We shared with him that it was an excellent way to kill many different strains of algae. It seems to have fertilized the algae and killed about 250 fish. Marley Beem, Copper Sulfate An Often Overused Chemical in Pond Management. If you just toss a sack of granular copper sulfate in your pond, chances are, the granules will sink to the bottom and bind with the mud, leaving much of the floating algae untouched. What to Wear When applying copper algaecide to your pond, it is important to wear gloves, protective eyewear and protective clothing. For best results, treat your pond using the spraying method to kill the actively growing algae at the top and bottom. All rights reserved. Copper sulfate (or Copper Sulphate) is an artificial compound that combines sulfur with copper. but are a more expensive alternative. It can get rid of both filamentous and planktonic algae (the two most common aquatic plant problems) before it rapidly reproduces and steals the oxygen supply of other marine life in your pond. Make sure to check the label before buying a liquid copper sulfate. Copper remains in the pond and does not bio-degrade. Treat half of your pond first, then wait for at least five days before treating the other half to avoid oxygen depletion. Some other uses of copper sulfate in the agricultural setting include: Copper sulfate for ponds eliminates weeds by damaging the algae cells and preventing photosynthesis, thus preventing them from growing and reproducing further. Depending on the selected chemical formulation, it can be used in a variety of ways. Not only do blooms of algae take up large amounts of oxygen, but some species even produce toxins that are deadly to other organisms. With a copper algaecide, you only want to spray the liquid on to 1/3 of the surface area of the pond, otherwise, you risk oxygen depletion in your water. For this reason, an OSU Irrigation Water test is recommended so Total Alkalinity can These speed up the decomposition of dead algae as they sink, reducing the chance of a reoccurring bloom. Additional measures to be considered in combination When to Apply It is best to apply Captain in bright, early morning sunshine. Mizzen works fine. Application rates at present are calculated based on a one-size-fits-all equation: Research is underway to develop rates for individual fish species. For instance, the dosage for planktonic or suspended algae differs from the dose you would use for filamentous algae and algae such as muskgrass (Chara). Spray drift management is an important part of the application process, so keep in mind that wind direction, wind speed and even the temperature and relative humidity can affect drift. Copper sulfate is most efficient in water temperatures of 60F or higher. Now serving Greenville SC, Spartanburg SC, Asheville NC, & Charlotte NC areas. Once youve identified the pond algae and determined the proper dosage, you can get started spraying the algae, and most people will use a hand pump sprayer to apply Captain directly onto the algae, avoiding spraying any beneficial plants as much as possible. I see all the little tadpoles swimming happily along. to use it. Has short term effectiveness and therefore is often misused and overused. Remember: Using any form of copper sulfate for algae control in ponds should always be done in two batches. This can result in copper build-up in the sediments leading to a sterile bottom. [box style=rounded border=full]>> Related Article | Polyquat Algaecide: How Does it Affect the Ecosystem?[/box]. Some liquid forms can be applied directly to the water, but the University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends diluting it to avoid using too much of it in one place. The goal of using chelators is so that the main ingredient of the product isnt used up too quickly. Within 2 days after applying Mizzen to my 1/2 acre pond, the algae began to die and has been continuing it's treatment over a number of weeks. Free shipping on orders $99+! You must be careful with muskgrass removal, as little bits of muskgrass left behind can quickly grow and become a problem again. How To Apply The first step you need to take before treatment is to ensure that you know which type of algae is in your pond. recommends diluting it to avoid using too much of it in one place. Many pond owners have experienced their fair share of green pond nightmares where the waters suddenly become green and scummy overnight. Without plants and microorganisms, the smaller organisms have no food; in turn, the bigger organisms have nothing to eat. A sterile bottom will lead to a lack of beneficial bacteria and cause among other things, high algae blooms which in effect, reduces the chances for aquatic plants to grow due to the shading on the bottom caused from the thick algae. it typically grows back rapidly. There are a few different types of algaecide, but copper algaecide is one