Barley straw

[Martin in Holland]

Has anyone ever used barley straw in the filter? I keep reading about it that fish ponds seem to use it but also some say they use it in a planted tank. It also seems to be a good remedy against algae...
Any thoughts on this from any of you?

 

[Richard Dowling]

Its used occasionally by water companies in raw water reservoirs as it fights algae, I too have wondered whether it can be used in aquariums.

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[Gilles]

Yes i did, lost all my amano shrimps; why? I think i put to much in the filter; so be carefull.

 

[Richard Dowling]

Here is an interesting article which explains the chemical process, when to change the straw and how much to use in an outdoor pond environment, I would imagine the principle is the same, but with a tank its a little more unstable and all the more important to get quantity and maintentance right.

Barley Straw Article

But I for one would not risk it, you have no idea if the side effects on inverts have been discovered.

 

[Martin in Holland]

when I read at the end of the article that the straw will start to smell, I don't think I'm likely to test this in my living room any time soon ...
But maybe the chemistry that's going on there could be harvested somehow to our benefit ?

 

[Richard Dowling]

You can buy it in tablet form apparently....but again, the quantity probably doesn't suit aquaria

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[Nathaniel Whiteside]

You can buy it in tablet form apparently....but again, the quantity probably doesn't suit aquaria

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You can buy it in liquid form too

 

[Nathaniel Whiteside]

King British Barley Straw Extract for Ponds 250ml

 

[Ady34]

small discussion here:
Barley | UK Aquatic Plant Society