API Pond Pond-Zyme Plus – 1 lb (Sludge Remover & Natural Clarifier)

API POND-ZYME SLUDGE DESTROYER – 1 lb (SKU 4146, MPN 146B) is a concentrated dry-powder pond cleaner combining specially selected bacterial strains and natural barley that work through enzymatic action to break down fish waste, dead algae, leaves, and accumulated pond sludge. A single 1 lb container treats up to 16,000 gallons of pond water. Sprinkle directly around the pond perimeter — no pre-mixing, no measuring liquids. Through both enzymatic breakdown and natural barley's algae-inhibiting properties, POND-ZYME reduces pond maintenance by accelerating decomposition of the organic matter that clogs filters, depletes oxygen, and causes cloudy, smelly water. Used twice a week for two weeks at spring startup, then every two weeks for ongoing maintenance — one jar provides approximately a full active season of treatment for most backyard ponds. SKU 4146 / MPN 146B 1 lb 16,000 Gallons Bacteria + Barley Enzymatic Action Dry Powder ✅ Leave pump ON during treatment. Unlike some pond treatments, POND-ZYME should be applied with the pump and filtration running. Circulation helps distribute the bacteria and barley evenly throughout the pond. Sprinkle around the perimeter and let the pump disperse the product naturally. Official Dosing Schedule Spring Start-Up / End of Season 4 tsp (2 scoops) per 200 gal Twice per week × 2 weeks Use enclosed measuring scoop Regular Maintenance 2 tsp (1 scoop) per 200 gal Every 2 weeks throughout season Use enclosed measuring scoop One enclosed scoop = approximately 2 teaspoons. Sprinkle evenly around the pond perimeter with pump running. For best results, use alongside API POND ACCU-CLEAR for enhanced water clarity. Key Features & Benefits 🌿 Natural Barley — Enzyme Amplifier POND-ZYME contains natural barley alongside the bacterial strains. Barley has documented biological properties in pond management: as it decomposes, it releases compounds that inhibit certain algae growth pathways and contributes to the enzymatic breakdown of organic sludge. This barley component is what distinguishes POND-ZYME from pure-bacterial pond treatments like API EcoFix (which contains no barley). The combination of bacteria + barley through enzymatic action targets a broader range of organic compounds than bacteria alone. 🧫 5 Bacterial Strains — Enzymatic Action POND-ZYME contains five specially selected bacterial strains that immediately begin breaking down fish waste and dead algae through enzymatic action. The bacteria produce enzymes that digest the organic building blocks of sludge — proteins, starches, fats — converting them into harmless byproducts. The enzymatic mechanism allows POND-ZYME to work faster than single-strain bacteria products, particularly during spring startup when organic winter accumulation is at its highest level. 🌸 Spring & Seasonal Startup Protocol POND-ZYME is specifically designed with a spring startup/end-of-season intensive dose: twice weekly for two weeks at the 4-tsp/200-gal rate to address the winter's accumulation of leaves, fish waste, and dead algae. This two-week intensive treatment establishes a strong bacterial colony and clears the accumulated organic load before fish feeding fully resumes and algae season begins. Then transition to the biweekly maintenance dose for the rest of the active season. 💉 Dry Powder — No Measuring Liquids POND-ZYME is a dry concentrated powder, not a liquid. The enclosed measuring scoop (1 scoop = ~2 teaspoons) simplifies dosing — just scoop and sprinkle, no bottles to squeeze, no liquid concentrates to dilute. The dry form also allows longer shelf life when stored in a cool, dry location. For accurate dosing, always use the enclosed scoop rather than estimating, particularly for the initial spring startup dose where dosing precision matters most. 