1/4 acre pond in woodland area in Ohio. Pond is now 4 years old. Main issue seems to be managing muck accumulation from leaves. I don’t think I can keep all leaves out so I am anticipating recurring maintenance of muck. I got an aerator in and working, now for beneficial bacteria. I understand the principle involved, but don’t understand some practical issues. First, shouldn’t there be a natural population of aerobic bacteria that would rise to the occasion of more organic matter to feed on? Second, if I greatly boost that population with a treatment to reduce sludge, why doesn’t it thrive on the “food” until it is all gone rather than needing to retreat every couple weeks. What happens to the aerobic bacteria population in that two weeks?