of the most common types youll find on the market. We will measure your pond via satellite and email you a free membership quote. I bought 2 gallons(their recommendations for 1 acre pond) and sprayed about 1/3 of my pond. Greenville, SCPlatinum Ponds and Lake Management1361 W. Hampton Blvd, Suite FGreer,SC29650864-381-7663, Charlotte, NCPlatinum Ponds and Lake Management3611 Mt.Holly-Huntersville RdCharlotte,NC28216704-816-0526. They call this area home, and together they make up the base of the freshwater food web. He asked if he bought it online if he could do it himself. simple plants with the capacity to rapidly reproduce and become overabundant. Become a member today so we could make sure your pond or lake stays healthy and beautiful. In general, there are many natural products that you can use to prevent algae from forming, but if your pond is heavily matted with filamentous algae or the color of your pond is pea soup green (which indicates planktonic algae), its probably time to consider using an algaecide. This is the name given to a chemical process where a form of protective covering attaches to the copper atoms. Healthy Ponds natural products are not classified as algaecides or herbicides. Just throw it into the water where algae is present, and the crystals will dissolve, killing the algae it comes in contact with. I sprayed this on it, and the algae was thick and matted in areas, and 48 hours later, almost all of it has disappeared! (9 people found this comment helpful, 0 did not). However, the best option is to purchase a liquid chelated copper algaecide. Bottom algae is best treated by granular forms such as Cutrine Plus. 2022 Pond Solutions, Inc.. Sitemap, Winter Fish Pond Tips - How to Prepare Your Pond for Cold Weather, Copper sulfate was used many years ago for algae control however there was adverse environmental effects of copper build-up in the bottom sediments when this product was used. I am going to continue to use this product as it works faster and its cheaper than other products I have used, (3 people found this comment helpful, 0 did not). Marley BeemAssistant Extension Specialist, Natural Resources and Aquaculture. Dismiss. The form of copper sulfate youll use depends on what kind of algal growth you have in your pond. A third category to consider is chelated copper, a slightly more complex version of liquid copper. Be certain of the identity Should I Buy (or Retain) Stockers to Graze Wheat Pasture? Beneficial bacteria such as our all natural, PlanktoniX beneficial bacteria pond cleaner, breaks down organic matter in the pond including silt, sludge, decaying plants, etc. James is a private pond owner. As the least costly aquatic herbicide, copper sulfate pentahydrate (Figure 1) is widely You also should not apply copper algaecide when the wind speed is greater than 15 mph. In cases like this, immediate action is needed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 POND Trade Magazine | Terms of Use. Orders that are $98.99 or less will be charged $8.95. Unfortunately, anyone who has spent enough time around ponds has seen what happens when algae get out of control. Orders are usually shipped within one day by a ground carrier. DO NOT BUY!! When algal cells die, they break open releasing phosphorous Surviving happens due to a nutrient imbalance in your pond, courtesy of too much organic material in the water. FREE Shipping on Orders $99+ I am impressed. Please contact us if you live in one of these states: 1-877-428-8898. If there are fish in the pond and the algae and aquatic plants cover a pond suddenly, copper treatment is not advisable. We recommend the use of our all-natural beneficial bacteria product, PlanktoniX to treat ponds and lakes for algae control and faster organic matter decomposition from silt, sludge and decaying plants & fish. of copper varies with Total Alkalinity (the concentration of calcium carbonate equivalents). So, it makes sense that when considering copper algaecides, you want to make sure to use a solution that contains the smallest amount of copper while still producing the greatest results. Algae can be found in practically every pond, serving important roles in the water, such as aiding in oxygen production and acting as a food source. This gives the copper the ability to last longer and penetrate into the algae cells for best kill available on the market today. Copper sulfate for ponds is an extraordinarily effective and cost-efficient way to treat your ponds algae problem. Figure 1. to fish suffocation. See home page for details. On the other hand, a pond with a temperature of below 60F wont break down the copper sulfate, rendering it useless. We explained he needed to check with codes in his state to see if was legal to apply himself. Why is this product not working? Limited Time Offer. You can also subscribe without commenting. [box style=rounded border=full]>> Need More Water Quality Content? 