🔧 Filter Protection By digesting suspended organic matter and bottom sludge before it reaches filter pads and pump screens, POND-ZYME reduces filter maintenance frequency. Filters that run behind regularly-treated ponds handle significantly less suspended organic material — less frequent pad cleaning, longer intervals between backwashing, and less biomass clogging pump screens. Regular use through the season accumulates these benefits progressively as the pond's organic load decreases. ✅ 100% Natural — No Chemicals POND-ZYME contains only natural bacteria and barley — no synthetic chemicals, no preservatives that would harm the biological activity. Safe for koi, goldfish, turtles, all pond fish, water lilies, aquatic plants, frogs, dogs, cats, and other wildlife that drink from or live near the pond. For ornamental pond use only — not for human consumption or drinking water treatment. Technical Specifications Specification Value SKU 4146 API MPN 146B Official Name API POND-ZYME SLUDGE DESTROYER Size 1 lb (454g) Coverage 16,000 US gallons Active Ingredients 5 bacterial strains + natural barley (enzymatic action) Form Dry powder (with enclosed measuring scoop) Spring Start-Up Dose 4 teaspoons (2 scoops) per 200 gal — 2× per week for 2 weeks Maintenance Dose 2 teaspoons (1 scoop) per 200 gal — every 2 weeks Application Sprinkle around pond perimeter with pump running Pump During Treatment Leave ON — circulation distributes product Safety 100% natural; safe for fish, plants, wildlife, pets API POND-ZYME SLUDGE DESTROYER Size Family Size Coverage SKU Best For 8 oz 8,000 gallons — Small ponds; trial; seasonal top-up 1 lb ← This 16,000 gallons 4146 Medium-large ponds; full season treatment; best value Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between API POND-ZYME and other sludge removers like API EcoFix? POND-ZYME and EcoFix are complementary API pond treatments with different active ingredients: API POND-ZYME SLUDGE DESTROYER (this product): Dry powder containing bacteria and natural barley, working through enzymatic action. Barley contributes additional biological properties. Dry powder format. Treats up to 16,000 gal (1 lb). API POND ECOFIX SLUDGE DESTROYER: Liquid concentrated beneficial bacteria only — no barley, no enzymes. Works through bacterial digestion. Liquid format for easy pouring. Both target organic sludge and pond waste, but POND-ZYME's barley addition and enzymatic mechanism give it a somewhat different mode of action. Some pond keepers use both products in rotation or combination for comprehensive organic management. How much water does the 1 lb container treat? The 1 lb container treats up to 16,000 US gallons — double the coverage of the 8 oz size (8,000 gal). For dosing calculation, API POND-ZYME uses: 2 teaspoons (1 enclosed scoop) per 200 gallons per maintenance dose. If you don't know your pond volume, use: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) × 7.5 = gallons. Note: "treats up to 16,000 gallons" means the entire container contains enough product for that volume at the maintenance rate. For a 1,000-gallon pond at biweekly maintenance dosing (10 tsp/dose), the jar provides approximately 8 months of treatment. Is API POND-ZYME safe for koi, goldfish, and live plants? Yes — POND-ZYME is 100% natural and completely safe for koi, goldfish, turtles, all pond fish, water lilies, aquatic plants, frogs, and other pond wildlife. It is also safe for dogs, cats, and birds that drink from or use the pond. Because it contains only natural bacteria and barley with no synthetic chemicals, it doesn't alter pond chemistry in a way that stresses aquatic life when used at labeled doses. Can I use POND-ZYME in cold water during spring start-up? Yes — POND-ZYME can be applied at spring startup and includes a specific intensive spring dosing protocol (4 tsp per 200 gal twice weekly for 2 weeks). Bacterial activity is highest above 50°F when bacteria reproduce most rapidly, but the enzymatic action of the barley component remains active at cooler water temperatures, allowing POND-ZYME to begin working even in cool spring water. Start the spring startup protocol as soon as your pond is thawed and fish become active. Does POND-ZYME help prevent filter clogging and reduce maintenance? Yes — this is one of POND-ZYME's primary benefits. By digesting suspended organic matter and sludge before it reaches your filter pads, skimmer nets, and pump screens, regular POND-ZYME use reduces the frequency of filter maintenance. Organic material that would otherwise compress into filter pad biofilm and restrict flow is broken down in the water column and at the pond bottom before it can clog the mechanical filtration. Most pond keepers who use POND-ZYME consistently report noticeable reductions in filter cleaning frequency over a full season. Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct? Authentic API products — genuine fresh-dated inventory Expert pond water quality guidance — call or text (765) 508-4352, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm EST Free shipping on all orders Price match guarantee on identical products 30-day return period on eligible items