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Microbe-lift Products by Ecological Laboratories are a family of high quality, environmentally friendly water garden and pond products. They are comprised primarily of beneficial bacteria cultures and enzymes formulations designed to naturally perform a spectrum of control algae, pond cleaner and pond balancer tasks.
Why use Microbe-lift products? What will Microbe-lift do for your pond? How safe is it? How do you apply Microbe-lift? Under what conditions does it work and how does it interact with other products? What are enzymes and what do they do?
For the answers to these questions and many more, scroll down past the photos below.
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If you’ve got Microbe-lift questions? We’ve got answers. Below you will find commonly ask questions. Find your question and then scroll below to that section’s answers.
If you can't find your answer here, call or email Linda.
A. MEET THE AMAZING MICROBE-LIFT FAMILY:
A1. What will MICROBE-LIFT do for my pond or lagoon?
A2. What is bioaugmentation for my water garden?
A3. How does MICROBE-LIFT clear up the pond water?
A4. How long will it take to see results?
A5. If using a biological filter, why add live bacteria?
A6. How will MICROBE-LIFT make my life easier?
B. SAFETY ISSUES:
B1. B1. Are these products safe for use with aquatic animals and wildlife
B2. Can microbe-lift cause dermatologic (skin) or ocular (eye) reactions in humans or other pets?
B3. What if the bacteria are ingested? Can the bacteria be harmful in any way to dogs, cats or birds drinking out of the pond?
B4. Can any of the bacteria harm sick fish?
B5. Will any of the MICROBE-LIFT pond products harm pond plants?
C. APPLICATION:
C1. How do I apply MICROBE-LIFT products to my pond?
C2. How do I apply liquid Microbe-lift Products?
C3. How do I apply dry Microbe-lift Products?
C4. How do I apply PL/ GEL? How much PL/GEL do I use in my filter
C5. Do you need sprayers or other specialized application equipment?
C6. Can MICROBE-LIFT be sprayed into the pond?
C7. If I miscalculate the size of my pond and add too little MICROBE-LIFT, will I have wasted the bacteria?
D. CONDITIONS FOR USE OF MICROBE-LIFT BENEFICAL BACTERIA AND ENZYME PRODUCTS:
D1. Do the microbes need special conditions in the pond or water garden in order to work?
D2. What environmental factors will negatively impact the performance of the beneficial bacteria in the pond?
D3. Why do the MICROBE-LIFT bacterial products such as PL and Professional Blend Liquid smell like rotten eggs?
E. INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER PRODUCTS AND PRACTICES
E1. Can more than one MICROBE-LIFT product be used at the same time?
E2. Will a UV light interfere with the beneficial bacteria in MICROBE-LIFT?
E3. Can MICROBE-LIFT be diluted to extend the product utilization?
E4. If I am using more than one MICROBE-LIFT product, can I overdose with the beneficial bacteria?
E5. What is the interaction with bacterial MICROBE-LIFT products and the algaecides Algae Fix® and Algaway 5.4?
F. BACTERIA QUESTIONS:
F1. What is the difference in using liquid product over dry bacterial product?
G. ENZYME QUESTIONS
G1. What is the difference between the enzyme and the bacteria products?
G2. Which Microbe-lift products are enzyme products?
G3. How do I apply the water soluble (enzyme) cellulase packets?
G4. If I have leftover packets, what should I do with them?
G5. If overdosed, can extra enzyme packets hurt my pond?
G6. What is the shelf life of the dry enzyme products?
H. WINTER ISSUES:
H1. Do I need to worry about Microbe-lift 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?
H2. Should the products be used during the winter months?
H3. How should MICROBE-LIFT products be stored?
I. SUMMER ISSUES:
I1. How should MICROBE-LIFT products be stored?
I2. Does the water need to be a certain temperature for the bacteria to work?
J. PRODUCT FRESHNESS / STORAGE / SHELF LIFE
J1. How should MICROBE-LIFT products be stored?
J2. What is the shelf life for the liquid bacterial products?
J3. Is there a listing of expiration dates on products?
J4. What is the shelf life of the dry products such as the enzyme products?
J5. Why do the MICROBE-LIFT bacterial products such as PL and Professional Blend Liquid smell like rotten eggs?
