API POND HEALTHY FISH POND BUNDLE – API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control, API ECOFIX SLUDGE DESTROYER Pond Water Clarifier & Sludge Remover, API POND FISH FOOD – Complete Pond Maintenance Kit for Koi, Goldfish & Outdoor Water Gardens

I have used almost all of the API products since we started keeping koi 4 years ago. I also tried several products by their competitor Microbe Lift and never got any positive results, except Microbe Lift Kh. All the API products can be used together, if you have multiple issues. You need to be sure you are treating your problem with the right product. That is why API has a product for every type of problem. We have expanded several times and now have an 8,000-gallon pond. We have a pump, filter, UV light, 2 bottom drains, a skimmer, and a sediment tank.I take water quality measurements every week, and occasionally issues will arise, even though we have a great system. That is why I still use Ecofix on a regular basis. The Ecofix bacteria keeps the Nitrates low and breaks down whatever plant matter is in the pond and pulled into the sediment tank. Then, I just skim out whatever is clumped in the sediment tank with a net. We do a back wash/small water change every month. We use API Stress Coat when we do water changes. Even though the bacteria in Ecofix breaks matter down and clumps stuff together for easy removal, the matter still needs to be removed. It’s not like it will completely disappear out of your pond, lol. Don’t we wish. You can remove what is left with a net and/or special vacuum to clean the bottom (never tried myself) and/or do a pump back wash to get the crap out of your filter. Using a vacuum is a drastic way to remove matter, and why I have never tried, because you will have to remove all your fish, or you will have a finding Nemo problem.Depending on where your Ph starts, I recommend putting in a little Kh/baking soda with the Ecofix. I use it with Ecofix to control the Ph. If I don't put in a little in when I use Ecofix, my Ph gets lower. I almost had a Ph crash before I figured this out. I only use a cup of baking soda for an 8000-gallon pond, so be careful. I found it works best for my pond, if I put in a little every other time when I add Ecofix. It’s best to put in less baking soda than you think you need and take daily measurements. That is how I arrived at 1 cup. API on Amazon sells test strips and liquid tests that I use to measure quality. (By now you might be thinking I have stock in the API company, and maybe I should. I only recommend their products because this is what I have found works over trial and error).No matter what product you are using, follow instructions for the correct dosage amount and where to put the product in your pond. Most people make mistakes in dosage because they don't know the volume of water in their pond. There are websites that help you calculate your pond volume that are easy to use. Many people don’t realize how the smallest increment of wrong dosage will impact the results and possibly their fish. Incorrect dosage is what I suspect when some reviewers say the API products did not work, or perhaps they weren’t using the right product for their problem. Like if you have an algae problem use Microbial Algae Clean, not Ecofix. The only product by API I don’t recommend is Algeafix. It didn’t work for the algae in my pond (before we got the bigger UV light for the new bigger pond). API Microbial Algae Clean (a bacteria) works better. A UV light works best.Hopefully, reading this review was helpful to you. Feel free to ask me questions.