Live bacteria gel to start new pond filters
PURE+ Filter Start Gel is a live, concentrated bacteria culture for use in new pond filters. The gel based solution will stick to the filter media, allowing the nitrifying bacteria it contains to rapidly colonise your filter.
Once the filter media has been coated with the PURE+ Filter Start Gel, the beneficial bacteria within the gel will speed up the maturation of your filter media, while helping to convert ammonia and nitrite, resulting in less stressed fish.
DOSING ADVICE
• Shake well before use to ensure the bacteria has not settled.
• Unscrew the cap and pour the contents of the bottle directly onto your filter media for best results. You cannot over-dose your filter with gel.
• We always advise the addition of oxygen to your pond via an airpump and diffuser when using PURE+ Filter Start Gel.
• Always perform regular water tests using a suitable test kit, especially before adding fish to the pond.
• If a UV-C is running, switch it off when dosing and keep switched off for 12 hours after dosing.
PURE+ Filter Start Gel will not address problems with green water, a suitable UV-C should be used to clear green water.
What’s the difference between Pure Pond, Pure Pond Bomb and Filter Start Gel?
Filter Start Gel should be used to kick-start brand new filters, or existing filters which have changed to brand new biological media. Pour the gel directly over the media. Pure Pond is a maintenance product which can be used regularly on new and established ponds to help keep water clear, reduce sludge, and keep populations or beneficial bacteria high, and intact. Pure Pond Bomb is a concentrated single dose of bacteria and enzymes. It can be used regularly, or if increasing fish load, washing filter media or replacing bacteria after the use of medications.
Can I use all three Pure Pond products?
Yes, Gel to start your filter, Bomb for rapid bacteria replacement, and Pure Pond for regular addition and maintenance.
Can I place Pure Pond straight into the pond?
Yes, but a Bomb is better to drop straight into the pond as it is a large, gel ball. Pure Pond is small, so if you have water movement and fish it will travel around the pond, when it is best in a filter bag, in your filter, where it is contained. Gel should always be poured over filter media.
Will my fish eat Pure, and will it harm my fish?
Ravenous Koi carp may eat Pure Pond if you offer it to them as if you were feeding them. Pure is only made up of beneficial bacteria and gel, but fish eating it should be discouraged.
Does Pure leave anything behind?
Yes, Pure Pond shrinks as bacteria is released, and a small bead about 5mm in diameter will remain. It is safe, and can be removed, or left in the filter with other biological media. Pure Pond may crack, split and shrink as all the bacteria leaves the ball, but any remaining residue from the gel ball is also safe to leave in the pond system, or remove for aesthetic reasons.
Is Pure safe for wildlife?
Yes, Pure is 100% safe for fish, amphibians, invertebrates, bathing birds, and mammals visiting the pond to drink. But wash hands after use, keep out of reach of children and don’t ingest it.
I haven’t got a filter. Can I still use Pure?
Yes, Pure can be added to a wildlife pond or static water feature with no problems.
Can I overdose my pond with Pure?
No, but the bacteria inside Pure is aerobic (oxygen demanding,) so adding far too much Pure may deplete a pond’s oxygen levels, unless sufficient water movement and aeration is in place.
What temperature is Pure effective at?
If water temperature is below 10°C, Pure is less effective. As Pure contains natural bacteria and enzymes it will be more effective as temperatures rise.
Do I put the gel in when dosing the pond with the Pond Bomb or Pure Pond?
Yes, the gel is fine to apply to the filter. You can add the Pure Pond bomb as part of the start up process of your pond.
Do I need to turn my UV off when dosing my pond with Pure products
No, you don't need to turn your UV off when dosing your pond with Pure Pond products (Pure Pond Balls and Pure Pond Bomb). You will need to turn it off when using the Pure Filter Start Gel and follow the directions as stated on the bottle. Please follow question 3 for directions of use.
How often should I dose my pond with Pure Pond?
To maintain a biological equilibrium in the pond, we recommend dosing with Pure Pond balls once a month. This will also help to maintain clear water. For best results use when the water temperature is above 10°C.
How often should I dose my pond with Pure Pond Bomb?
A Pure Pond Bomb should be used as and when required to rapidly address biological and clarity issues. You cannot overdose the pond with Pure Pond Bomb, and you could continue to use Pure Pond Bombs repeatedly if you prefer. However we recommend, for ongoing monthly maintenance, using Pure Pond balls to keep ammonia and nitrite at bay, and maintain clear water.
Can I use Pure Products in a pond that has been salted?
Yes, you should be find to do so.
My ammonia and nitrite levels are high, will Pure Pond work in winter?
Unless your pond is heated, the pond bombs will be less effective in cold water temperatures. The nitrogen cycle will also be slower as the bacteria levels in the pond are very low at this time of year, therefore it will take longer for ammonia to convert to nitrite.
You will need to perform water changes to help manage the levels in your pond.
Will I need to remove the sludge before adding Pure to my pond?
Yes, you will need to clean your pond first and remove as much sludge as possible then use the pond Bomb once the remaining sludge has settled.
Will Pure Pond/Bomb help with blue-green algae?
Pure Pond should definitely help. Bacterial blooms only happen in response to a food source, and the dominant bacteria will win the fight for the food. There is such a high concentration of bacteria in Pure Pond Bomb, that this should outcompete the Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
When should I clean my filter after using Pure+ Filter Start Gel?
If you have a brand new filter you can leave it for the first few weeks, as with any new filter, to allow the gel to coat the surface of the filter media and circulate around the pond.
If it's an existing filter that you have a cleaning regime for, then leave it for around a week after dosing PURE+Filter Start Gel and then just carry on as normal with your regular maintenance. The gel will coat the media and circulate around the pond and within the filter.
Will Pure help with Nitrate?
The Pond Bomb is not suitable for problems with Nitrate.The best solution for Nitrate is regular water changes.
How long will it take to see results after using Pure?The bacteria is working from the moment it is put into the pond. It will quickly start to find a food source that can sustain massive, exponential growth in the bacterial count.It is likely to be somewhere between 24 hours and 5 days before any difference is seen in the pond, presuming the problem is clarity issues caused by organic waste. Pure Pond and Pure Pond Bomb contain naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes which will help most ponds. As this is a natural product, how quick you see results will be different in each pond.
