null

Skip to Main Content

Do I need to put enzymes in my pond if I put bacteria in there?
ASKED BY: Tom of Clinton, AR
ASKED BY: Tom of Clinton, AR

Do I need to put enzymes in my pond if I put bacteria in there?


A: Bacteria and enzymes may both be microscopic heavyweights when it comes to breaking down decomposing organics in your pond, but they play distinctly different roles. Here's what you need to know about them – and how they complement each other.

Natural Bacteria: The Leading Role
Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria already live your pond, and they're prolific. These hungry stars of the show decompose organic material, like dead algae, decomposing weeds and leaves, and pond muck.

Of the two types, the aerobic variety, which is found in bacteria additives like MuckAway and PondClear, does a much better job at gobbling the decomposing organics than the anaerobic type that lives in oxygen-depleted environments. Most ponds, in fact, have an overabundance of anaerobic bacteria, thanks to poor circulation.

Enzymes: The Supporting Cast
Enzymes are a different critter altogether. In simple terms, enzymes accelerate chemical reactions – so in a pond, they play a supporting role. They're catalysts that help natural bacteria by speeding up the digestion of all that organic material. This allows the bacteria to work more efficiently.

Give Them a Boost
Do you need to add both bacteria and enzymes to your pond? No, not really.

Self-sufficient microorganisms, aerobic bacteria naturally secrete their own enzymes to help digest muck. Simply increasing the number of hungry bacteria by adding PondClear and MuckAway (both found in ClearPAC Plus Pond Care Package) will grow the amount of productive enzymes, which ultimately means more decomposed muck and a cleaner, clearer pond.

If you want to give your bacteria a boost, be sure your aeration system is in tip-top shape to pump oxygen into your pond, and use EcoBoost PRx bacteria enhancer plus phosphate control to bind excess phosphates and other suspended organics in the water. It also adds more than 80 trace minerals to promote fish wellness and growth, so it's great for all critters – microscopic or otherwise!