Do I need to worry about your products becoming unusable if they get frozen over the winter? Can these be stored in the garage over the winter season, or do I need to bring them inside? The MICROBE-LIFT products, such as the liquid bacteria, will remain viable once they thaw, if frozen in winter. However, they will lose some viability, about 10% with each freeze/thaw cycle, so it is better if they do not freeze at all. The bigger problem is excessive heat in storing live bacteria products. You should be able to store the products in the garage for the winter. The ideal storage temperatures are between 40-105ºF.
Should the products be used during the winter months? MICROBE-LIFT products can be used continuously all year, even if used under the layer of ice. If there is a layer of ice on the pond a heater or de-icer should be used to maintain a hole in the ice for gas exchange. Otherwise stimulating biological activity can be detrimental. If the products are under icy water they will continue to work, however they will not proliferate at the rate they would at 65-70ºF.
How should MICROBE-LIFT products be stored? A cellar, garage or shed should provide the necessary protection. The ideal storage temperatures are between 40-105ºF, but it will remain viable even after freezing and can be used after it thaws. (There will be about a 10% loss of viable product due to a freeze/thaw cycle.) Products should be protected from extreme heat and direct sunlight. It can withstand heat up to 105ºF before starting to die. A cellar, garage or shed (but not in an attic in the shed) should provide the necessary protection during summer months. The ideal storage temperatures are between 40-105ºF.
Does the water need to be a certain temperature for the bacteria to work? For the MICROBE-LIFT/PL the temperature should be 45ºF or above. For ML/Spring/Summer Cleaner, the bacteria are psychrophiles, low temperature strains, that are active below 45ºF.
What is the shelf life for the liquid bacterial products? Approximately 2 years in unopened container, 1 year after being opened if stored properly.
What is the shelf life of the dry products? Our dry biological products (ALL), and the dry bio-products with added enzyme and other support material have an extended shelf well beyond our two year stated claim. The dry formulation consist of multiple strains of spore forming microorganisms and these microorganisms can stay in the spore form (dormant state) for an indefinite period of time (many years) when properly stored. The method of microbial activation is two fold, a) the addition of water, b) the presence of waste organic matter (bug-food). Both of these factors are required to active the microbes and get their biological oxidation process going --> organic removal.
What is the interaction with MICROBE-LIFT products and outside products, such as Algae Fix®? It is unlikely that AlgaeFix would “sterilize” the pond, i.e. kill 100% of the organisms but it can knock out a large portion of them depending on the dosage. In general, if MICROBE-LIFT is being used as directed, it will maintain a healthy pond system, but when other chemical interventions, such as algaecides, are used, you will need to wait at least 3 days before applying MICROBE-LIFT to the pond in order for the algaecide to dissipate sufficiently to allow the bacteria to grow. Other algaecides could kill off sufficient quantities of the bacteria and in certain cases, can eliminate all the built up bacterium in the pond. Following that you would need to start with a purge dosage and begin anew to develop the biological ecology and balance of the pond.
PRODUCT POND APPLICATION
How do I apply MICROBE-LIFT products to my pond? The best application is to shake well and add amount of product indicated on the container for your size pond. It can be put in one spot or spread around the edge pond by hand or metered dispenser. The end result will be full coverage of the entire pond, but it will become distributed more quickly in a larger pond if applied to different areas.
Can more than one MICROBE-LIFT product be used at the same time? MICROBE-LIFT products can be administered together. All MICROBE-LIFT products are compatible with one another. 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.
If I am using more than one MICROBE-LIFT product, can I overdose with the bacteria? MICROBE-LIFT bacterial products are formulated to work together for the cleanest pond water and healthiest fish and plants. Basically there is no potential for overdose, as it is a beneficial and non-toxic bacterium. However, it becomes less cost effective to the consumer. When there is more bacterium added to the pond than needed, the excess will starve and die off. The one problem associated with overdosing bacteria, other than economics, is that if there is a lot of organic buildup when you overdose, you can stimulate too much activity and associated demand, depleting the water of adequate oxygen to support the fish.
If I miscalculate the size of my pond and add too little MICROBE-LIFT, will I have wasted the bacteria? Simply add the additional bacteria amount when you realize the mistake. If you didn’t add enough in the initial purge dosage the bacteria will begin working, but will take much longer to show the desired effects. It works a lot better if you use as directed.
Will a UV light interfere with the bacteria in MICROBE-LIFT? 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.
Can MICROBE-LIFT be diluted to extend the product utilization? MICROBE-LIFT 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 rather than extend it. It will dilute out the inhibitor so the remaining product will no longer be preserved.
Can MICROBE-LIFT be sprayed into the pond? It is best applied by pouring it by hand, or metering dispenser. It can also be applied with a sprayer. A low pressure garden sprayer will not harm the bacteria and if it is easier to apply over a large area like this, the user can do that. However, it should be a coarse spray and not a fine spray that would produce a lot of aerosols.
