PRODUCT GENERAL INFO

The smell is attributable to the natural production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate reducing bacteria as part of the ecosystem. This provides a source of energy for the purple sulfur bacteria in the product and, as a metabolic inhibitor, preserves the product giving it its long shelf life.
If there is no smell, it doesn’t mean it’s dead. It is definitely bad if it is whitish-grey and has a burnt rubber smell. The bacteria are definitely dead in that case. If it is pinkish or brownish in color, just shake it up it should be fine.
Neighbors spraying pesticides in the area; nearby parking areas with road cleaning chemicals from maintenance vehicles; countywide pesticide spraying programs; unseasonable temperature drops; chlorine from tap water; salt and other medications added to the pond; lime and acids from cement foundations; hurricanes and strong winds blowing toxic debris into the pond. Although these will impact the bacteria, it should not eliminate all from the pond. The bacteria can reestablish itself.
No, the dark color from Sludge Away is not permanent.  When added to the pond, Sludge Away will usually turn the water dark-colored.  The color can take up to 1-2 weeks to dissipate but is harmless to plants, fish or other inhabitants and will not harm humans or animals.  The color is due to the type of bacteria necessary to biodegrade the more difficult buildup of debris and sludge.  The bacteria must first solubilize the sludge before it can be biodegraded.  It is the solubilization process which discolors the water.  Depending upon the amount of buildup to be solubilized, the discoloration time will vary.
It is the purposeful inoculation of a pond with a pre-selected consortium of microorganisms to establish the ideal numbers and distributions of populations to restore the natural balance to your pond. This provides a healthier environment for all forms of aquatic plant and animal life in an ecologically balanced pond or aquarium.
It is the purposeful inoculation of a pond with a pre-selected consortium of microorganisms to establish the ideal numbers and distributions of populations to restore the natural balance to your pond. This provides a healthier environment for all forms of aquatic plant and animal life in an ecologically balanced pond or aquarium.
It can’t be used within 72 hours of the application of pesticides or algaecides. It is also necessary to turn off any UV lights for minimum of 24 hours after an application to allow the bacteria to become established. Microbes work best in a pH neutral range, 6.5 – 8.6.
Studies with MICROBE-LIFT in shrimp farms and fish farms have shown the other livestock grows larger because they are healthier when the MICROBE-LIFT is used. We have studies from a certified toxicology lab on acute oral toxicity, acute and chronic dermal toxicity, and acute ocular toxicity and the MICROBE-LIFT is negative for all. Copies of these reports are available on request.
We have studies from a certified toxicology lab on acute oral toxicity, acute and chronic dermal toxicity, and acute ocular toxicity and the MICROBE-LIFT is negative for all. Copies of these reports are available on request. The chemical treatments (parasite protections, wound healant, pH buffer, etc.) must be used as directed as these are not biological interventions. These contain chemicals to be used in times of crisis intervention. (MSDS sheets can be found on our website microbelift.com)
We don’t recommend drinking right out of the original container; however in the pond or aquarium the bacteria are safe and anything in the pond can safely be ingested. There is NO oral toxicity.

MICROBE-LIFT is beneficial to sick fish in many ways. All products were formulated specifically to reduce stress and some are to treat sick fish. The bacteria in MICROBE-LIFT products will target organic debris in the pond or aquarium and have been proven safe for use with fish, plants and other wildlife. (Use the MICROBE-LIFT herbal treatments, such as ML/Sabbactisun and ML/Parazoryne to promote healing in sick fish.)

No. Plants have benefited from use of MICROBE-LIFT products in the pond and aquarium. Certain products, such as MICROBE-LIFT/ENSURE and ML/BLOOM & GROW are formulated especially for healthy plant growth.
The biological filter will benefit from a bacterial inoculation to get it jump started in spring. The bacteria in MICROBE-LIFT also do many targeted chores in the pond or aquarium, some of which are in areas that do not traverse the filter, such as bogs or the bottom of ponds with no bottom drain. The answer to this would be yes, you cannot have too much “good guy” bacteria in the pond or aquarium. Any excess of the beneficial bacteria will simply die off when the food supply is gone. We recommend the maintenance dosages to preserve the optimum numbers and distribution of bacteria for the best results under the changing conditions of your pond or aquarium.
Unlike chemicals, the live bacterium will not harm the pond/ aquarium or inhabitants.
MICROBE-LIFT products can be administered together. They are perfectly compatible with each other. Simply follow the directions for usage on the side of the box for each product you use. They are doing different jobs in the pond or aquarium.
Yes, we recommend that you turn off the UV light for a 48-72-hour period after the initial application and for 24-48 hours after each subsequent application. This is when the organisms are growing most rapidly and when they are the most sensitive to the UV light.
Concrete and cement ponds have residual lime and acids in them. The lime may leach out of the concrete for years adversely affecting the bacteria’s results if not properly washed and prepared at time of installation.
It reduces ammonia levels, nitrogen levels, reduces noxious odors caused by urine, fecal matter, algae, overfeeding, etc., reduces hydrogen sulfide odors, improves dissolved oxygen, reduces buildup of bird droppings and organic sediment. Also reduces nitrate nitrogen levels and most potential sources of fish toxicity.
Introducing a live bacterial culture to a pond is like introducing any other life form, such as fish. Your pond should be adequately aerated, especially in warm weather, to provide the oxygen needed by your fish and aerobic bacteria. Oxygen uptake by the bacteria will be higher if there is a significant buildup of organic waste in the pond or aquarium. You should begin to see results in 7-10 days and in 25-30 days you should see complete results. Unlike chemical products which work almost immediately when added to a pond, but become diluted, the active bacteria in MICROBE-LIFT multiply to provide the populations necessary to give the desired effect. Some time is naturally required for this growth to occur. When you plant grass seed you wouldn’t expect to mow it right away, would you?
MICROBE-LIFT should be used as is and not tampered with. The bacteria are grown in the container, and by attempting to dilute it could upset the balance of equilibrium in the bottle and jeopardize the remainder by shortening the shelf life.
These products establish a balance of nutrients in the pond/ aquarium, remove ammonia, nitrogen and other organic waste, which in turn produces cleaner water and a healthier environment for the inhabitants of the pond/ aquarium. It will reduce the manual maintenance requirements of the owner and increase the pleasure of having a pond or aquarium. As one dealer put it, “It cuts your pond maintenance in half.”
MICROBE-LIFT/PL & Special Blend have been called an ecosystem in a bottle. By establishing and maintaining a healthy balance in the pond/ aquarium, and by removing soluble and particulate organic waste matter, the water will obtain clarity otherwise not available. Any small or microscopic debris in the pond or aquarium will add to turbidity, clouding of the pond/ aquarium and detracting from the overall appearance. With MICROBE-LIFT at work, this is removed by the bacterial action.