maintenance requirements of the owner and increase the pleasure of having a pond or aquarium. As one dealer put it, “It cuts your pond maintenance in half.”
How does MICROBEACT clear up the pond/ aquarium water?
MICROBEACT / HC & Special Blend have been called an ecosystem in a bottle. By establishing and maintaining a healthy balance in the pond/ aquarium, and by removing soluble and particulate organic waste matter, the water will obtain clarity otherwise not available. Any small or microscopic debris in the pond or aquarium will add to turbidity, clouding of the pond/ aquarium and detracting from the overall appearance. With MICROBEACT at work, this is removed by the bacterial action.