20% off Select Products! Depending on whether the algae is growing up from the bottom or simply floating on the top will determine what form of copper you would want to choose. date for your upcoming Scheduled Orders. used for short-term management of algae. For complete information about algae control for ponds and lakes as well as more information about the importance of beneficial bacteria and proper aeration, please readour information about algae control. While these are the three general categories of copper-based algaecide, there really are not that many varieties for sale on the market. By Marley Beem. (9 people found this comment helpful, 2 did not), Easy-to-Use for treatment of ponds and lakes, Direct to you manufactured by Lake Restoration, Irrigation, Turf/Ornamental: none mentioned. If your pond water is heavily matted, you may need to break apart these mats with a flat tool or high-pressure water before you treat with Captain. It also provides a longer lasting control than copper sulfate with lower copper dosages being used and requires less frequent applications. Overuse of this product is common due to its short-term effectiveness. Most importantly, you need to aerate your pond especially when its hot an after using a lot of this product. Beneficial bacteria is naturally occurring in any body of water, however when the ecosystem is not balanced and there's an excess of organic nutrients in the water supplying nourishment for the algae to grow, is when there is an abundance of algae and other problems (oxygen deprivation, sludge build-up, etc.) Smaller organisms feed on floating detritus (plant material) and microorganisms, and the levels of consumption keep rising. (Disclaimer: we have not tried these and we do not condone the use of copper sulfate in these ways. Whether you need copper algaecide or another pond water treatment, you can find everything you need at Healthy Ponds. Granular tends to sink quickly to the bottom of the pond, which reduces its effectiveness. Even though there is not an array of choices, it can still be tough to figure out what the right choice is. Please do not confuse our chemicals with these all-natural products. Beneficial bacteria and algae both feed on nutrients in the water available from the silt, sludge, decomposing plants, fertilizers, etc. This can result in vomiting, digestive irritation, respiratory damage, and even liver damage. Visit all articles related to the topic[/box]. Let's talk about your lake or pond problems and find yoursolution. L-466, Aquatic Herbicides: Essential Information for New Applicators. Typically, you will notice a change in the color of the algae within about 24 hours, which indicates that the algae have died off. I am in South Carolina and I try to "git'r'done" early in the season when it's starting to bloom. But having a professional apply the treatments would be less hassle and give him quicker results. be determined and a prudent copper application rate determined. However, we use discretion with this control method because high concentrations are toxic to fish and food organisms. They are for historical and entertainment purposes.). Still, you do need to wait 7 days before treating other areas of the pond as too much copper algaecide will cause oxygen depletion in your pond water. Additionally, pond owners and hobbyists can use copper sulfate against parasites that frequent the pond area and prey on fish life, including leeches. If an algae bloom is starting to spread, the health of the pond must be an immediate concern. Required fields are marked *. In 2016, more than 19 million tons of copper were mined around the world, with 1.4 million tons coming from the United States. But fear not not all copper is the same, and not all copper is necessarily bad. bluestone) on hand. Its important to note that it all starts at the bottom. All prices are in USD. To learn more about application methods as well as proper dosages, you can access the label for Captain at https://healthyponds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Captain_Label.pdf. However, use it with proper caution and management to avoid oxygen depletion, fish toxicity, and killing of other plant life through contamination. This is because it contains a more concentrated version of copper sulfate, making it efficient in killing algae in huge quantities. Needs to be managed by a professional due to it being hazardous, Copper sulphate is the most widely used, and most economical algae control available, It can kill algae, bacteria, roots, plants, snails, and fungi, If too much is used, it can deplete oxygen leading to fish kill, It is both an effective algicide and a parasite treatment, Copper sulphate is most beneficial in water temperatures of 60F or higher, Use in swimming pools for a 90 day algae treatments, Has been used for athletes foot or