COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Will BZT® Aquaculture harm my grass if the treated water is used for irrigation?
  
• What causes algae blooms and how does BZT® Aquaculture help?
  
• What effect does BZT® Aquaculture have on Phosphorus?
  
• How does BZT® Aquaculture deal with Nitrogen?
  
• How does BZT® Aquaculture deal with Carbon?
  
• How does BZT® Aquaculture remove odors?
  
• Will BZT® Aquaculture help remove pond bottom sludge?
  
• What does BZT® Aquaculture do to improve water clarity?
  
• Are there ponds or lakes where the product should not be used?
  
• Will BZT® Aquaculture clear my pond?
  
• What about aeration?
  
• Is BZT® Aquaculture bacteria safe to use?
  
• Does BZT® Aquaculture require EPA registration?
  
• Are there permits or applicators licenses required to use BZT® Aquaculture?
  
• What is the BZT® Aquaculture shelf life?
• What are the benefits of BZT® Aquaculture?
• What can you expect after application?

Will BZT® Aquaculture harm my grass
if the treated water is used for irrigation? :: Back to Top

No. Unlike chemical algaecides, BZT® Aquaculture's specialized bacteria and enzymes won't harm grass areas. BZT® Aquaculture actually benefits your grass by increasing the beneficial soil bacteria population.

What causes algae blooms and how does BZT® Aquaculture help? :: Back to Top

Algae are mainly caused by excess nutrients in the water. Most ponds and lakes become overloaded with nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon. These excess nutrients overcome the pond's ability to naturally clean itself up. This upset of nature's balance creates an environment for poor water quality and clarity. BZT® Aquaculture's microorganisms use nutrients in their cell mass and breakdown organic substances and greatly improve water quality and reduce bottom solids.

What effect does BZT® Aquaculture have on Phosphorus? :: Back to Top

Phosphorus, or more properly put, excess phosphorus, has been identified as the single most important factor in the rapid growth of aquatic weeds. Microorganisms or bacteria are very simple organisms which have two basic functions; to metabolize/eat and reproduce. Bacteria require phosphorus for their necessary life functions.

BZT® Aquaculture's bacteria use phosphorus in their cell mass, making it unavailable as a nutrient for aquatic weeds. Phosphorus is a key component in the make up of DNA and RNA (the "building blocks" of life), which are necessary for bacterial cell replication.

How does BZT® Aquaculture deal with Nitrogen? :: Back to Top

In the water, nitrogen is found in several forms; ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Through a process known as nitrification and denitrification, the BZT® Aquaculture formula breaks complex forms of nitrogen down into molecular nitrogen, a gaseous form. This nitrogen will be degassed through the water, escaping to the surface and leaving the aquatic environment.

How does BZT® Aquaculture deal with Carbon? :: Back to Top

The microorganisms digest carbon through the process of breaking down organic matter. The carbon is absorbed through the bacteria's cell membrane where it combines with oxygen and is released as CO₂ . BZT® Aquaculture's enzymes break down complex carbon bonds, making these materials easier to digest for the bacteria. This breakdown of organics leads to a reduction in total suspended solids and bottom solids.

How does BZT® Aquaculture remove odors? :: Back to Top

Most pond odors are caused by hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), sulfur, and ammonia. BZT® Aquaculture contains bacteria selected for the ability to outcompete bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur thrives in the bottom solids. BZT® Aquaculture works to break down bottom solids where sulfur producing bacteria thrive.

BZT® Aquaculture accelerates the nitrogen cycle, enhancing the rate at which ammonia is converted into nitrite. Ammonia is the principle cause of odors when high stocking densities or populations of fish are present. By insuring high populations of bacteria and enzymes, we can alleviate most common odor problems.

Will BZT® Aquaculture help remove pond bottom sludge? :: Back to Top

BZT® Aquaculture supplies bacteria and enzymes to work on nutrient sources throughout the water column, including the pond bottom. Our product includes two strains of non-hydrogen sulfide producing bacteria specifically targeted for bottom solid digestion.

