Should You Use Barley in Your Koi Pond?

A koi pond can be an important focal point of a yard or patio. Taking the time to research the best care for your pond and purchase all the necessary koi pond supplies creates a healthier environment for the koi and also makes the pond look more visually pleasing. Adding barley to the pond is one of the best ways to maintain the water quality.

If you haven’t heard of the strategy of using barley, it’s known to be effective in reducing the amount of algae present in a pond. The barley is used to decompose the algae, leaving a crystal clear koi pond. The elements of decomposition are dependent on a number of things. One of these things is the water temperature. Barley brings beneficial bacteria that “heals” the pond, so to speak, reducing waste and lowering nitrates. Bacterial strains work with barley and grow best in warm environments, so a warmer pond temperature will be beneficial. Another major factor that has an impact on decomposition is the oxygen levels of the water. Specifically, the same beneficial bacteria will grow better in aerated water. You’ll have better luck getting results from barley in your koi pond in the spring, summer, and fall months than in the winter.

The next step in the process is that the good bacteria proliferate in the pond. This team of bacteria can be considered your algae eaters because they’ll produce humic acid, which leads to the breakdown of algae, although it isn’t as simple as relying on the humic acid itself. The humic acid needs to interact with the warm water and oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide. Once the hydrogen peroxide is produced, it will work to destroy the algae in your pond.

If you’re concerned about the health of your fish when using barley, don’t worry. When hydrogen peroxide is produced in the right amounts and conditions, it’s not harmful to fish, so the koi in your pond will be safe and the hydrogen peroxide will still take care of your algae problems. Hydrogen peroxide is also more stable in freshwater compared to saltwater, so the amount produced from the barley extract will be effective enough to conquer the algae in your pond.

You’re probably wondering if this method will work for all koi ponds. The answer is “probably so,” but it depends on a number of factors, including the size of the pond, the amount of algae present, the water temperature, and the oxygen level. It also depends on your level of patience. This isn’t a quick fix. Since barley is a natural method, it takes longer than most chemical methods. However, the results are often worth the wait, so start early in the year.

If you’re new to the world of koi ponds, you’ll likely need some tips from experts in these aquatic features. Reach out to the friendly staff at Aquatic Warehouse. We’ll help you choose all the necessary pond equipment and tell you how to use it properly. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or give us a call at 858-467-9297.