API POND ECOFIX SLUDGE DESTROYER Bacterial cleaner, Pond Water Clarifier and Sludge Remover Treatment 16-Ounce Bottle

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.

I use this in my Yellow Bellied Cooter's 40 gallon tank. As turtle fans know turtle tanks are very hard to keep clean. This item works great to keep his water clean and clear. It also extends the time between filter cleanings and my turtle is very healthy, my turtle is 13 years old and 6 inches long.

Not a miracle worker but definitely helps clear outside pond water and decrease the sludge. I think adding catfish would help more.

Our pond water is finally crystal clear. I attribute it to using the Ecofix twice per month (1st and 15th, so I can remember) and the same brand's Algaefix once per week (every Monday). I keep both pumps running 24/7. A tad bit expensive for both the products but it is much better than dealing with gunky sludge and algae that requires constant removal from the pond.

I do not have fish in my water feature but I still get algae sludge. I wish it worked better at eating the dead algae.

We have a water feature that we use intermittently, so the water putrefies. This does a great job very quickly.

Been using it regularly for about 3 years now in a small bubbling fountain and in a small waterfall/stream. Easy to use and it does what it is supposed to. If I forget to put it in and some algae forms, one small capful eliminates the algae by next day.

Not amazing, but okay.