An In-Depth Look at Aquatic Algaecides
Overview
Algae can quickly spread in ponds and lakes, turning clear water into a cloudy and unpleasant mess. Excessive algae growth doesn’t just hurt the appearance of your waterbody; it can also lower oxygen levels, stressing or even killing fish. Aquatic algaecides are designed specifically for ponds and lakes, and when applied properly, they are safe for people, pets, and most aquatic life.
Different types of algaecides work in different ways and are suited for different situations. By understanding the strengths of each option, you can select the product that provides the best results for your pond algae treatment needs.
Mizzen
Mizzen is a highly effective broad spectrum algaecide for lakes and ponds. It is a liquid, sprayable product that is diluted with water before being applied over the water’s surface. Because it works well on multiple algae types, Mizzen is considered a go-to option for a pond and lake algaecide.
How Does Mizzen Work?
The active ingredient in Mizzen is a copper complex, which disrupts photosynthesis in algae cells. Once applied, the product is absorbed into each algal cell, causing the cells to break down from the outside in.
Full results will be seen in one to two weeks. Re-treatment is necessary when algae regrowth occurs. Read the product label before applying.
Which Types of Algae Does Mizzen Control?
Mizzen controls nearly all types of algae, including filamentous, planktonic, Chara, and Nitellas like starry stonewort. While this product is an excellent aquatic algaecide for ponds, it should not be used in ponds that contain trout, koi or channel catfish, since these species are sensitive to copper. For best results in ponds, treat only one-third to one half of the water body at a time to avoid oxygen depletion for aquatic life.
Copper Sulfate
Copper sulfate is another broad spectrum algaecide, available in both fine and small crystals, depending on the container size. The crystals can be broadcast directly over algae.
Copper sulfate is widely used in lakes but can also be applied in ponds when trout, koi, or channel catfish are not present. In addition to algae control, copper sulfate is used to treat swimmer’s itch by targeting snails that carry the parasite.
How Does Copper Sulfate Work?
Whether broadcast directly or dissolved in water and sprayed, copper sulfate works similarly to Mizzen by disrupting photosynthesis in algae cells. Because of the quick reaction, treatment in a pond must be managed by applying copper sulfate to no more than half of the pond to avoid oxygen loss.
Which Types of Algae Does Copper Sulfate Control?
Copper sulfate is effective on nearly all types of algae, just like Mizzen. However, just like Mizzen, it is not suitable for ponds with copper sensitive fish.
Copper sulfate also controls swimmer’s itch by killing the snails in which the parasite resides. It will affect the snails in the area that is treated, which means snails outside the treatment area are not affected and can still transmit the parasite.
Copper sulfate’s versatility makes it a reliable option for pond and lake algaecide applications, especially in larger water bodies. The crystalline form of copper sulfate makes application very simple for those who don’t wish to spray their algaecide.
Cape Furl
Cape Furl is a pond algaecide safe for fish and plants when copper sensitive fish are present. It is easy to apply the fine granules by spreading them across the water’s surface. Rates vary based on algae type and severity; check the label to determine amounts needed.
How Does Cape Furl Work?
Cape Furl’s active ingredient is sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, which oxidizes algae cells upon contact. This reaction breaks down and essentially bleaches the algae quickly and kills blooms without introducing copper.
Which Types of Algae Does Cape Furl Control?
Cape Furl works on planktonic and filamentous algae. However, it does not control Chara or other branched algae like Nitellas. For pond owners with sensitive fish species, it is a dependable option. As with Mizzen and copper sulfate, only treat one-third to one half of the pond at a time.
Because of its effectiveness and broad use, Cape Furl is a wonderful fish safe algaecide for ponds where copper products are not suitable. If branched algae and copper sensitive fish are present, the best option for control is physical or mechanical removal.
Cape Furl is not only an algaecide for ponds, but it works great in water features as well. The active ingredient is often used for cleaning tanks and other containerized water surfaces, non-painted surfaces, lawns, and landscapes.
Blue Green Algae Testing
Not all algae problems are the same. Blue green algae alone is not cause for concern, but sometimes they can harbor cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins harmful to people, pets, and wildlife. A blue green algae test kit can help confirm whether a bloom is toxic before treatment.
If cyanobacteria toxins are present, extra caution must be taken with treatment plans. Please reach out to us at 1-877-428-8898 or lrmail@lakerestoration.com for an in depth treatment regimen.
Conclusion
Aquatic algaecides are essential tools for maintaining clear and healthy ponds and lakes. Mizzen offers a broad spectrum liquid solution, copper sulfate provides a crystalline option that also controls swimmer’s itch, and Cape Furl is ideal when copper sensitive environments require an alternative.
For added safety, a blue green algae test can help identify a cyanobacteria bloom before applying any treatment. By choosing the best product and applying it according to label directions, pond and lake owners can maintain clean, healthy water all season long.