FAQs

All of Sanco's pond dyes/colorants are safe and will not cause any harm to fish.

Crystal Blue and Ocean Blue are food grade dye/colorants and are 100% safe for fish, animals, recreation, irrigation and potable water.

Black Out is safe for fish, animals, recreation, irrigation, but is not safe for potable water. 

Crystal Blue, Ocean Blue, and Black Out colorants can be used in your pond during any season.  Just pour the product into the  pond water from the shoreline.  We even recommend pouring the product over the ice as it melts. 

Most pond dyes will last in your pond approximately 30 days.  You may have to add more pond dye before 30 days if you have execissive rainfall, run-off, a heavy out flow,  or evaporation.  If your colorant is fading you will visually be able to tell and should add more dye to the water.

Crystal Blue, Ocean Blue, and Black Out's application rates are based on 1 surface acre with an average water depth of 4-6 feet deep.  One gallon of any of the listed colorants will treat about 1 acre 4-6 feet deep.  For our water soluble pond dye bags you would use one box for 1 acre 4-6 feet deep. 

Pond dye is largely based on personal preference.  If you want your pond a little darker add more colorant. 

Measuring your pond is the first step to treating your pond safely and properly.  You can measure your pond based on the average shape of the body of water.  Use these formulas to calculate the size of your pond. 

 

If you would like us to do a satellite measurement for $35 (Sample) of your pond please send us a request.

*Satellite measurement not available for small deco garden ponds.

Do not add water to the spill, you will just spread the dye!

If you have a liquid pond dye spill, soak up as much of the product with an oil absorbent.  Place the soiled absorbent in a trash bag to prevent colorant bleeding on anything else.

Use a 50/50 bleach and water mixture to clean up the rest.

To clean off of hands use bleach water, but be sure to keep out of eyes.

Crystal Blue can be purchased from participating dealers.  If you do not have a store in your area please see our online shopping cart.

The best way to apply liquid copper sulfate is to do a broadcast spray.  Spray the algae mats with Crystal Plex in sections.  You will only treat 1/3 to 1/2 of your pond at a time to prevent oxygen depletion.  See labeled instructions for application amounts and check our tips for how to measure your pond size. The algae will brown up within 48 hours. Copper Sulfate is toxic to Koi, goldfish and trout.

Crystal Plex liquid copper sulfate and Copper Sulfate granular is safe for livestock, recreation, potable water and not harmful to most fish when used according to label directions. Oxygen depletion is the common cause for a fish kill. There are a few exceptions, Copper sulfate is not meant for small deco ponds and is toxic to Koi, Golfish and Trout.

Crystal Plex Algae killer, should be applied when you first notice an algae bloom. Typically algae will turn water green, have a slimy film, or thick "horse hair" like mats on the pond. Spot treat with Crystal Plex, liquid copper sulfate as needed waiting 5 to 7 days between treatments. Water temperature must be 50 degrees or above in order to work effectively.

Crystal Plex, liquid copper sulfate algae killer, can last in water column for up to 30 days; however, solution can weaken due to rainflow, outflow and evaporation. You may need to add more if you have another algae bloom. Wait a week between applications and only treat a 1/2 or 1/3 of the pond at a time to recover oxygen levels.

Properly measure your pond to find the square acreage and average depth. One gallon of Crystal Plex, liquid copper sulfate solution will treat a surface acre 1 to 2 feet deep. Example: 1/2 acre pond 4 feet average depth, mix 1 gallon with 8 to 10 gallons of water. (Water is to help spread the product, not to dilute.) See labeled instructions for all application rates.

Crystal Blue pond colorant is made with a proprietary formula that gives your lake or pond a deep royal blue color. Other brands of dye combine shades of blue and yellow, which gives the water a green, algae-like tint. Crystal Blue's royal blue tint gives the water a more natural and longer lasting appearance.

You can over tint your pond, but Crystal Blue pond colorant is a food grade dye and non-toxic to fish and animal life. If you put more then the recommended dose in your pond, the color will be a darker color, but dissipate over time.

 

** Please note, the gallon size is meant for larger ponds a 10th of an acre or higher. Colorant is available for small, backyard decorative ponds in smaller units and shows dosage by gallons.

Crystal Plex, liquid copper sulfate, algae control can be purchased from participating dealers. If you do not have a store listed near your area, please visit our online shopping cart.

There are several reasons why Pond colorant may look like it is not effective or intense in color. Possibilities include: the pond wasn't measured properly, you haven't used enough colorant, your pond is cloudy or murky, dye clings to floating particles in the water and can cause colorant to drop to the bottom of your pond.

 

To apply: simply pour the correct amount of Natural Pond Cleaner into your pond from the shoreline in several different locations around the pond. The Natural Pond Cleaner will disperse itself throughout the water. If you have a high concentration of muck in one area, pour directly in problem area.

Natural Pond Cleaner is 100% safe for fish, animals, wildlife, recreation, and potable water. Natural Pond Cleaner is a liquid form of beneficial bacteria that naturally occurs in ponds and is not harmful.