 |
Enzymes are produced by organisms and are part of the natural process of consumption. Enzymes act as a catalyst, breaking apart to open up molecules of the food chain (organic, algae, slime, scum) so they can be digested. Human beings depend upon enzymes so that we can absorb our food. The same is true in water. Organic matter naturally increases from dead plants, water molds, insects, plus uneaten fish food, waste from pond creatures and nutrients washed in after a storm. All provide food sources for organic contaminates to grow within water. In water, enzymes are the key to digesting excess nutrients. Algae, slime and scum that accumulates in water does so because the water's ability to absorb its natural environment cannot keep up with what it is being feed. Enzymes breaks these components into harmless carbon dioxide. The (breakdown) process that occurs naturally in water can be accelerated by adding enzymes to it, helping it to "digest" the over abundance of food sources that become present. Adding enzymes will naturally do in days what would normally take Mother Nature months or year's to accomplish, without the use of chemicals. Enzymes are uniquely formulated to keep water clear to prevent organic buildup and lime scale buildup. Discourages growth of string, beard or hair algae. Enzymes work throughout water and at the bottom breaking down sedimentation (pond sludge, dead algae) while producing firmer bottoms, clarity will also come back with the elimination of suspended contaminates. Submersed weeds strive on sedimentation and nutrients through absorption. The elimination of excess nutrients retards the growth of algae, algae blooms, slime and water molds, and, over the course of time, weed growth (blanket weed). Water, like humans, needs to breathe. Oxygen is vital to all of us, without it we die, start to decompose and stink. Water is slightly different. While we get our oxygen through our lungs, water gets it through surface exchange, fresh water input (brook or stream runoff, or rain) or from some form of supplemental aeration. Oxygen in water is measured in terms of DO, or dissolved oxygen. Healthy water has a DO of 5 to 7 ppm (parts per million). There are inexpensive kits available to measure DO in water. Water that has less than the desired DO frequently are "anaerobic", meaning that they have bacteria that thrive better without oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria is the source that causes pond odors. Low DO also harbors viruses, fungi, and parasites which effect plants and fish. Enzyme treatment and adequate aeration turns water "aerobic" (presence of oxygen) ensuring healthy water for plants and fish to thrive. Odor-s are eliminated immediately. Aerobic water promotes the ideal environment for reducing stress on fish and stabilizing healthier water. Enzymes will also keep pumps and filters free from organic contaminates for maximum peek efficiency. Ponds must have a balanced pH (acidity-alkalinity), kits are available to test pH. Range should be between 6 and 8, 7 representing neutrality. With a lower or higher pH, green water, algae and weeds can still grow even with proper aeration and enzyme treatments. The pictures accompanying this article shows a pond at a golf course both before and after enzyme treatment. This particular pond had a fountain but still experienced the organic buildup described above. It was the addition of enzymes that resulted in the restoration of this pond. The same results can be experienced within bird bath water, one was treated with enzymes and the other not. All Care Free products are bacteria free, biodegradable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Safe for pets, fish and plants when used as directed. Best results occur when used as soon as water reaches 40 F. Enzymes work slowly and must be given adequate time to digest organic contaminates. Treatment is done monthly or as often as you add fresh water. Caution: Always follow instructions closely, overdosing can cause depletion
of oxygen if used without proper aeration.
|
 |