A brown or tea-colored tint in your pond after adding Beneficial Bacteria may be caused by tannins released from leaves, wood, and other decomposing organic debris.
Beneficial bacteria help break down organic waste, but the discoloration does not necessarily mean the treatment caused a problem.
How long will the brown tint last?
There is no fixed timeframe. The water may gradually clear as organic debris is removed, but discoloration can continue if tannins are still entering the pond.
How to clear brown pond water
- Remove leaves, sludge, and other accumulated organic debris.
- Perform a partial water change if needed.
- Use Aquascape Activated Pond Carbon to help remove tannins and improve water clarity.
If the water remains brown, identify whether the discoloration is caused by dissolved tannins or suspended sediment, as these require different approaches.
For additional guidance, see Why Is My Pond Water Brown?.