**Summit 1138 Clear-Water Barley Straw Planter – Natural Pond Algae Control for Up to 500 Gallons – Ideal for Garden Ponds, Water Features & Small Lakes**

I bought 3 other products to try to combat the algae problem in my pond, nothing was working! I was getting so frustrated— I put in the ball and and it started working immediately. I haven’t put a plant in it yet because I wasn’t sure if it would even work. I am so happy! My pond is finally back to almost clear and I can actually see my fish! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!I liked this product and thought it was awesome. But my grandson's husky decided to fetch it out of the pond and chew it up. Very glad it's non-toxic.Helped to clear our water within a few days but could not get it to stay upright, especially with a plant in it. Ended up partially submerging in our bog just before the waterfall & it stayed put there. Probably wouldn’t order another one.I have been using this Barley Ball for years. I DO NOT put a plant in it. I tried for a few years, however stopped because the plant continued to roll over. Pointless... However, I now string twine thru the mesh & anchor the ball under my fountain. Because we live in northern New England, my Koi pond season is short & this makes a difference, helping keep the pond clean.You definitely need to rinse and soak the Barley bale for a couple of days before you put it in your pond. Otherwise, it will discolor the water.One day after putting it in my pond and adding plants it kept flipping over.You can see in the photos my solution to that problem. The connection I got at an irrigation store and the clear tubing you can get at Any hardware store.It cleared my pond up within 2 days. We will definitely be buying this again.I liked the idea of this floating planter and the barley straw definitely helps keep the pond water clear. But, the size of the hole in the planter really limits what you can put in there. I ended up with a small bamboo and it looks really nice. But. the silly planter tips over in the water all the time! I tried taking the bamboo out and putting some small stones in first to see if the added weight would keep the silly thing upright. Nope. I ended up wedging it in between a large stone and the wall of the pond. Doesn't get to float around the pond, but it doesn't tip over either!Arrived on time and safe and sound. Waiting to buy some fish proof plants before I christen them.I only gave it 3 because I have not had a chance to use it yet. However I have used something similar in the past and have no reason to expect it to be any lessdoesn't stay upright. makes the water oily-looking. I guess in combination with a large filter it might do something. Useless for us.Looks lovely in our pond. It does sink once saturated though so if you want to use it as a planter, keep it on the shallowest shelf. Our little green frog loves it too - sits in it for hours.I don't know if it works to keep algae blooms down but it's a nice addition to our pond.As a flower pot, it works well. As an algae control agent. it failed miserably. The level of algae increased.This was a waste of money. Not recommended!