Since I gave the Buffer a bad review I thought it only proper to also review the product suggested by Mark Krupka: Microbe-Lift PL.
“Denitrification is the reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas, and an excellent way of removing nitrogen from your pond. (For people who have trouble denitrifying, there is an excellent denitrifier in MICROBE-LIFT PL.)” –Mark Krupka
So I have added it at a higher dosage than recommended over a few weeks and it seems to be working at keeping Nitrites/Nitrates at near zero. I also performed a 50% water change by accident before adding it and have done 5-10% changes every few days since.
My Nitrite test kit is showing a slightly blue color which is bluer than the teal green of zero, but certainly not the purple color of .25 ppm. Nitrates and Ammonia are zero on the test kits. Since there have been no other additives other than koi clay I feel confident that the Microbe-lift PL is doing most of the de-nitrification. It does appear to be reducing the amount of dead algae and sludge in my skimmer and box filter. Looking back over the last year’s pond conditions and other posts, I used this product most often plus the PondCare dechlorinator which also has an ammonia remover. I have been using the dechlorinator without ammonia remover most of this summer. I also moved the air system to the box filter which may be helping too.
The product is a bit expensive running $32-35 at my local pond shops for 32 oz size. But it should work for several months per the manufacturers website.
From the Microbe-lift website:
Specially Formulated for Decorative Fish Ponds, Lagoons & Smaller Water Features
Creates a cleaner environment for your pond, promoting faster fish growth
Reduces ammonia nitrogen levels
Dissolves away organic sludge
Seeds and maintains biological filters
Significantly reduces noxious odors caused by dead algae, fish fecal matter, and urine
Reduces hydrogen sulfide, which creates strong, offensive odors
Reduces biological oxygen demand (B.O.D.)
Reduces buildup of bird droppings, fish feed and dead leaves
Breaks down dead algae
Improves dissolved oxygen levels
Contains photosynthetic bacteria which reduces cloudy water by promoting flocculation and settling of organic and inorganic particles
Effective over a wide range of pH conditions32 oz. (10PLQ) Treats 500 gal. pond for 11 months or 1,000 gal. pond for 8 months.
