we just used two of the barley straw "pads" in ours,
and they are about 10 inches square, woven.
Our pond is 12x12 by about 2-3 feet deep.

Two Barley pads should have changed the water to a tea color. If your
pond is an opaque or murky brown, I would think something else caused
the problem.

Jim
Zone 8a - Dallas, Texas
Pond, Veggie Filter, Pond Maintenance & Pond Tour Pics:
http://community.webshots.com/user/dallas75248