MuckBiotics
MuckBiotics® is a next-generation probiotic (beneficial bacteria) tablet for restoration and maintenance of impaired water resources. This advanced probiotic combines scientific research with novel bioengineering, resulting in a product that treats the entire water body by starting at the bottom. MuckBiotics® digests organic matter (muck / sludge), boosts biological nutrient removal and improves water quality.
MuckBiotics® are 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® should be applied across the entire surface of a water body for best results. They also excel at targeting shorelines, coves, or similar specific areas prone rapid accumulation of organic matter.
MuckBiotics® DOES NOT kill aquatic plants or algae.
MuckBiotics® 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 DO NOT kill aquatic plants or algae
Backed by years of intensive study. MuckBiotics have been proven to reduce organic matter and key nutrients in muck through a study using a lab setup that more closely mimics real life water bodies than any previous study. Read the full study or learn more about the details below.
in Freshwater Replica Tanks
- Complete metagenomic DNA analysis of sediment microbiota using the Illumina NovaSeq6000
- Sediment volume and quantitative analysis of control and test tanks
- Full sediment nutrient and water quality assessment
- Testing tanks designed to mimic real water conditions, such as natural water movement and clay/sand layer


The nontoxic, organic technology saturates the surface of the sediment layer with rare earth stimulants and a broad spectrum of natural bacterial cultures. This establishes a healthy microbiota at the water-to-sediment interface that accelerates the digestion of organic matter. The microbiota functions as a biofilter, reducing harmful nutrient loading from both internal and external sources.
THE DIVERSIFORM BLEND™
Through complex enzyme pathways, the bacteria and biostimulants in MuckBiotics® 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® 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® represents targeted muck reduction. The dense tablets sink into the muck and deliver bacteria and biostimulants directly where they are needed. With the tablet delivered directly into the muck, all the ingredients remain in the area of treatment, making it the most efficient possible muck reduction approach. This means application can happen as infrequently as once per month. MuckBiotics® 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.
MuckBiotics Research Paper
Dosage Rates
Once per month or as needed.
Treatment Area | Targeted Muck Reduction | Muck Maintenance & Prevention | Degradation of Floating Debris |
10,000 sq ft | 2.5-15 lbs | 2.5-10 lbs | 1-4 lbs |
1 | 20 – 50 pounds | 10 – 25 pounds | 5 – 15 pounds |
*Do not mix directly with algaecides or herbicides.
**If used in conjunction with algaecide or herbicide, apply MD Pellets after chemical treatment for best results.
Common Uses
- Lakes and ponds
- Aquaculture
- Shorelines
- Golf courses
- Retention ponds
- Decorative Ponds
- And more!
Benefits
- Removes buildup of organic matter
- Improves water quality and clarity
- Restores balance to water bodies
- Reduces internal nutrient load
Available Sizes
- 30 pound bag
Specifications | |
Ingredients | Bio-vitamins, probiotics, and select bacterial cultures |
Description | Dry brown tablet |
Odor | Earthy odor |
Stability – Activity loss | <1% Loss in 6 months when stored as directed: at 75 degrees F in a sealed container with low humidity. |
Storage and Handling | Store in a cool, dry space between 50-80 degrees F. |
SUMMARY:The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MuckBiotics pellets in reducing the organic substrate of a Northwest Ohio lake.
SOLUTION:Treatment rates of pellets were 420 lbs on 6/29/22 followed by 330 lbs on 7/28/22 for a total of 750 lbs.
RESULTS: Sediment depth decreased after the use of MuckBiotics pellets from 26580 yds 3 to 21309 yds 3
SUMMARY:MuckBiotics tablets were evenly applied to a lake in northern Wisconsin to help reduce the muck. The sediment was high in organics and these organics were throughout the majority of the lake. A muck survey was conducted at 26 locations prior to each treatment.
SOLUTION:MuckBiotics Tablets were applied in September 2020, June, July, August, and September of 2021. 1800 pounds of Muck Biotic Tablets were applied during the initial application in September of 2020 and 1500 pounds each application in 2021.
RESULTS: There was a total average of 8.663 inches of reduction of muck throughout the lake after 5 treatments of MuckBiotics.
