MuckBiotics Zero Cold Water Muck Reducer Pellets
Description
MuckBiotics Zero (30lb. bag) is the first probiotic (beneficial bacteria) tablet designed for restoration and maintenance of impaired cold water resources (34-60°F). Enhanced with psychrophilic microorganisms, this advanced probiotic combines scientific research with novel bioengineering, resulting in a product that treats the entire water body, starting at the bottom. MuckBiotics Zero tablets digest organic matter (muck /sludge), boost biological nutrient removal and improve water quality. They are excellent for early season applications to restart microbial communities after cold winters have slowed their metabolic activity. They are also excellent for late season applications to improve the digestion of the fall nutrient influx (leaves from trees, dead aquatic plants / algae, etc) and reduce the nutrient loading going into the winter.
MuckBiotics Zero is applied by broadcasting the tablets evenly over the surface of the targeted area. The tablets sink to the bottom and rapidly populate the aquatic environment in which they are applied. MuckBiotics Zero should be applied across the entire surface of a water body for best results. It also excels at targeting shorelines, coves, or similar specific areas prone to rapid accumulation of organic matter. MuckBiotics Zero DOES NOT kill aquatic plants or algae.
MuckBiotics Zero is recommended for use in lakes, ponds, water gardens, reservoirs and similar water bodies. This product is nontoxic and will not harm fish or other aquatic organisms.
NOTE: MuckBiotics Zero DOES NOT kill aquatic plants or algae.
Dosage Rates
Once per month or as needed.
| Surface Acres | Targeted Muck Reduction | Muck Maintenance & Prevention | Degradation of Floating Debris |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 10 – 25 pounds | 5 – 12.5 pounds | 2.5 – 7.5 pounds |
| 1 | 20 – 50 pounds | 10 – 25 pounds | 5 – 15 pounds |
| 10 | 200 – 500 pounds | 100 – 250 pounds | 50 – 150 pounds |
| 100 | 2000 – 5000 pounds | 1000 – 2500 pounds | 500 – 1500 pounds |
*Do not mix directly with algaecides or herbicides.
**If used in conjunction with algaecide or herbicide, apply Muck Pellets after chemical treatment for best results.
Why MuckBiotics Work!
The microbial community in an aquatic ecosystem slows down as water temperatures cool (below 60°F). The bacteria and other organisms that are active in warmer water are drastically slowed or even go dormant. Bacterial activity can reduce as much as 50% with every 5 degrees temperature drop. MuckBotics Zero and Polaryme can increase biological activity by over 1000% in temperatures as low as 34°F.
The Science Behind It
MuckBiotics Zero is a nontoxic, bioengineered technology designed to cover the surficial sediment (“muck”) layer with bio stimulants and a broad spectrum of beneficial bacterial cultures. These stimulants and bacterial cultures help establish a desirable microbiota at the water-to-sediment interface that accelerates the digestion of organic matter and provides sediment compaction by reducing mucilage produced by undesired bacteria. A healthy microbial community augmented with MuckBiotics Zero functions as a “biofilter” and reduces nutrient loading by targeting organic bound nitrogen. THE DIVERSIFORM BLEND™ Through complex enzyme pathways, the bacteria and biostimulants in MuckBiotics Zero accelerate the breakdown of muck into smaller and smaller molecules. This in turn spurs the bacterial growth and uptake of nitrogen, ammonia, and phosphate. In the end, MuckBiotics Zero turns thick levels of muck into microscopic levels of bacterial biomass, water, and carbon dioxide. Every component in the tablets have been chosen for their abilities to consume large amounts of organics and for their hunger for problematic nutrients. TABLET TECHNOLOGY Unlike other bacterial amendments, MuckBiotics Zero represents targeted sludge reduction. The dense tablets sink into the sludge and deliver bacteria and biostimulants directly where they are needed. With the tablet delivered directly into the sludge, all the ingredients remain in the area of treatment, making it the most efficient possible sludge reduction approach. This means application can happen as infrequently as once per month. MuckBiotics Zero can be applied in all weather conditions. The tablets can be broadcasted evenly over the surface of the targeted area by hand or with a spreader.
FAQs
FAQs
MuckBiotics Zero is a probiotic tablet specifically formulated for cold water environments (34–60 °F). It contains psychrophilic (cold-loving) bacteria and bio-stimulants that target sediment (muck/sludge) from the bottom up, rather than deploying harsh chemicals.
It digests organic muck, boosts biological nutrient removal, and improves overall water quality. It's especially effective post-winter (spring) and in the fall when loads of leaves and decaying plant matter accumulate.
No—MuckBiotics Zero does not kill algae or plants. It works solely on organic sediment, making it safe for ecosystems with live vegetation.
Broadcast the tablets evenly over the water surface. They'll sink to the sediment and start working. For best results:
- Apply once per month, or as needed based on muck buildup.
| Surface Acres | Targeted Muck Reduction | Maintenance & Prevention | Floating Debris Degradation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ½ acre | 10–25 lbs | 5–12.5 lbs | 2.5–7.5 lbs |
| 1 acre | 20–50 lbs | 10–25 lbs | 5–15 lbs |
Yes—it’s non-toxic and formulated to not harm aquatic life. In fact, it fosters a healthy, balanced microbial ecosystem in the sediment layer.
Apply in early spring after ice off to jumpstart microbial activity, or in late fall to help digest incoming organic debris before winter. It helps mitigate nutrient loading heading into cold months.
Do not mix directly with chemicals. If you use algaecide/herbicide, apply MuckBiotics Zero afterward, once chemical treatment is complete.
One application typically lasts for a month. If significant muck returns or during heavy fall debris loads, you may reapply monthly. When sediment levels are low, reduce to a maintenance dose frequency.
These are dense sinking tablets, designed to reach the sediment layer efficiently. This ensures the probiotics and stimulants act exactly where they're needed, unlike floating or slow-dissolve forms.
No, you should apply it before ice forms. Once the surface freezes, the tablets won’t disperse properly, and bacterial activity slows significantly. Ideal timing is just before freeze-up, while water temps are still above 34°F.
Yes—MuckBiotics Zero uses psychrophilic (cold-loving) strains that remain active at low temperatures. While activity slows, they continue breaking down organic material throughout the winter.
If water temperatures drop below 34°F, microbial metabolism slows dramatically, making treatment inefficient. Apply when water is still between 34–50°F for best results.
Indirectly, yes. By breaking down organic matter before winter, it reduces oxygen demand under the ice—helping minimize oxygen depletion, which is a common cause of fish kills
Not necessarily. A late-season application helps “pre-digest” leaf litter and plant die-off. In some cases, it reduces or eliminates the need for early spring muck treatments.
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Tablets may clump or land unevenly on frozen debris. Uniform distribution and warmer water are essential for activation.
No. MuckBiotics Zero tablets are shelf-stable and freeze-tolerant in dry storage. Just make sure they’re sealed and protected from moisture and rodents.
Yes. By degrading leaf litter and decaying vegetation before winter, you reduce nutrient loads (like phosphorus) that would otherwise fuel algae blooms in early spring.
Absolutely. These are prime areas for muck accumulation from trapped leaves. As long as the water hasn’t frozen yet, these are excellent target zones.
Treating just before or during leaf drop jumpstarts decomposition, ensuring leaves are broken down faster before winter. This keeps bottom muck from accumulating through the cold season.