"James Cook" wrote in
:

It is true about the algae bit but the quantities have to be quite
precise - there is a ratio for straw to water volume, google should
provide the answer.

As for the bacteria bit ? I think the poster is a little confused -
decaying organic material doesn't 'give off' bacteria - it is the
action of bacteria already in the water that break the organic matter
down into ammonia, this is further broken down by oxidisation to
Nitrates and Nitrites. Certain levels of these are essential for a
healthy pond, ammonia and nitrates provide food for aquatic plants -
very high nitrates however will lead to very poor water quality and
ultimately kill the pond. This is why you should prevent an
over-accumulation of decaying leaves, fish shit and frog shit on the
bottom of your pond - the smell of that black sludge from the depths
of the pond is also equisitely disgusting.

Whoo hoo! Who gives a shit.
Just fill it full on concrete and be done with it.
****s.

--
Kullrad (14)
UKSF Best New Poster 2003

There's going to be knives!