tinea. Captain also can treat pitophora algae and muskgrass (Chara). Strong jets used with mixing tanks on boats with the spraying power of your garden hose work well to inject the copper deep into the mats and break apart the algae for a complete kill. Copper-based liquid aquatic herbicides offer some advantages Decay of plant material uses scarce dissolved oxygen, leading Liquid copper sulfate works best for massive algae growth in ponds. US Shipping Only. A temperature higher than 100F will cause the copper to release secondary compounds harmful to some pond life. It can also be a task trying to find copper products that are easy on the ecosystem but if you can find the right product, it can be a great solution. If you have a pond stocked with fish, oxygen depletion leads to fish kills which can happen rapidly once the oxygen levels drop. It seems clear that maintaining healthy sediment is the key to a functioning ecosystem and a sustainable pond. However, simply spraying with a liquid copper product may not work and can often kill only the top portions of an algae mat. >> Related Article | Polyquat Algaecide: How Does it Affect the Ecosystem? Dont box me in the environment and can be found at varying levels within sediment that has never been touched by human copper products, we have to be aware of the fact that in excessive amounts, copper can become a problem. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. General advice on use of aquatic herbicides can be found in Extension publication can grow back quickly following herbicide applications. Treat half of your pond first, then wait for at least five days before treating the other half to avoid oxygen depletion. A simple ecosystem imbalance or environmental pollution can endanger the life of the fish in your pond. You can also seek the help of your trusted pond and fish supplies store for more information on copper sulfate. Chelating agents tend to be proprietary, and finding out what products are natural or organic can be next to impossible. Liquid copper is more efficient than copper crystals because it can actually stay suspended in water for a longer period of time copper crystals tend to sink straight to the bottom. Once youve applied the algaecide, wash your gloves off and remove the protective clothing as soon as possible and wash these items separately from other items of clothing. Control planktonic algae and mat forming algae with a copper algaecide. Visit all articles related to the topic. If you are dealing with algae issues in ponds with these fish species, please contact us and we will recommend an alternative treatment plan, such as using Rush. The treatment will likely cause a sudden, algal die-off causing an oxygen depletion that could result and the dead algae decay and the fish will suffocate. You can also use other methods like broadcasting by using a spreader or a boat (if you have a large pond). Light penetration into the water column increases. While using natural pond care products can be the best way to prevent many common pond issues, pond chemicals, such as copper algaecide, are sometimes the best solution for ponds with severe algae issues. Wow! This creates a longer period of actively killing algae while requiring less copper usage, since the product works for an extended period. While this sounds easy enough, this method is also the most damaging. Furthermore, you should always determine safe dosages and the proper mixing and application of the chemical according to its label. Copper sulfate crystals can be fine or coarse. There are a few things, but Copper Sulfate is the most used, and the most economical algae control available. If copper sulfate or other herbicides are the only management tool used on algae, Affected ponds can go from picturesque to green soup over the course of a day. Please provide the closest address to your pond. If you have questions regarding the descriptions/definitions, please contact us. You can get your supply of copper sulfate crystals at your nearest agriculture retail store or order them from us online at Standish Milling Company. Does not affect the game fish or the grass Carp but sure works on the bubbling bright green algae. An air blower can be used to blow these crystals over the surface of the pond. Keeping balance in a pond is something that every pond owner strives for. Since then and over the last 30 years or so, a chelated (chemically locked in) copper compound was formulated called Cutrine-Plus(available in liquid or granular). Copper is an incredibly diverse element. Regardless of the source, copper ends up binding to organic matter, and when it reaches the sediment layer, it resides in the upper few inches of substrate where this organic matter is concentrated. It was OK, but found I had to use twice as much to equal the effectiveness of Cutrine therefore negating any savings. The toxicity is what kills