J6. If I open it and there’s no smell, how do I know if it’s still good
ANSWER SECTION
A. MEET MICROBE-LIFT
A1. What will MICROBE-LIFT do for my pond or lagoon?
Microbe-lift beneficial bacteria pond products reduce ammonia levels, nitrogen levels, reduce noxious odors caused by urine, fecal matter, algae, overfeeding, etc., reduce hydrogen sulfide odors, improves dissolved oxygen, reduce buildup of bird droppings and organic sediment. Also reduce nitrate nitrogen levels and most potential sources of fish toxicity.
A2. What is bioaugmentation for my water garden?
Bioaugmentation is the inoculation of a pond with cultures of beneficial bacteria, other microorganisms and enzymes to establish a natural balance to your pond. This provides a healthier environment for all forms of aquatic plant and animal life.
A3. How does MICROBE-LIFT clear up the pond water?
MICROBE-LIFT/PL has been called an ecosystem in a bottle. By establishing and maintaining a healthy balance in the pond, and by removing soluble and particulate organic waste matter, the water will obtain clarity otherwise not available. Any small or microscopic debris in the pond will add to turbidity, clouding of the pond and detracting from the overall appearance. With MICROBE-LIFT at work, this is removed by the bacterial action.
A4. How long will it take to see results?
Introducing a live beneficial bacteria 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 (bacteria food) in the pond. You should begin to see results in 7-10 days and in 25-30 days you 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?
A5. 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. You cannot have too much ‘good guy’ beneficial bacteria in the pond. Any excess of the beneficial bacteria will simply die off when the food supply is gone. We recommend the maintenance dosages to preserve the optimum numbers and distribution of bacteria for the best results under the changing conditions of your pond.
A6. 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 cleaner water and 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.’
B. SAFETY ISSUES:
B1. Are these products safe for use with aquatic animals and wildlife?
Studies with MICROBE-LIFT in shrimp farms and fish farms have shown the pond stock grow larger because they are healthier when the MICROBE-LIFT is used.
B2. Can microbe-lift cause dermatologic (skin) or ocular (eye) reactions in humans or other pets?
Ecological Laboratories Inc. has 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 healant, 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.
(MSDS sheets can be found on the Ecological Laboratories website www.microbelift.com)
B3. 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. There is NO oral toxicity.
B4. Can any of the bacteria harm sick fish?
MICROBE-LIFT is beneficial to sick fish in many ways. All pond ‘products were formulated specifically to reduce stress and some are to treat sick fish. The beneficial 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 herbal treatments, such as ML/Parazoryne, for parasitic diseases and ML/ Sarbactisun, for bacterial diseases, promote healing in sick fish.)
B5. Will any of the MICROBE-LIFT pond products harm pond plants?
No. Pond plants have benefited from use of MICROBE-LIFT pond products. Certain products, such as MICROBE-LIFT/ENSURE and ML/BLOOM & GROW are formulated especially for healthy plant growth.
B6. If measured wrong, will an overdose harm the pond products or its inhabitants?
Unlike chemicals, the live beneficial bacteria will not harm the pond or inhabitants.
C. APPLICATION:
C1. 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 of the 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. Pouring liquid product into a waterfall is a good option.
C2. How do I apply liquid Microbe-lift Products such as PL, HC, Sludge Away, and Concentrated Barley Straw Extract?
Shake jug to re-suspend any particles that may have settled. Open the jug, measure out recommended amount, pour into the pond at a point where there is the most water movement. Close lid tightly.
C3. How do I apply dry Microbe-lift Products? Dry products such as the enzymes in Microbe-lift Autumn Winter Prep and Microbe-lift Spring and Summer Cleaner come in pre-measured self dissolving cellulose packs. These come packaged in little zip locked baggies. Just remove the outer zip locked baggy and toss the unopened cellulose pack in the pond.
C4. How do I apply Microbe-lift PL/ GEL and how much do I use in my filter?
Just dab it on or spread it across the entire filter matting. It can be dripped on lava rock in a bio-up flow filter or other filter media. It can be applied to filter pads after cleaning for immediate reactivation at the following rates:
80-200 gallons -2 oz. per pad application
201-500 gal. -3 oz.
501-1,000 gal. -4 oz.
1,001-5,000gal. -6 oz.
C5. Do you need sprayers or other specialized equipment to apply Microbe-lift pond products?
