Canyon Creek,
That is the problem with the industry surrounding bacterial products today. They are not pesticieds, so it is actually illegal for them to make any direct claims for killing algae. Other than that they can tell people what ever they want. Really the only way of finding a good product is talking to other pond contractors, at conferences, etc. Or simply through trial and error.
There have been no published studys on concentrated microbes so essentially there is no scientific evidence behind it (that is published) because if in fact someone did discover their bacteria killed algae then that company would have to obtain a pesticide license ($$$). What I can tell you is these products do not digest muck at a rate that will be noticeable, especially when there is a constant organic load to the system, except if there is no load, and it is aerated, and observed over many years. The brand we use is called MicroLife Clear Max, and have seen excellent results with it. Still, some algae species do seem to outcompete it and pesticides do need to be used, but often an integrated approach of aeration, bacteria, and small copper spot treatments is the solution to these troubled ponds & lakes.
Often the bacteria with aeration can take care of the problem it self. Effects are exponentially increased with air.
