• Converts accumulation of excess food, waste and soluble organics, that drop to the bottom of the pond, to carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen gases, water and sulfates.
• Oxidizes hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, ammonia and thiocyanate to non-toxic substances.
• Degrades acetic, butyric, hexanoic, propionic, isovaleric and lactic fatty acids.
• Breaks down proteins, starches, fats and food-based oils, xylan, cellulose and lecithin.
• Adds minerals and micro-nutrients that stabilize pH and microbe population growth.
• Probiotic protection of aquatic inhabitants, improving digestion.
• Three of the strains will reduce nitrate to nitrous oxide and nitrogen gas, even in the presence of some free oxygen.
• One strain in the formula produces a blue copper-binding protein that can reduce copper toxicity for other bacteria.
• Many of the strains are tolerant of 7.5% saline (seawater is around 3%)
• Sludge Treatment with Bugs!® Muck Eater allows faster, healthier startups of aquaculture ponds.
• Tested and certified negative for Salmonella, Shigella & E.Coli.
• Safe for fish, crustaceans, wildlife, farm animals and humans when used as directed.
• Non-toxic, non-corrosive. Safe to handle and store.
• Effective at temperatures as low as 40 F (4.4 C) and as high as 96 F (36 C).
• Operates in a pH range of 5 to 8.0, with the optimum near 7.0

For application between cycles, keep sludge at the pond bottom moist to at least 70% of saturation during treatment. For every hectare-meter of sludge (measure depth of sludge x area of pond), apply 1.0 kg (2.2 pounds) of treatment the first week, distributed evenly. Apply 0.5 kg (1.1 pounds) per week after that, for two more applications.

For standard application to bottom of filled water body, apply 18 grams the first week (approx. 0.4 pound), per 1000 gallon (3785 liters) water volume, then dose with 9 grams (0.02 pound) per week for three weeks, and then reduce to 4.5 grams (0.01 pound) per week for maintenance. Dosage may be increased to as much as 10 times recommended dose for very fast results, but monitor the water quality to assure that the dissolving sludge does not cause polluted water. If the test results in the water rise, stop treating the sludge and treat the water for 2 weeks with Bugs!® clear-up then resume treatment with Bugs!® Muck Eater , but dose at 5 grams (0.011 pound) each week per 1000 gallon volume.

For optimum bacterial performance, hydrate Bugs!® Muck Eater before application in the evening. Thoroughly mix each pound of dry product with two gallons of warm water (approx.70 deg. F or 21 deg. C) from the water body to be treated. Allow the mixture to hydrate for two hours, stirring vigorously every half hour. Immediately after stirring the mixture for the last time, pour into the pond in divided doses, to evenly distribute it around the pond. Avoid use of algaecides, herbicides, and antibiotics when using Soilandwater.com Bugs!® products.  DOUBLE the recommended dosage when applied to water having a temperature below 46 F (8 C).