No, Microbe-lift does not need specialized application equipment. Most can just be poured or tossed into the pond.
C6. Can MICROBE-LIFT be sprayed into the pond?
Microbe-lift is best applied by pouring it by hand, or metering dispenser, but optionally it can be applied by a sprayer. If spraying isdesired, a low pressure garden sprayer should be used as it will not harm the bacteria. However, it should be a coarse spray and not a fine spray that would produce a lot of aerosols.
C7. 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.
D. CONDITIONS FOR USE OF MICROBE-LIFT BACTERIAL AND ENZYME PRODUCTS:
D1. Do the microbes need special conditions in the pond in order to work?
While Microbe-lift products work over a broad range of conditions, some conditions work better than others. The parameters to consider are temperature, pH, and total alkalinity.
Microbes thrive at:
Temperatures above 50 degrees
pH in the neutral range, 6.5 to 8.6, 7.5 is optimal.
total alkalinity of 100 or more. (Microbes need carbonates to build cell walls. Think in terms of alkalinity being ‘carbs to bulk up your microbes’.
Microbe-lift products should not be used within 72 hours of the application of most 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 become established.
D2. What environmental factors will negatively impact the performance of the bacteria in the pond?
The following factors can negatively impact the application of bacterial products:
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;
excessive salt and other medications added to the pond;
lime and acids from cement foundations; and
hurricanes and strong winds blowing toxic debris into the pond.
D3. Why do the MICROBE-LIFT bacterial products such as PL and Professional Blend Liquid 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 doesn’t mean it’s 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, just shake it up it should be fine.
E. INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER PRODUCTS AND PRACTICES
E1. Can more than one MICROBE-LIFT product be used at the same time?
MICROBE-LIFT products can be administered together, with the exception of ML/ Algaway products and ML/ ORC. All MICROBE-LIFT bacterial & enzymatic 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
The following popular Microbe-lift products are specifically compatible with each other:
Microbe-lift PL and Professional Blend Liquid
Microbe-lift Sludge Away
Microbe-lift Spring Summer Cleaner
Microbe-lift Autumn Winter Prep
Microbelift Gel
Microbe-lift Bio Blu 0r Black
Barley Straw including natural straw, barley straw extract and barley straw pellets
Microbe-ift HC and Golf
Microbe-llift Ensure
Microbe-lift TheraP
See individual products for more specific information.
E2. Will a UV light interfere with the beneficial 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. Ozonators (not to be confused with oxygenators or aerators) will do the same and should be shut down until the ML bacteria become established.
E3. Can MICROBE-LIFT be diluted to extend the product utilization?
MICROBE-LIFT should be used as is and not tampered with. The beneficial bacteria are grown in the container, and by attempting to dilute it, you could upset the balance of equilibrium in the bottle and jeopardize the remainder by shortening the shelf life.
E4. 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 non-toxic beneficial bacteria. However if excess product is added, it becomes less cost effective to the consumer. When there is more bacteria 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 grossly overdose, you can stimulate too much activity and associated oxygen demand, depleting the water of adequate oxygen to support the fish.
E5. What is the interaction with MICROBE-LIFT pond products and the algaecides Algae Fix® and Algaway 5.4?
Any product that ‘kills’ algae, will also kill bacteria. However, it is unlikely that the mild environmentally gentle algaecides such as Algaway 5.4 and Green Clean would ‘sterilize’ the pond, i.e. kill 100% of the organisms. They can however, knock out a large portion of them depending on the dosage. Therefore, wait at least 3 days before applying MICROBE-LIFT bacteria to the pond after Algaway 5.4 use and 1 day following Green Clean.
F. BACTERIA:
F1. What is the difference in using liquid bacterial product over dry bacterial product?
A major benefit in using liquid (live) beneficial bacteria over powdered (spore) bacteria is that the live bacteria will start to colonize and go to work immediately whereas the powdered will take longer. Also, the liquid bacteria possess photosynthetic properties which are not available in the powdered forms. Secondarily, the dry product lacks the pungent odor of the liquid products.
G. ENZYMES:
G1. What is the difference between the enzymes and the bacteria products?
