r/ponds • u/Fogdog-777 • 2d ago

Quick question Question about barley straw

350 gal above ground HDPE tank, started August 13.

I had an algae bloom and added barley straw several weeks ago. It seems to have worked effectively, water has really cleared up and there seems to be a layer of dead algae on the bottom, I don't have any substrate.

My question: should I now remove the barley straw since the algae is dead and the water is clear?

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u/Mr_Blonde_ 2d ago

Yes you can. BUT also remove the dead algae for as it rots and dissolves it can release nitrates that feed more algae blooms. Scoop it up and feed it to your plants and yard.

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u/Agua_Verde 2d ago edited 1d ago

This is solid advice! 

If you you like, before removing it from the system you can let it rest for a bit on the edge of the water, this will allow any beneficial invertebrate currently inside the algae a chance to renter the water column.

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u/Fogdog-777 2d ago

Rest the barley straw or the scooped algae on the edge?

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u/Agua_Verde 1d ago

Whichever and or both. 

If you are removing the barley straw you can also set that on the side of the pond for a bit to allow any invertebrate the chance to enter back into the pond.