Liquid Vs. Granular Copper Sulfate

Copper products have been used for decades to control algae growth.  There are two basic forms of copper sulfate available to pond owners today: namely, copper sulfate granules and chelated copper liquid.  The choice is yours; which one is most effective for your pond situation?

Copper sulfate granules can be used either by casting the granules into the pond or by dissolving the crystals into a copper sulfate solution in a tank of water.  Either way is effective; the copper sulfate/water solution is a little less likely to cause irritation in the nose or eyes.  Copper sulfate granules should be used on actively growing algae mats.  You can treat the algae on the surface or at the bottom of the pond effectively with the copper sulfate.  Copper sulfate is fast acting and does not stay in solution very long, so it is only effective on algae that it makes contact with.  There are a couple of types of algae that copper sulfate granules will not work on.  Chara and planktonic algae are unaffected by copper sulfate, so the use of a chelated copper is advised when treating these two algal colonies.  Sanco Industries, Inc. offers 5# and 15# bags of Crystal Blue Smart Crystals copper sulfate for your convenience.

Chelated copper is a very effective way to extend your treatment strategy.  Chelated or liquid copper products are longer lasting and are easy to use and apply.  They are also effective on chara and planktonic algae, both of which are resistant to copper sulfate.  Overall, chelated copper stays in suspension from 8 days up to 30 days, depending on water conditions and the particular brand of chelated copper.  Crystal Plex has the longest suspension, lasting up to 30 days and is a very effective choice in the early treatment season when the water is still too cold for copper sulfate but algae is present.  The long suspension life means that the Crystal Plex simply hangs around waiting for the water temperatures to warm slightly.  It is present when the algae begins to grow and is easily taken up by the algae, which ends up ingesting the copper and dying quickly.

In summary, copper sulfate and liquid copper do have specific uses for specific applications.  Be sure to consider which form will be the best form for you to use on your pond.

For more information on Sanco’s copper sulfate products Contact our helpful staff.