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. They are specific in nature and only catalyze certain types of reactions. They are not living so do not reproduce. Over time they are broken down or digested as a food source so enzymes only work for a short period of time. It is better to have bacteria that are living, reproducing and producing the complete complement of enzymes for all the steps necessary to carry out the breakdown of specific materials. Enzymes are also the byproducts of active microbial action enabling them to break down and use the food. They are the catalysts the bacteria use to help absorb food through the cell membranes. The bacteria produce enzymes, much like we do in our own mouths, stomachs and intestines, in the digestive process.
G2. Which Microbe-lift products are enzyme products?
While enzymes are present in quite a few Microbelift products the major ones are:
ML Autumn/Winter Prep and
Spring/ Summer Cleaner.
G3. How do I apply the water soluble (enzyme) cellulase packets?
Spring Summer Cleaner contains 8 two ounce packets contained in one plastic bag in each, and
Autumn Winter Prep contains 2 two ounce packets in the quart size package.
These packets are water soluble and pre-measured for easy application. Take them out of the outer plastic zip bag and toss the recommended amount of packets directly into pond. In minutes the water soluble case will dissolve and the enclosed sawdust-looking contents (enzyme) will disperse. For optimal performance (optional), place the water soluble packets in a bucket of luke warm water (85ºF) until the packets are dissolved. Stir the contents of the bucket and add to the pond. What if the fish eat the packets? The enzymes will not harm the fish. It should not have any appeal for the fish. The contents dissolve quickly and are broken down by the bacteria. If a little would be ingested, it is non-toxic. The fish will help circulate the enzymes if they do ingest any.
G4. If I have leftover packets, what should I do with them?
Leftover packets can be used the following season. These do not go to waste. The packets are specific to consume organic leaf matter in the pond, therefore if used in fall, any remaining product can be used in spring for any new leaves blown in during the later part of winter.
G5. If overdosed, can extra enzyme packets hurt my pond?
No, it won’t hurt anything in the pond. This product is safe and natural. If I forgot to add the packets when I added the liquid, do I have to start all over? The liquid and packets are a two-step process, independent and complementary to each other. The liquid in Autumn Winter Prep contains cold-weather bacteria (psychrophilic) to remain active under low temperature conditions, independent of photosynthetic conditions. The dry, water soluble packets contain a blend of cellulase enzymes, cellulase-producing bacteria and a cold weather bacterium. The cellulase enzymes, along with the cellulase-producing bacteria, are the key to accelerating the breakdown of leaves and cellulosic matter all winter long.
G6. What is the shelf life of the dry enzyme products?
All of the dry biological products, and the dry bio-products with added enzyme and other support material have an extended shelf life well beyond our two year stated claim. The dry formulation consists of multiple strains of spore forming microorganisms and these microorganisms can stay in the spore form (dormant state) for an indefinite period of time when properly stored.
H. WINTER ISSUES:
H1. Do I need to worry about Microbe-lift 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. However, they will lose some viability, about 10%, with each freeze/thaw cycle, so it is better if they do not freeze at all.
H2. 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 can 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.
H3. 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.
I. SUMMER ISSUES:
I1. How should MICROBE-LIFT products be stored?
Products should be protected from extreme heat and direct sunlight. Live Microbelift microbes 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.
I2. Does the water need to be a certain temperature for the bacteria to work?
For MICROBE-LIFT/PL, Professional Blend Liquid, Ensure, TheraP and Sludge Away, the temperature should be 45ºF or above. For ML/ Autumn/ Winter Prep, the bacteria are psychrophiles, low temperature strains, that are active below 45ºF.
J. PRODUCT FRESHNESS / STORAGE / SHELF LIFE
J1. How should MICROBE-LIFT products be stored?
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
J2. What is the shelf life for the liquid bacterial products?
Approximately 2 years in unopened container, 1 year after being opened if stored properly.
J3. Is there a listing of expiration dates on products?
No, they do not list expiration dates on the products. There is a batch number on each that can be traced when necessary. (See shelf-life for more information.)
J4. What is the shelf life of the dry products such as the enzyme products?
All of our dry biological products, and the dry bio-products with added enzyme and other support material have an extended shelf life well beyond our two year stated claim. The dry formulations 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 when properly stored. The method of microbial activation is two fold:
a) the addition of water;
b) the presence of waste organic matter.
Both of these factors are required to active the microbes and get their biological oxidation process going. Without these they remain dormant but viable.
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