"Gareee©" wrote:

Of course, barley straw seems to work for many, doesn't hurt frogs and
invertebrates, but can discolor the water.

That's the first I heard of discoloration.. what color does it change the
water to?

All of my books say that a pond in balance is like a fine brewed beer
and the same color. My pond which seems to be in perfect balance and has
a bail of barley straw floating on it is a pale tan or yellow color, so
I guess the books are right. I wouldn't say the barley straw discolors
the water, but permits the pond to achieve it's best balance which does
have a slight color.

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