Barley Straw

[srolfe]

I have seen barley straw for sale in LFS's. It states that it interferes with algae in aquariums and ponds. Any truth to these statements?

 

[Jer-]

Hi

I have used the Barley straws in my filter for a good 3 months now... They are by JBL and is called the JBL BioFerm. I cant really say if its had much effect on the algea as by the time I started using the product my tank has been relatively algea free.

On the box it does state that it reduces algea growth and promotes plant growth instead.

I havnt changed the straws in my filter for well over a month now, I have jus been rinsing it and placing it back when my filter get too clogged up, so I dont know if its actually doing anything for me...

I would like to get more opinions on this too.

Thanks.

 

[whip]

My cousin has a 3,000 gallon outdoor koi pond. The barley straw does make a noticable difference with the alge. I'm not sure of the brand, but it looks like a wafer the size of your hand.