the bacteria, algae, roots, plants, snails, and fungi. I read what came with product and saw no directions, so I sprayed some patches with what I assumed was a safe amount. Copper in its different forms is found in artwork, plumbing, wiring and many other areas. Using Chelated Copper to Control Pond Algae. Treating only one third of an area at over 48-72 hours will help avoid crashing your oxygen levels. International Shipping available for the TORMADA, Goose D-Fence, LAKEMAID and select products. (7 people found this comment helpful, 3 did not). Some commercially available liquid options are not safe for marine life, like trout ponds, koi, and goldfish. Where To Buy Copper Sulfate for Pond Treatment, Furthermore, you should always determine safe dosages and the proper mixing and application of the chemical according to its label. The greatest risk to fish from the use of copper sulfate is killing too much plant He called and asked if copper sulfate was the best way to go regarding pond algae. The toxicity Heres how you can apply different forms of copper sulfate and how much you should use to treat your pond. I'll be returning the second gallon. It is eaten by a larval fish; this larval fish is eaten by a sunfish; and the sunfish is then grabbed from the water by a heron. However, the same issue remains: To achieve the most algae kills, more product needs to be used. The active ingredient in these pond algae control products, copper sulfate, binds to algae and this prevents photosynthesis, which is how algae (and other plants) make glucose, which is their source of food. human consumption with zero withdrawal time. One such problem that pond owners commonly run into is excessive algae growth. If this is happening to you, too, then you better stock up on the best copper sulfate for ponds to save your waterhole. This section of the sediment hosts some of the most vital organisms in a freshwater ecosystem beneficial bacteria, plants and invertebrates, just to name a few. Many pond owners have experienced their fair share of green pond nightmares where the waters suddenly become green and scummy overnight. Copper crystals (granular) are exactly what they sound like crystallized copper. Automatically re-order your favorite I have used this for 3 seasons now. Of course, if you have any questions about applying this product, feel free to contact us at any time. Chelation is analogous to the shell around M&M candy. Many local farm stores and online supply sources keep copper sulfate crystals (aka levels well above the calculated rate. Fish treated with copper sulfate at approved rates are safe for Their formulation adds a sticky substance called a tacifier or surfactant. combined with other management methods. https://healthyponds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Captain_Label.pdf. However, just as copper is everywhere, so is water. By adding beneficial bacteria on a regular basis, you increase the beneficial bacteria colonies and therefore have more bacteria working for you to keep the pond clean, clear and healthy. Floating algae may need a liquid mix of copper such as Sepros Captian XTR or Cutrine Plus by Applied Biochemists. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Fish kills due to direct toxicity of copper sulfate happen occasionally. If this is happening to you, too, then you better stock up on the. ByPlatinum PondsFebruary 13, 2017 5 minute read. They told me that I need to treat my pond once a month so they expect me to spend $500 a month on my pond. (7 people found this comment helpful, 2 did not). The preferred method and most natural method for algae control is to treat the water with beneficial bacteria such as our all-natural PlanktoniX beneficial pond bacterial cleaner. Generally, copper sulfate crystals should be used at 5 pounds per acre of pond. material at one time. Then, apply the liquid copper sulfate for algae control in ponds using a broadcast sprayer. You need to be careful in administering copper sulfate, though, as the chemical can become toxic to other pond life if applied improperly. practice over multiple years. Captain works best when the water temperature is at least 60 degrees. Floating algae are best treated with liquid copper sulfate, while bottom algae problems should be handled using powdered or crystal ones. Sponsored Article with Lead Gen on PONDtrademag.com! The fact that chelated copper works well with these organisms is proof of how much less damaging it can be, compared to products that use copper crystals. The product is far superior to copper sulfate in that it provides a longer contact (killing) time due to its stability to work in alkaline waters. Uncontrolled algal bloom happens due to a nutrient imbalance in your pond, courtesy of too much organic material in the water. Required fields are marked *. I wish it would have worked better! When aquatic plant growth diminishes, so can fish growth and survival. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. Ponds need to have a healthy ecosystem to sustain the fish and other marine life they house. An example of these levels in fresh water would be how a phytoplankton photosynthesizes. I use it in my main pond and the silt pond. By Spraying Solution on Water Surface: You dissolve the minimum required dose of in water and spray the solution evenly over the pond or lake. Work with the local Extension educator or other qualified professional Apparently not since my fish began dying and my once pristine pond became a mess. So when chelated copper is applied to a bloom, the copper releases more gradually, as the protective covering slowly dissolves in the water. Liquid copper becomes diluted as soon as it is touches the water. Both filamentous and planktonic algae are However, you do have to follow instructions and spray small areas at a time or you will lose some fish. It is ineffective in the long term unless You can purchase granular or liquid copper algaecide. Chelated copper is a great way to tackle this issue and leave the rest of the environment capable of flourishing after the algae subside. But, again, if you have a stagnant pond or water that is smelly and covered with algae, a copper algaecide often is the best option to consider. I had been fighting a losing battle with the algae in our pond for the last two years! Algae are no exception to this, and they are one of the most successful organisms at rapidly expanding when the conditions are right. One of the major environmentally beneficial uses of copper nowadays is to control algae. While algae can serve as a positive factor most of the time, they represent a real threat to all other life in the water when they bloom. It is easy to forget that the ponds we see may look peaceful, but there is always an ongoing battle for resources and space among many different organisms. Hopefully, this has answered a few of your questions about copper algaecide and Captain in particular. Makes sensethe less algae, the less (properly applied according to directions) product you'll need to use. He owns a 2 acre pond in his backyard. Before we talk about algaecide, its important to note that we sell many helpful pond products, including algaecides, herbicides and several all-natural products. Learn about why your pond is experiencing fish kills and how to determine the issue specific to your pond. Used in conjunction with Diquat and it works great on the algae, (2 people found this comment helpful, 0 did not), I have a quarter acre pond that was covered in a thick blanket of algae. A pond is a major investment, so good planning is essential for avoiding mistakes. Your email address will not be published. In some cases, if you have small amounts of filamentous algae or muskgrass, you can simply rake these algae out of the pond and begin treating the pond with natural pond products to prevent a resurgence of algae. Copper is seldom effective against weeds other than algae. Copper sulfate results in copper build up in pond sediments and creates a sterile bottom in the pond. Read all product labels for complete instructions before applying products. Dealing with an aquatic plant problem almost always requires more than one management Granted, algae has some benefits to ponds and fishes, but too much of it will eventually kill your whole fishpond. Need Better Results from Pond Treatments? Chelated copper algaecides are also liquid, but they are defined by that first word chelated. Your email address will not be published. I have experienced no fish or frog die off. At Healthy Ponds, we offer an assortment of pond maintenance products that can help you improve the water quality and clarity of your pond. It may be obvious that the bloom needs to be dealt with, but the massive number of products available for this exact situation can be quite daunting. As a pond owner, you know that these artificial and natural water reservoirs require attention and hard work to maintain. This is an extremely generalized view of the flow of life, but it depicts an integral part of ecology. Learn about Copper sulfate applications for filamentous algae. The application rates for Captain vary based upon the type of algae in your pond. This is where chelated copper can be a great asset. If your pond water temperature ranges between 65 to 85 degrees, only treat up to 1/3 of the surface area at one time. Just make sure to note the wind direction and watch the speed of your boat. By Injection in Water: A solution can be made with Copper Sulfate that can be injected into the water via a weighted tubing. By Broadcasting: Dry Copper Sulfate can be distributed on the water surface by a properly equipped boat. Now I have a algea problem and no fish. Make sure to buy the most suitable variation based on your pond size and algae problem.