SUMMARY: A 13-acre lake with over 400 acres of farm field runoff was having extreme Planktonic/Cyanobacteria outbreaks throughout the entire lake. Normal treatments with just chelated copper were not enough. Every heavy rain would cause a spike in nutrient levels, on top of already high levels of Phosphates and Nitrates.
SOLUTION: Nature’s Blend at 3 lbs. per acre; MuckBiotics at 12 lbs. per acre.
RESULTS: Using Nature’s Blend, we were able to reduce nutrient levels in the lake by more than half. We saw better response to chemical treatment on the Planktonic/Cyanobacteria and water clarity improvement. Treatments of Nature’s Blend will continue during the warmer months and rotating to Polar Blend during the cooler months for continued year-long nutrient control. Without these products the Planktonic/ Cyanobacteria would continue to be an uncontrollable nuisance.
SUMMARY: . Water runoff from surrounding fertilized lawns and lack of riparian buffers causes heavy nutrient accumulation of nitrogen and phosphorus. This nutrient overloading causes prolific pithophora algal blooms during the growing season.
SOLUTION: Muckbiotics was applied evenly within the southern lobe, the key area of this study.
RESULTS: Our three test sites within the target area resulted in an average muck depth reduction of 4.5 inches in five months. Muck depth at these three sites gradually decreased beginning with the initial application of Muckbiotics in May.
SUMMARY: Residential retention ponds with high levels of muck due to multiple years of contact runoff have accumulated critical levels of muck, algae, and nuisance vegetation growth.
SOLUTION: Applied 410lbs of MuckBiotics distributed evenly between all three ponds in targeted areas.
RESULTS: The tested locations saw a reduction in growth as follows, Pond 1: 60% reduction in max growth, Pond 2: 30% percent reduction in max growth, and Pond 3: 80% reduction in max growth.
SUMMARY: Stormwater systems were suffering from organic muck build-up due to fertilizer runoff.
SOLUTION: Applied 50lbs of MuckBiotics per surface acre to reduce the depth of muck layer, treated locations also used surface aeration.
RESULTS: The tested locations saw a reduction in the depth of their muck layer by at least 10 inches over the course of just one treatment season.
SUMMARY: A stormwater pond had a severe vegetation/muck mat making it difficult to ascertain a pond was even there. There little to no storage capacity and the pond was unable to function as designed.
SOLUTION: A four part treatment was used each 30 days apart. Treatment 1: AquaSticker + herbicide, Treatment 2: AquaSticker + herbicide +PondZilla Pro, Treatment 3: PondZilla Pro + Nature’s Blend at 3 lb/acre + MuckBiotics at 40 lb/acre, Treatment 4: PondZilla Pro + MuckBiotics at 40 lb/acre.
RESULTS: With the four-part treatment they saw an increase in storage volume, the storage pond was able to properly function, and they saw cost savings.
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SUMMARY: A pond in a residential community was experiences odor issues and excessive plant growth deterring the public from coming to the area.
SOLUTION: Apply MuckBiotics to reduce muck accumulation.
RESULTS: Overall muck depth was reduced by 16%, plant growth was down dramatically, and a significant change in muck composition was seen. The muck showed a change from a firm packed composition to a much looser density.
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The Natural Lake Biosciences Research & Case History Rewards Program is an annual contest created to allow lake managers to show off all the great work they do with Natural Lake Biosciences products. Follow the links below to learn more about the program, how to enter, and what constitutes a winning case study.
Include in treatment programs for:
- Filamentous Algae
- Planktonic Algae
- Cyanobacteria
- Muck & Sludge
- Water Clarity
- Nutrient Reduction
- Aquatic Plants
- Submerged Plants
- Unique Issues
Megan S. (OH) –
Amazing results. Reduces muck quickly and easy to apply
Eli Kersh –
I am a professional lake manager and I use this product for all my clients. I regularly receive texts expressing excitement about the water clarity and reductions in algae!
Ashley S. (SC) –
Strong products, fast delivery.
Ryan R. (FL) –
This product is amazing! I’ve been using it at accounts for years and the results are impressive. This product has turned nasty muddy bottoms into clear and sandy bottoms. Would highly recommend.
Michael S. (FL) –
Product the works great.