Where does beneficial bacteria come from?


This video shows you how ecosystem ponds actually create it when they are built....

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The transcript from the YouTube video titled "How to MAKE BENEFICIAL BACTERIA | How to tips" by Columbia Water Gardens.

This video, by Carl from Columbia Water Gardens, explains what naturally occurring beneficial bacteria looks like and why it is better to buy specific strains.

Summary of Beneficial Bacteria (The Natural vs. Commercial)

1. What Natural Beneficial Bacteria Looks Like

  • Appearance: Beneficial bacteria, when naturally agitated, appears as a layer of foam floating on the surface of the water[00:01:17].
  • How It's Made:
    • It is a naturally occurring phenomenon that comes from the soil [00:00:33].
    • Homemade Test: A rough, non-scientific way to see this is to put a third of a mason jar with topsoil, fill it half with water, and shake it up. The resulting foam is what the bacteria looks like [00:00:41].
    • Pond Agitation: The air exchange caused by the waterfall in a pond is what agitates the water and turns up the bacteria, causing the foam to appear on the surface [00:01:40].

2. Why Buy Commercial Beneficial Bacteria

  • Specific Strain: The beneficial bacteria you purchase is a specific, non-pathogenic strain(often a strain of Streptococcus ) [00:02:08].
  • Control and Balance: Natural bacteria floating around can cause the pond to go into major imbalance as different, unknown strains are introduced and wear off, leading to peaks and valleys that disrupt the pond's ecosystem [00:02:32].
  • Certainty: You know exactly what strain and how much beneficial bacteria you are introducing, which is important for maintaining pond health [00:04:17].

Video Details: