Biostim does not directly kill algae. It is a natural probiotic that improves water health by ramping up populations of “good” bacteria which break down organic waste and excess nutrients—the root cause of algae and weeds. Chemical algaecides kill algae directly but leave nutrients behind, which leads to regrowth.

Yes, Biostim is very environmentally friendly. It is 100% natural and biodegradable. The formula focuses on increasing populations of aerobic bacteria in a waterbody, which is the backbone to a naturally healthy aquatic ecosystem. 

Biostim can be applied as pellets, tablets, powder or liquid. Pellets/tablets are simply tossed into the water around the edges. Liquid can be poured or diluted and sprayed across the surface of the water. Powder comes in solupacks that dissolve in water. Simply toss the packs into the water, especially near an aerator, fountain or inlet pipe. For detailed instructions, watch this video. 

We recommend applying Biostim monthly to get the best results. In colder months, you can use a little less quantity because microbial activity slows down when it is cold and there is less sunlight. In hotter months, you can ramp up quantities because microbial activity, and algae and weed growth, are more active. 

When applying Biostim, the goal is to spread the product evenly across the waterbody. That said, the bacteria will eventually spread through the waterbody so just do the best you can. For instance, if you have a large waterbody, focus on tossing pellets/tablets evenly around the edges of the waterbody. If you’re using powder, throw the bags out in even locations throughout the waterbody, or toss them near an aerator, fountain, waterfall or inlet pipe. If using liquid, dilute the solution and spray it evenly across the surface.

Yes, we recommend using Biostim year-round. In colder months you can reduce the quantity applied because microbial activity, and algae and weeds, slow a lot in cold months when sunlight is limited. In hotter months, we recommend ramping up the quantity to help combat the increased growth of algae and weeds.  

When dosed correctly, you should generally see a result within 1 to 3 months. When you start to see less organic material and clearer water, you’ll know the bacteria are doing their job. For speedier results, you can double the dose until you see a change, then scale it back to the regular maintenance dose. Adding aeration will also increase the speed and level of results. 

Yes, with adequate dosing. Biostim will not directly kill algae but it will ramp up populations of “good” (aerobic) bacteria which consume nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. When these nutrients are sufficiently reduced, the algae no longer have a food source and will starve out, leading to clearer water. 

Yes, particularly Biostim Pellets and Tablets. These settle on the floor of your waterbody, and the “good” bacteria get to work consuming the dead organic material, aka sludge. 

Yes, Biostim supports the flourishing of “good” aerobic (oxygen-loving) bacteria. “Good” aerobic bacteria directly compete with “bad” anaerobic (oxygen-hating) bacteria. “Bad” anaerobic bacteria are the cause of odours, so outcompeting these bacteria means the smells will disappear when their populations fall. 

Yes, Biostim can prevent outbreaks of algae in the future. Although, a little algae here and there is normal in an aquatic ecosystem. Biostim helps prevent large algae outbreaks by ramping up populations of “good” bacteria which compete with algae for nutrients (aka food). If there is not enough food to go around, the algae can’t grow fast enough to be problematic.

No, you don’t have to—but they work best together. In every dam or pond, there’s a natural population of bacteria that helps break down organic matter and improve water quality. The size of that population is limited by a few key factors—mainly oxygen, trace elements, and micronutrients. 

When you add aeration, you remove oxygen as a limiting factor, allowing more bacteria to survive and work efficiently. When you add Biostim, you supply essential trace elements and micronutrients that bacteria need to grow—but oxygen can still be a limiting factor. 

When you combine Biostim and aeration, you remove multiple limitations at once. This means your beneficial bacteria can multiply faster and work much harder to restore your dam’s health. That’s why we say “1 + 1 = 3”—because together, they deliver far better results than either one alone. 

Yes, you can use Biostim with pond dye and other water treatments. If using chemicals, like algaecides and herbicides, we recommend using Biostim Accelerator, a biocatalyst, at the same time to reduce how much chemical you need. We also recommend using Biostim Pellets, Tablets, Powder or Liquid a few days after the treatment to help repopulate “good” bacteria populations killed by the chemical. 

Yes, in fact we encourage it. Biostim helps repopulate populations of “good” bacteria killed by chemical use. Without it, you’re likely to see algae or weed you just killed return next season, faster and more invasively. This is because chemicals kill everything, the “good” guys too, which means less organisms competing for food, which means more surplus of food available to next season’s algae/weeds. During chemical use, we also recommend you use Biostim Accelerator, a biocatalyst, to reduce how much chemical you need to use. 

Biostim isn't specifically formulated for brackish or saltwater ponds, but it may be impactful depending on salinity levels. Feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to advise you.

Yes, Biostim is compatible with fish stocking. Although, we recommend avoiding Biostim Pellets so the fish don’t mistake them for food. Choose tablets, powder, or liquid instead. Ensure you have adequate aeration though because when the “good” bacteria populations ramp up, they will consume oxygen, which means a little less oxygen for your fish.  

We recommend reading this article: Which Biostim product should I use and how much do I need?  

When stored correctly, in a cool, dark place, Biostim remains usable for up to 2 years after opening, although it won’t be as effective as fresher product. 

Store in a cool, dark place.  

Yes, it is safe to overdose Biostim. Although, if you have fish and a small pond, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of aeration if you choose to overdose. This is because when the “good” bacteria populations ramp up, they will consume oxygen, which means a little less oxygen for your fish. 

Yes, Biostim is approved in Australia. 

Yes, it’s still worth using Biostim in winter, although you can reduce the dosage. By applying it in winter, even though algae and weeds slow a lot, it gives the bacteria the opportunity to break down organic material and sludge while there isn’t a lot of new debris coming in.  

When dosed correctly, you should generally see results within 1 to 3 months. When you start to see less organic material and clearer water, you’ll know the bacteria are doing their job. You can also do a sludge test which can be as simple as scooping up a handful of sludge from the bottom and repeating this 2 to 3 months later to see how much less organic material there is. For speedier results, you can double the dose until you see a change, then scale it back to the regular maintenance dose.