How do you treat a pond with copper sulfate?
Uniform spraying of a water solution of copper sulfate will guarantee that the copper sulfate spreads evenly across the pond. It is an inexpensive treatment and easy to apply. Dangers of using copper sulfate.
Where to buy crystal blue copper sulfate crystals?
Buy Crystal Blue Copper Sulfate Crystals Pond Treatment, 222 at Tractor Supply Co. Great Customer Service. Skip to Main Content
Is copper sulfate harmful to fish?
Poisonous to Fish Excessive application of copper sulfate will kill fish, especially if water is low in alkalinity. If a pond contains less that 50 milligrams of alkaline material per liter, a pond should not be treated with copper sulfate, according to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.
How do you apply copper sulfate to water?
Application by Spraying Solution on Water Surface: Dissolve the minimum required dose of Copper Sulfate in water and spray the solution uniformly over the body of water. When spraying a solution of copper sulfate, mix copper sulfate in sufficient water to thoroughly spray the water surface.
Can you put copper sulfate in a lake?
Copper Sulfate is a granular product and dissolves after application to water. We recommend using a broadcast spreader when applying copper sulfate to your pond or lake.
How long does copper sulfate last in a pond?
Chelated copper algaecides reduce the frequency of treatments because they are effective for up to 6 weeks after application. With all chemical treatments, we recommend using only as needed. Chemicals may disrupt the natural balance in the pond.
How much copper sulfate do you put in a half acre pond?
Generally, copper sulfate crystals should be used at 5 pounds per acre of pond.
How often can you put copper sulfate in a pond?
3. Application by Slug Method: Make a dump of Copper Sulfate into the irrigation ditch or lateral at ¼ to 2 pounds per second of water per treatment. Repeat about every 2 weeks as needed. A dump is usually necessary every 5 to 30 miles depending on water hardness, alkalinity, and algae concentration.
Is it safe to swim in a pond treated with copper sulfate?
When organisms such as algae become a problem in private or commercial fish ponds, copper sulfate treatment provides an inexpensive solution. However, improper application of copper sulfate can create more problems than it solves.
Can you eat fish from a pond treated with copper sulfate?
There are no restrictions on swimming, eating fish from treated water bodies, human drinking water, pet/livestock drinking water, or irrigation. Copper is an element, and so is not broken down like other herbicides.
How long does it take copper sulfate to dissolve roots?
It can take as little as two or three days to clear out the line. However, if your system has a slower flow of water, it can take a bit longer (up to a week) to get rid of the roots. By contrast, copper sulfate takes up to four weeks to even start the process of root decay.
How long does it take for copper sulfate to work?
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. Treating only one third of an area at over 48-72 hours will help avoid crashing your oxygen levels.
How often should you use copper sulfate?
To be most effective, copper sulfate should be added to the sewer at the first indication of root entrance into the system whether your house plumbing is con- nected to a sewer line or a septic tank. A small amount added each day for a two-week period would probably be more effective than a large amount all at once.
What is the cost of copper sulfate?
The cost for copper sulfate injectable solution (1.57 mg/mL) is around $88 for a supply of 250 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
What can I use instead of copper sulfate?
As an alternative, zinc sulfate can be used and works just as well. It is slightly more expensive than copper sulfate and there is still some degree of toxicity risk, but not nearly as high as using copper sulfate.
Is copper sulfate harmful to fish?
Studies with several aquatic species have found copper to be highly to very highly toxic to fish and aquatic life. Trout, koi and juvenile fish of several species are known to be particularly sensitive to copper. Fish kills have been reported after copper sulfate applications for algae control in ponds and lakes.
Copper Sulfate for Algae Control in Ponds
Although copper sulfate has many uses, it is widely known as an effective and economical chemical to kill and control algal growth in ponds. 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.
Mixing, Dosing, and Application of Copper Sulfate
Copper sulfate for ponds exists in various forms一there’s crystal, liquid, and powdered forms. The form of copper sulfate you’ll use depends on what kind of algal growth you have in your pond.
Where To Buy Copper Sulfate for Pond Treatment
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. Make sure to buy the most suitable variation based on your pond size and algae problem.
The Bottom Line
Copper sulfate for ponds is an extraordinarily effective and cost-efficient way to treat your pond’s algae problem. However, use it with proper caution and management to avoid oxygen depletion, fish toxicity, and killing of other plant life through contamination.
Why are there fewer lakes requesting permits?
Although this method is still used, fewer lakes are requesting permits because of the uncertainty of long-term consequences to a particular lake and because the results are unpredictable.
What is the Higgins Lake Foundation?
The focus of the Higgins Lake Foundation and its many projects has been to protect the health of the lake. The Foundation has committed vast resources to finding alternative treatments as opposed to putting chemicals in the lake.
Is copper sulfate toxic?
The Higgins Lake Foundation does not endorse the practice of individuals adding chemicals to the lake for any reason, and research indicates that the application of copper sulfate in particular is not only toxic but also ineffective as a means of controlling Swimmers’ Itch. The Higgins Lake Foundation is currently funding ...
Does copper precipitate out of lake water?
All it would take would be for conditions to change slightly (e.g., the lake water to get more acidic) and all that added copper would precipitate out .
Does copper sulfate kill snails?
While it’s true that copper sulfate kills snails, it also kills many other microorganisms in the ecosystem.
Copper Sulfate For Algae Control in Ponds
- Although copper sulfate has many uses, it is widely known as an effective and economical chemical to kill and control algal growth in ponds. 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. Additionally, pond owners and hobbyi…
Mixing, dosing, and Application of Copper Sulfate
- Copper sulfate for ponds exists in various forms一there’s crystal, liquid, and powdered forms. The form of copper sulfate you’ll use depends on what kind of algal growth you have in your pond. Floating algae are best treated with liquid copper sulfate, while bottom algae problems should be handled using powdered or crystal ones. If you just toss a sack of granular copper sulfate in you…
Where to Buy Copper Sulfate For Pond Treatment
- You can get your supply of copper sulfate crystalsat your nearest agriculture retail store or order them from us online at Standish Milling Company. Make sure to buy the most suitable variation based on your pond size and algae problem. Read the instructions, safety sheet, and label before applying to ensure the safety of the fish and other pond li...
The Bottom Line
- Copper sulfate for ponds is an extraordinarily effective and cost-efficient way to treat your pond’s algae problem. However, use it with proper caution and management to avoid oxygen depletion, fish toxicity, and killing of other plant life through contamination. Furthermore, you should always determine safe dosages and the proper mixing and application of the chemical according to its l…