UltraClear® Sludge Digester by ABI Inc.

UltraClear® Sludge Digester eliminates sediment pond sludge and pond muck from fish and animal waste, decaying leaves and grass, uneaten fish food, or dead algae. Prevents oxygen depletion from unhealthy pond sludge during the spring and summer. It is difficult to manually remove pond sludge, which is why Sludge Digester is the perfect solution for ponds struggling with sludge issues.

Pond sludge causes four significant problems. First, pond sludge depletes oxygen reserves, particularly during warm weather. Low oxygen levels can be stressful or fatal to fish and wildlife. Second, the resulting anaerobic zone (an area without dissolved oxygen) allows dangerous disease-causing bacteria to grow. The larger the anaerobic zone, the greater the potential for harmful pathogens to develop. Third, pond sludge is the main cause of unpleasant pond odors, like hydrogen sulfide, which emits a rotten egg odor. Fourth, pond sludge releases nitrogen and phosphorus that cause severe water quality issues such as algae blooms.

How Does Sludge Digester Work?
Sludge Digester contains a variety of bacteria that digest organic sludge (leaves, grass, dead algae, animal waste), both in aerobic and anaerobic environments. Sludge Digester is strong enough to prevent excess build-up, but gentle enough to avoid oxygen depletion or nutrient release during peak summer season. In the cooler fall weather, Sludge Digester can be used aggressively to clean the pond without fear of oxygen depletion or nutrient release. Best results are obtained by pairing this with UltraClear® Biological Pond Clarifier.

How Safe is Sludge Digester?
The bacterial species included in SST are recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) as Biosafety Level 1 bacteria, defined as having "no known potential to cause disease in humans or animals." When used as directed, Sludge Digester is a safe tool to help ensure a healthy, balanced aquatic environment.

Application Instructions
For best results, begin treatment in the spring and continue through the beginning of fall (all year if you live in a year-round warm region). Mix into a gallon of pond water, mix well, and distribute around the pond. Apply greater amounts of product to areas with worst conditions. Generally, use 1 ounce for every 1000 gallons of pond water. Dose weekly to monthly depending on conditions. Applying more than once per week will deplete the oxygen level and release too much nitrogen and phosphorus. In warm weather, this can facilitate harmful bacteria or algae growth.

In the fall, more frequently application is acceptable, as the water holds more oxygen and algae will not grow as readily. Use 1 ounce for every 1000 gallons of water, dosing daily for 4-7 consecutive days.