Microbe-Lift Ponds Lagoons and Aquaponics Sludge Away

Microbe-Lift Ponds Lagoons and Aquaponics Sludge Away

Microbe-Lift Ponds Lagoons and Aquaponics Sludge Away is a microbial pond sludge remover that speeds up the natural breakdown of sludge and muck in ponds, aquaponics and aquarium systems. It is especially useful for rock or gravel-bottomed ponds, and anywhere vacuuming the bottom is impractical.

It is formulated for the organic bottom solids that are slow to degrade. Years in development, it speeds the biological removal of this waste before it turns toxic to fish and plant life.

Why Bottom Sludge Matters

As organic solids build up on a pond bottom, they begin to break down and release toxic gases into the surrounding environment. These gaseous by-products endanger fish, marine life and plants. Sludge Away removes bottom organic sludge and muck, reducing or eliminating the potentially harmful gaseous compounds. It also helps clarify your pond water at the same time.

Key Benefits

• Speeds up the natural removal of sludge and muck in ponds, aquaponics and aquarium systems
• Targets organic bottom solids that are slow to degrade
• Suits rock or gravel-bottomed ponds and areas where vacuuming is impractical
• Manufacturer states it provides rapid, natural sludge and muck removal, 80% faster than competitive products
• Binds phosphate
• Helps improve pond clarity
• Organic and microbial based, with 100% active ingredients
• Disperses quickly
• Safe for fish, plants, pets and the environment

How to Use

• Make sure the pond is adequately oxygenated before and during treatment, with dissolved oxygen above 4.0 mg/L.
• Sludge Away works faster at warm water temperatures. It can still be used effectively at any temperature, all year round.
• Treatment time per size is listed under Available Sizes.

Oxygen Demand

Sludge Away accelerates the solubilisation and biological digestion of organic solids in your pond. This increases the pond's Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR), and your aquatic life's need for oxygen rises with it. Good aeration is therefore important while the product is working.

What to Expect

• Pond water may discolour slightly for a short while.
• Rocks along the edge may darken, but they return to their natural colour.

Suitable For

• Garden ponds and lagoons
• Aquaponics systems
• Aquarium systems
• Ponds with a rock or gravel bottom
• Systems where vacuuming sludge is impractical

Available Sizes

• 32 oz. (MLXSAQ): treats a 500 gal. (1892L) pond for 6.5 weeks
• Gallon (MLXSAG4): treats a 2,500 gal. (9463L) pond for 5 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Sludge Away in winter?
Yes. It works faster in warm water, but it can be used effectively at any temperature, all year round.

Will it change the colour of my pond water?
It may discolour the water slightly for a short while. Rocks along the edge may darken but will return to their natural colour.

Do I need an air pump or aeration?
Make sure the pond is adequately oxygenated, with dissolved oxygen above 4.0 mg/L. The product increases the Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) and your aquatic life's oxygen needs as it digests organic solids.

Is it safe for fish, plants and pets?
The manufacturer states it is safe for fish, plants, pets and the environment. Keep the pond well oxygenated while it works.

Which size should I choose?
The 32 oz. size treats a 500 gal. (1892L) pond for 6.5 weeks. The gallon size treats a 2,500 gal. (9463L) pond for 5 weeks. Match the size to your pond's volume.

Does it work where I can't vacuum the bottom?
Yes. It is especially helpful for rock or gravel-bottomed ponds, where vacuuming is impractical. It speeds the natural removal of the sludge and muck that builds up there.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

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Delivery times to lockers and pickup locations typically range from 2–7 working days, depending on your location.*

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Collection timeframes:

• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
• PUDO Lockers: Collect within 36 hours of receiving your collection PIN or SMS notification.

If a PUDO parcel is not collected within 36 hours, it will automatically be transferred to the nearest PUDO Kiosk or Depot at no additional cost. The parcel will then be held there for approximately 2 days before being returned.

Please ensure you collect your parcel within the applicable collection period. Uncollected parcels will be returned to the sender, and additional shipping charges may apply should the order need to be resent.