{"title":"Cold-Water Pond Bacteria","description":"\u003cp\u003ePrepare ponds for fall, winter and early spring with bacteria treatments intended for lower water temperatures. Choose between Autumn Prep and Winter Blend according to the season, water temperature, product format and label directions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAutumn Prep or Winter Blend?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn Prep\u003c\/strong\u003e is a sinking seasonal treatment for organic bottom muck and debris.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e is a liquid cold-water bacteria treatment for seasonal water-care programs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the exact temperature limits and application schedule printed on the product label. Do not apply a warm-season maintenance schedule automatically during cold conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeasonal planning\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove excess leaves and debris when practical, maintain appropriate circulation or aeration for the pond and calculate pond volume before selecting a size. Compare additional bottom-care options in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pond-muck-sludge-removers\"\u003eMuck \u0026amp; Sludge Removers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I switch to a cold-water treatment?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse measured water temperature and the operating range on the individual label rather than choosing by calendar date alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Autumn Prep and Winter Blend be used together?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow their individual directions and only combine or sequence products when the label-supported treatment plan allows it.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ultraclear-autumn-prep","title":"UltraClear Cold Water Muck \u0026 Sludge Remover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLess winter buildup. An easier spring opening.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFallen leaves and fish waste settle on the pond bottom just as the weather turns cold. UltraClear Cold Water Muck \u0026amp; Sludge Remover uses sinking beneficial bacteria pellets to help break down that organic debris in water from \u003cstrong\u003e32°F to 55°F\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFormerly UltraClear Autumn Prep. Same cold-water formula, clearer name.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWorks where the muck collects\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTargets bottom debris:\u003c\/strong\u003e sinking pellets reach the leaves, fish waste and sludge that collect on the pond floor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupports cold-season pond care:\u003c\/strong\u003e use during fall, unfrozen winter periods and early spring to help reduce organic buildup and odors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimple to apply:\u003c\/strong\u003e measure the label dose and scatter evenly. No premixing or special equipment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe for pond life when used as directed:\u003c\/strong\u003e a biological formula for ponds with koi, fish, aquatic plants and visiting wildlife.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in the USA:\u003c\/strong\u003e backed by UltraClear pond care experience since 1993.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/2644\/5444\/files\/a385e08a-9078-4ad6-a2b1-6355f69104b5.__CR0_0_600_450_PT0_SX600_V1.jpg?v=1790627688\" alt=\"Autumn leaves sinking beneath the surface of a frosty pond\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYour cold-season routine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck the water temperature.\u003c\/strong\u003e Begin as pond water cools below 55°F.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasure and scatter.\u003c\/strong\u003e Follow the package dosing chart for your pond size, then distribute the pellets evenly across the water surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRepeat as directed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Ponds up to 1,000 gallons are dosed weekly; larger ponds are dosed monthly. Follow your package label for the amount.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResume after thaw.\u003c\/strong\u003e The bacteria become dormant during freezing conditions and resume activity when the water thaws into the working temperature range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwitch for warmer water.\u003c\/strong\u003e Above 55°F, use \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultraclear-muck-digester-4-lbs\"\u003eUltraClear Muck Digester Tabs\u003c\/a\u003e for warm-season bottom maintenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChoose your size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable in \u003cstrong\u003e0.75 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb and 10 lb\u003c\/strong\u003e. Choose for your pond size and the number of applications you need. Check the dosing chart on your selected package; container size alone does not determine how long treatment will last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeed help measuring your pond? Use the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pond-calculator\"\u003eUltraClear Pond Calculator\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003econtact us for dosing help\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it work if my pond freezes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bacteria pause during freezing conditions and resume when the water thaws. Use within the 32°F–55°F working range and follow the label directions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this the same as Autumn Prep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. UltraClear Autumn Prep is now Cold Water Muck \u0026amp; Sludge Remover. The cold-water formula is the same.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I switch to Muck Digester Tabs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch when pond water rises above 55°F. Cold Water Muck \u0026amp; Sludge Remover is designed for the cooler part of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"UltraClear","offers":[{"title":"0.75lb","offer_id":50879569264772,"sku":"42703","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5lb","offer_id":50879569297540,"sku":"42705","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10lb","offer_id":50888749318276,"sku":"42709","price":189.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3lb","offer_id":52589185826948,"sku":"42704","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/2644\/5444\/files\/0.75lbs_w_Sticker.png?v=1786473862"},{"product_id":"winter-blend","title":"UltraClear Cold Water Complete (Winter Blend) – Pond Bacteria","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeep biological pond care going through the cold-water season.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUltraClear Cold Water Complete, listed here as Winter Blend, combines nitrifying and sludge-digesting beneficial bacteria for pond water from 35°F to 55°F. The liquid formula supports clarity and the breakdown of organic waste as temperatures fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCold-season support for your pond\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive in cooler water:\u003c\/strong\u003e formulated for 35°F–55°F conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreaks down organic debris:\u003c\/strong\u003e helps digest fallen leaves, fish waste, excess food and decaying vegetation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupports biological balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e nitrifying bacteria help biologically convert ammonia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy liquid application:\u003c\/strong\u003e shake, measure and pour directly according to the label.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in the USA:\u003c\/strong\u003e safe for koi, goldfish, plants and wildlife when used as directed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWeekly cold-water care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBegin when pond water falls below 55°F. Use \u003cstrong\u003e1 fl oz per 1,000 gallons weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e, following your bottle's dosing chart. Examples:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e500 gallons: 0.5 fl oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1,000 gallons: 1 fl oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10,000 gallons: 10 fl oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor problem ponds, use the recommended dose 2–3 times per week until conditions improve, then weekly maintenance. Follow the current package directions for your pond.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eChoose a bottle\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable in 32 fl oz and 1 gallon sizes. A 32 fl oz bottle supplies 32 one-ounce treatments; a gallon supplies 128. Larger ponds and more frequent treatments use additional product.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat happens during freezing weather?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe bacteria can survive beneath surface ice. Activity slows or becomes dormant during extended cold, then resumes as water temperatures and pond conditions improve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I change my seasonal routine?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse during fall, winter and early spring while water is in the cold-temperature range. Above 55°F, switch to a suitable warm-season beneficial-bacteria product and follow its directions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this the same format as Cold Water Muck Remover?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. This is a liquid treatment. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultraclear-autumn-prep\"\u003eCold Water Muck \u0026amp; Sludge Remover\u003c\/a\u003e uses sinking pellets for bottom-focused treatment. Each has its own dosing directions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"UltraClear","offers":[{"title":"32 oz","offer_id":50888646852740,"sku":"42820","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":50888646885508,"sku":"42830","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/2644\/5444\/files\/61OdKRP0eDL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1790638657"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.ultraclear.com\/collections\/cold-water-pond-bacteria.oembed","provider":"UltraClear","version":"1.0","type":"link"}