Bottom solids in any pond is one of the primary nutrient contributors to total nutrient loading. As organic matter at the pond bottom decomposes ,it releases nitrogen and phosphorus into the water column. BZT® Aquaculture contains microorganisms specifically selected for their ability to degrade bottom solids made up of organic matter.

What does BZT® Aquaculture do to improve water clarity?:: Back to Top

BZT® Aquaculture can make dramatic improvements in clarity. When clarity is affected by floating organic matter, BZT® Aquaculture will be highly effective in a matter of 1 to 2 weeks. The breakdown of carbon leads to a reduction in total suspended solids, which results in improved clarity.

BZT® Aquaculture will have significant impact on clarity issues caused by minerals (turbidity, silt, iron, etc.). BZT® Aquaculture is effective in treating some of these cases.

Are there ponds or lakes where the product should not be used? :: Back to Top

Any pond or lake which loses 45% or more of its liquid volume in any given day should not be considered for BZT® Aquaculture because of the high turnover rate.

Will BZT® Aquaculture clear my pond? :: Back to Top

BZT® Aquaculture is best used as a preventative, ongoing management tool. It is best to use BZT® Aquaculture before problems occur. BZT® Aquaculture is effective once the pond has experienced a problem; however, it can take several weeks before significant impact is noticed.

What about aeration? :: Back to Top

BZT® Aquaculture (and all other bacterial products) depends upon adequate amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water. BZT® Aquaculture's microorganisms decomposition rates are 5 to 6 times faster in the presence of oxygen. This means that water with aeration will experience a higher and faster success rate.

Is BZT® Aquaculture bacteria safe to use? :: Back to Top

BZT® Aquaculture's bacteria/enzyme strains are indigenous, non-pathogenic, naturally occurring bacteria. They are completely safe and FDA GRAS listed as safe for humans, animals and plant life.

Does BZT® Aquaculture require EPA registration? :: Back to Top

No. BZT® Aquaculture contains only naturally occurring, non-pathogenic, indigenous microorganisms, and therefore it is not regulated by FIFRA or the Federal Insecticides, Fungicides, and Rodenticides Act. EPA registration is not required.

Are there permits or applicators
licenses required to use BZT® Aquaculture? :: Back to Top

NO. Because BZT® Aquaculture is not regulated by FIFRA, licenses and permits are not required.

What is the BZT® Aquaculture shelf life? :: Back to Top

The shelf life for BZT® Aquaculture is two years. When the seal on the packet is opened, it must be reclosed and stored in an area of low humidity, out of direct sunlight.

What are the benefits of BZT® Aquaculture? :: Back to Top

• Eliminates odors by breaking down the organic bottom solids where gas is created and released. Specialized bacteria and enzymes also break down ammonia before it causes a problem.
  
• Irrigation pond safe, BZT® Aquaculture will not damage grass like algicides. Your grass actually benefits from the bacteria applied during watering.
  
• Reduces bottom solids. BZT® Aquaculture bacteria and enzymes will accelerate the degradation of the dead organic matter on your pond bottom.
  
• Improves water clarity and quality by digesting suspended organics in the water column and degrading ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other contaminates that are harmful to your ecosystem.
  
• Eliminates pond scum by digesting the primary food source (nitrogen and phosphorus), making it unavailable for aquatic weeds.
  
• Stops aeration equipment fouling due to organic build up.
  
• No permits or licenses required because BZT® Aquaculture is not an algicide. The bacteria only attack dead organic matter. Therefore, it does not fall under FIFRA review and does not require a permit license to apply.
• Costs less than a fraction of a penny per gallon of water treated.

What can you expect after application? :: Back to Top

• In 2 to 4 days there will be a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus levels.
  
• In 3 to 4 days there will be a reduction in odors.
  
• In two weeks there should be a visible improvement in clarity and water quality.