Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Has anyone tried Stephen Bros Algae control?

I have it in my system. It is organic barley straw. It is suitable for ponds, ifish, animals and environmentally friendly. One application last 6 months. Minimum area size 1 square metre.

The straw goes into net bag with a foam float and then into the water. It will not kill any algae present but stops new growth. They also recommend that it be placed near well oxygenated areas - pumps, waterfalls.

I purchased mine from BigW for $13.00. It has been in the pond now for 6 weeks and the plants are thriving - so obviously no impact to plants or fish.

Manufacturer is M P Stephen, P O Box 434 Dalby Qld - 07 4663 9152

never seen it before, looks interesting

A guinea pig - we love guinea pigs, just did a google to see if I could find more info on it but not much avail.

Nobody else had mentioned it to my knowledge but something worth following - keep us informed Jonty

i've heard of straw inhibiting algae before.....................Very interesting, thanks Jonty! Might be a bit hard in my system, as the surface area of the tank is 1 sq meter LOL

Steve,

Instructions on the back say you can use it for 1 sq metre minimum. I am using half the straw in my bag. For a smaller tank I would divide the straw into smaller amounts and try it.

I tried it a few years ago in a koi bathtub ... wasn't totally impressed, but then I had quite a lot of algae before I put it in!!!! Certainly did no harm & was organic etc.

Probably also should have checked the bag occasionally ... found it was empty after a while, either because the straw disintegrated or the fish pulled it out