Please read the following about
copper sulfate and the negative effects it has on the environment and why it's not safe to
use:
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. 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).
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. It also provides a longer
lasting control than copper sulfate with lower copper dosages being used and requires less
frequent applications. Research and field
usage have shown a high potential for detrimental environmental effects. In certain
waters, copper sulfate is toxic to fish and other organisms. Overuse of this product is
common due to its short-term effectiveness. This
can result in copper build-up in the sediments leading to a sterile bottom. 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. When aquatic plant growth diminishes, so can fish growth and survival.
The preferred
method and most natural method for algae control is to treat the water with beneficial
bacteria such as our all-natural
Pond Bio-Solutions
or
PlanktoniX product. Beneficial bacteria is naturally occuring in any body of water, however
when the ecosystem is not balanced and there are 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.) in the pond. The beneficial bacteria helps to break down the
silt, sludge, decomposing organic matter, increases dissolved oxygen levels and many other
great things. 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 read the information here.
In review, copper sulfate:
Has short term effectiveness and therefore is often misused and
overused. Copper remains in the pond and does not bio-degrade.
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Copper sulfate can be toxic to fish and other organisms.
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Copper sulfate results in copper build up in pond sediments and
creates a sterile bottom in the pond. Besides many important organisms, it kills
beneficial bacteria.
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Beneficial bacteria such as our all natural, Pond Bio-Solutions
or PlanktoniX products,
breaks down organic matter in the pond including silt, sludge, decaying plants, etc. into
harmless chemicals. Beneficial bacteria and algae both feed on nutrients in
the water available from the silt, sludge, decomposing plants, fertilizers, etc. 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.
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We recommend the use of our all-natural beneficial bacteria
product, Pond Bio-Solutions
or
PlanktoniX to treat ponds and lakes for algae control and faster organic matter decomposition from
silt, sludge and decaying plants & fish.
Please be sure to read the explanation about algae and pond weed
control here.
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