How to Apply an Algaecide

23 May 2016

You have your growth identified as pond algae, you purchased an algaecide and now you are ready to apply the product. You are standing at the edge of your pond looking at the gallon of product wondering:

What do I do now?

How am I going to spread one gallon over this entire pond?

You get ready to open the cap and pour the algaecide into your pond…STOP! We can help with this next vital step in your pond treatment process, the application of your pond algaecide. There are two main products you can use to treat algae in your pond, granular copper sulfate or liquid copper sulfate. We will go over how each of these products should be applied to kill pond algae so that you get the most out of the product, your money, and your time. When treating algae it is always important to treat 1/2 of the pond at a time to avoid killing too much algae and depleting the water of oxygen. You will want either a hand pump sprayer, backpack sprayer, or a ATV with a sprayer attached. Copper products corrode metal, therefore, sprayers should be made of plastic parts and equipment should be rinsed thoroughly after each use.

Granular copper sulfate can be applied in one of three different ways: broadcast crystals, place crystals in a burlap bag and drag behind boat, or dissolve crystals and spray. The application method we recommend is to dissolve the crystals in hot water and spray actively growing algae.

Dosing for Granular Copper:	Application for Granular Copper on a 1 acre pond:
5lbs per acre foot	Mix 5lbs of granular copper sulfate with 3 gallons of hot water. Agitate until granular is completely dissolved. Spray ½ of your pond. Wait 5 days and do the same treatment to the other ½.

Crystal Plex is a liquid copper sulfate solution designed to control a large variety of algae and some aquatic plants including Hydrilla. Treat when algae is actively growing by spray application.

Dosing for Liquid Copper Sulfate:	Application for Liquid Copper Sulfate on a 1 acre pond:
1 gallon per acre with an average depth of 1-3 feet deep	Mix 1/2 gallon of Crystal Plex with 2-3 gallons of water and spray ½ of your pond. Wait 5 days and do the same application on the other ½ of pond.

*Spray entire ½ of pond, but give special attention to areas with heavy growth. Depending on severity of growth follow up treatments may be necessary.

For more information on how to apply Sanco’s pond algaecide contact the experts.