Thank you for your question. The Microbe-Lift can be used at any time the water temperatures are 42°F or above.

Try to keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and at room temp. There is a code on the bottle but if you make sure it's not out of code when you buy it you will use it up way before the bacteria dies off. If you notice a dark line or an area of heavy color it's just the bacteria migrating to the light. I had a bottle with just a little left in it.Think I opened a new one w/o realizing I had some left. I noticed there was no sulfur smell so I tossed it. Originally I was washing my filter material in regular water. Then i was told not to wash it at all. Now I wash it in a bucket of pond water so it doesn't have to be reseeded with bacteria. It's a whole cycle and if you break it you have to start over again with a green pond. A uv light and filter helps as well.

AlgaeFix is an excellent product when used as directed. Very safe for Koi and ornamental plants. I used it last year on a weekly basis with good results.

There is one for Spring/summer and one for Fall/winter. Depending on the size of your pond you follow the directions on the box.The box should have the initial dose and maintenance. If not call the company. Google Microbe lift.

Call the labs at Micro Lift. There is a lot of info on the web regarding this product.

This bacteria culture does not grow at temp lower than 55F