Hilltop Hatcheries

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	At Hilltop Hatcheries we are not only into raising fish. Sure the fish are why the business is here but above all we are pond owners just like you. The vast majority of our pond knowledge comes from first had experience and years of just playing with them. This tinkering mixed with hours of research and talking with others in the industry has led us to where we are now.
We have dealt with great ponds that seemed like you could do anything with them and problematic ponds that needed a lot of work and attention to make them into the clean and fully self supporting ecosystems that their owners wanted them to be. We have even had our share of problems with our own ponds... If you notice the dock at the right, that is just one example.
	The real point is this: we love our fish, we love our ponds, and we love sharing the whole "ponding" experience with our customers. Our philosophy is simple. Keep it natural. We are not big into algaecides and chemicals. Artificial aeration is about the only artificial thing in our ponds. We use a combination of Koi and barley for algae, triploid grass carp for weeds, and catfish for cleanup. Using fish to do it naturally can leave you with an extremely healthy and happy pond for you and your family to enjoy for generations to come.

We Love Barley Straw!!

Barley straw offers a new easy way to use nature to help treat your pond water. Years ago, farmers learned that by putting barley bales in pond water, the decomposing process of the barley straw seemed to clear water in the ponds. Farmers in barley growing areas have used this technique both to clear their ponds and to help prevent erosion.

Barley Straw is a natural alternative to herbicides and chemicals for the prevention of filamentous algae. It will not harm fish or plants, and in most cases it actually increases the invertebrate population providing an additional food source for the fish. Barley Straw will NOT kill existing algae, but it will prevent new growth from forming. As it begins to decay materials in the cell walls of the barley are released into the water. With sufficient oxygen, this material oxidizes into humic acid, which combined with sunlight causes a low level of hydrogen peroxide to form. This activity interferes with the growth of new algae cells, thus leaving your pond algae free.

Barley Straw Bales

Approximate dosing:

8oz. bale treats up to 700 gallons of water

12oz. bale treats up to 1200 gallons of water

Directions for use:

Place in water in early spring. For best results it should go in before the water temperature reaches 40 degrees F. Straw will take one to six weeks to begin decomposing and releasing natural chemicals that inhibit algae growth. This is dependent on the water temperature. Straw will continue to work for several months depending on the weather, water circulation, and temperature. To contain the decomposing matter it is best to place the bale into an onion bag or something similar that will allow water to pass through.

Barley Straw Pellets

Barley straw is also available in a palletized form, and the use of a net bag helps hold the pellets together while in the pond. To use, simply lower the bag of pellets into the water. When added to the water, the palletized barley straw expands slightly, creating a lot of surface area on the sides and ridges. The pellets take two to eight weeks to begin to decompose.

For Large Ponds:

Barley is effective for controlling ponds of all sizes. The recommended dose is 3-4 standard barley bales per surface acre of water. Spread the bales around the outside perimeter of the pond or near the inlet or water source.