PRODUCT GENERAL INFORMATION
Why does the MICROBE-LIFT/PL 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 is probably 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, it should be alright.
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 bacterium, it should not eliminate all from the pond. The bacteria can reestablish itself.
What is bioaugmentation for my water garden? 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.
What is the difference in using liquid product over dry bacterial product? A major benefit in using liquid (live) bacteria over powdered (spore) is that the live bacteria will start to colonize and go to work almost immediately whereas the powdered will take longer and the liquid bacteria contains photosynthetic properties which are not available in the powdered forms. The powdered (such as ML/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 in order to work? It can’t be used with 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 establish.
Are these products safe for use with pets, humans and other wildlife? Studies with MICROBE-LIFT in shrimp farms and fish farms have shown the other livestock grows larger because they are healthier when the MICROBE-LIFT 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 MICROBE-LIFT 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 MICROBE-LIFT is negative for all. Copies of these reports are available on request. The chemical treatments (parasite protections, wound healing, 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.
What if the bacteria are ingested? Can the bacteria be harmful in any way to dogs, cats or birds drinking out of the pond? We don’t recommend drinking right out of the original container; however in the pond the bacteria are safe and anything in the pond can safely be ingested, including the fish! There is NO oral toxicity.
Can any of the bacteria harm sick fish? MICROBE-LIFT 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 MICROBE-LIFT products will target organic debris in the pond and have been proven safe for use with fish, plants and other wildlife. [Use the MICROBE-LIFT chemical treatments, such as ML/Pond Fish Parasite Treatment, ML/Pond Fish Protection, ML/Pond Fish Wound Healing, etc, to promote healing in sick fish.]
Will any of the MICROBE-LIFT pond products harm pond plants? No. Pond plants have benefited from use of MICROBE-LIFT products in the pond. Certain products, such as MICROBE-LIFT/ENSURE and ML/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 MICROBE-LIFT also do many targeted chores in the pond, 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. Any excess of the beneficial bacteria will simply die off when the food supply is gone. You need to continue to add bacteria because the situations will again return after the bacteria is gone. This is the maintenance dosage we recommend.
If measured wrong, will an overdose harm the pond or its inhabitants? Unlike chemicals, the live bacterium will not harm the pond or inhabitants.
Can more than one MICROBE-LIFT product be used at the same time? MICROBE-LIFT products can be administered together. They do not interfere or conflict 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.
Will a UV light interfere with the bacteria in MICROBE-LIFT? 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 MICROBE-LIFT 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.
What will MICROBE-LIFT do for my pond or lagoon? It reduces ammonia 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. You should begin to see results in 7-10 days and in 25-30 days should see complete results. Unlike chemical products which work almost immediately when added to a pond, but become diluted, the active bacteria in MICROBE-LIFT 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 MICROBE-LIFT be diluted to extend the product utilization? MICROBE-LIFT 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 rather than extend it.
How will MICROBE-LIFT make my life easier? These products establish a balance of nutrients in the pond, remove ammonia nitrogen and other organic waste, which in turn produces a healthier environment for the inhabitants of the pond. It will reduce the manual maintenance requirements of the owner and increase the pleasure of having a pond. As one dealer put it, “It cuts your pond maintenance in half.”
How does MICROBE-LIFT clear up the pond water? MICROBE-LIFT/PL has been called the ecosystem in a bottle. By establishing and maintaining a healthy balance in the pond, and by removing organic waste matter, the water will obtain clarity otherwise not available. Any small or microscopic debris in the pond will add to turbidity, clouding the pond and detracting from the overall appearance. With MICROBE-LIFT at work, this is removed by the bacterial action.
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 MICROBE-LIFT also do many targeted chores in the pond, 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 that you cannot have too much “good guy” bacteria in the pond. Any excess of the beneficial bacteria will simply die off when the food supply is gone. You should continue to add bacteria as situations will again return once the beneficial bacteria have died off. This is why we recommend the maintenance dosages.
Will a UV light interfere with the bacteria in MICROBE-LIFT? 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. UV lights are sterilization units and kill bacteria and single-celled plants as they pass through. Ozonators (not to be confused with oxygenators or aerators) will do the same and should be shut down while the ML bacteria become established.
What will MICROBE-LIFT do for my pond or lagoon? It reduces ammonia 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. All MICROBE-LIFT products are geared toward balancing the system; some are more directed toward sludge problems, such as ML/Sludge Away and ML/Sludge Away Booster. It reduces ammonia 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.
Why does the MICROBE-LIFT/PL 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 while in the container.
If I open it and there’s no smell, how do I know if it’s still good? If it is pinkish or brownish in color, it should be alright. It is definitely bad if it is whitish-grey and has a burnt rubber smell. The bacteria are definitely dead in that case.
