Question 1

how does this work?

Accepted Answer

Here’re two reputable sources of information to answer this question (and far more factual and clear than Jacksonrd’s response - QED): 
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1171/ 
https://extension.psu.edu/barley-straw-for-algae-control

Question 2

Do you just throw the bale in, or pull it apart?

Accepted Answer

Throw the whole bale in as is.  Do not pull it apart.  It works better if you put it in an area of the pond where there is more water flow, like next to a waterfall.  I use a plastic zip tie or nylon cord to hold it in place near the edge of the pond near my waterfall.  It will float for a while, thats normal, eventually it will sink, so tying it helps you retrieve it.  A very small laundry bag works well too, to help keep it from fraying apart and to tie it in place.

Question 3

Am I using these wrong?  I put 2 bales in a pond that should need only 1, and it didnt clear up my algae at all?

Accepted Answer

I don't know how you are using it, but I floated one in my pond and somewhere between three and four weeks, the water started clearing and within a week it was crystal clear.  There will be moss growing on rocks, etc.  But the Algae in the water will be gone, including that nasty black line that was forming on my rocks from the algae.  worked like a charm for me.  I had no more algae problems after starting to use this product.  I do alternate between dry bales.  When one starts to sink from being totally soaked, I trade it out with a dry one and leave the wet one out on a rock to dry.  I repeat that cycle whenever it is starting to sink.

Question 4

I have a simply lovely outdoor fountain little more than 6-9 feet in diameter, just a foot or do deep. Will this product work with this size fountain?

Accepted Answer

The Summit 130 contains 2 bundles, each about 4" in diameter and 10 " long.  Based on my experience, one should suffice for a pond of your description, and the second. saved for next year, or used now if your pond is really cloudy.  This product will work best and most quickly, if placed where there is water flow (from pumps, waterfalls, returns, etc).  If your problem is related to algae in the water, please keep in mind that algae is a pant which needs sunlight to survive and reproduce.  Water lilies which can be rooted in underwater baskets) not only produce beautiful flowers, but the large green pads shade out much of the algae growth. Good luck.

ASIN	B0002568YK
Allergen Information	Abalone
Best Sellers Rank	#32,023 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #1,151 in Dog Treat Cookies, Biscuits & Snacks
Brand Name	Summit
Customer Reviews	4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (12,891)
Global Trade Identification Number	00018506001308
Included Components	Barley Straw Pond Treatment
Item Form	Barley Straw Bales
Item Type Name	Clear-Water Barley Straw Pond Treatment
Item Weight	4 Ounces
Liquid Volume	1000 Gallons
Manufacturer	SUMMIT...responsible solutions
Manufacturer Part Number	130
Model Number	185504
Number of Items	1
Pet Type	Fish
Target Species	Fish
UPC	018506001308 716080063704 078433191459 617407739022 720698763925 696447509253 756552510008 074994474789 612520300319 645729376427
Unit Count	1 Count

Summit 130 Clear-Water Barley Straw Bales, 2-Pack

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