Where to find barley straw

[hathoor]

Hi,

My outdoor pond is having problems with suspended algae. I've been reading up some articles on the net and barley straw has been suggested as a natural way to prevent algae growth. Unfortunately, I have no idea where to obtain this in Sydney.

Please help.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

William

[Adam]

I can't give you a specific location in Sydney but try these types of shops. Garden centres, Bunnings, hardwares etc. If you live near a semi rural area then a stock feed store as well.

Don't get hung up on the Barley straw if it is too hard to find as well. Any form of carbon will do. I have even just used dry cut grass. I find it best to put it in a stocking or some other net bag to control it.

Also if it is an old pond clean out some of the detritus from the bottom of the pond. This black soup is were all the nutrients are cycling from to supply the algae. Usually there is a relatively thin layer of aerobic bethos that overlays the anerobic layer. During algae blooms this aerobic layer can be come discontinous and this is were most of the nutrients cycle from.

So give the pond a birthday (clean it), do a reasonable sized water change and put some sort of carbon in.

Hope that helps you solve your problem.

Adam

[hathoor]

Thanks Adam.

We've tried cleaning out the debris from the pond but that did not help. Unfortunately, it is exposed to too much sunlight and that's something we will have to rectify.

For the moment, I'll give carbon and dried grass a go.

Much appreciate your help.

Cheers

William

[Eddie Salita]

If you're okay with it, some snails may be a good addition. I added them to my pond when the algae got a bit wild, and they did a great job. I was afraid of them overtaking the pond, but it didnt happen. I think the birds and fish keep them in check perhaps They tend to die off in winter though.

HTH,

Jason

[wui39]

One water lily should do the trick in cleaning up any laft over nutrients, and don't believe you can't keep koi with it

[hathoor]

Great, thanks.

I've already put in some bristlenoses and a pleco to clean up other types of algae. However, it is the suspended algae that's clouding the water.

I already have a few other plants in there but the kois are taking turn ripping them up. I'll give water lilies a go too.

Cheers

William

[sandy001]

Hi William

You could try Univeral Rocks 9533 7400 or Peakhurst Aquatic Centre on 91530503.

I don't think you will have much luck mixing koi and plants but you could try mulching the top of the pots with some 20mm pebbles.

Good luck cheers Dave

[teflon]

Try petbarn for barley straw they sell all different types of straw/hay and sell in bulk for a good price (I used to own a guinea pig)

HTH

[Rod54]

I saw Barley straw at Bunnings....Brisbane.

Maybe they carry it in Sydney stores?

[hathoor]

Thank you all.

I've been calling some places suggested and they do have barley straw.

Cheers

William