Koi Care
Algaecide is a liquid algae-control product for use in ornamental fish ponds and
water gardens containing live plants and fish.
Koi Care Algaecide controls many types of algae including “green
water” blooms and filamentous algae.
Can Koi Care Algaecide be used in a water garden containing live plants?
Yes. Koi Care Algaecide can
be used in ponds containing submerged plants like cabomba, and floating plants
such as water lettuce, and flowering plants, such as iris and water lilies. Koi Care
Algaecide has been tested in extensive laboratory and field trials with aquatic
plants. The following is a partial list of plants that we have tested and found
to be compatible with Koi Care Algaecide when used as directed.
|
Common name |
Scientific name |
|
Water lily |
Nymphaea
sp. |
|
Canna |
Canna
sp. |
|
Water lettuce |
Pistia
stratiotes |
|
Water hyacinth |
Eichhornia
crassipes |
|
Taro |
Colocasia
sp. |
|
Lotus |
Nelumbo
sp. |
|
Cattail |
Typha
sp. |
|
Cardinal flower |
Lobelia
cardinalis |
|
Fairy moss |
Azolla
caroliniana |
|
Iris |
Acorus
calamus |
|
Parrot’s feather |
Myriophyllum
aquatica |
|
Pickerel weed |
Pontederia
sp. |
|
Thalia |
Thalia
sp. |
|
Cabomba |
Cabomba
caroliniana |
|
Anacharis |
Egeria
densa |
|
Water pennywort |
Hydrocotyle
verticilliata |
Can Koi Care Algaecide be used in a fountain?
Yes. Koi Care Algaecide can be
used in ornamental fountains. Koi Care Algaecide is non-staining and
non-corrosive.
What types of algal problems
will Koi Care Algaecide control?
Koi Care Algaecide is effective against “green water” (e.g., Chlorella) algal blooms. Dense populations of suspended algae cause green water algae blooms. The water may be so green that fish cannot be seen. Koi Care Algaecide also controls filamentous algae commonly known as “string” or “hair algae” (e.g., Cladophora) and “blanket weed” (e.g., Oedogonium). Algae growth in ponds can appear as green water blooms, filamentous algae on plants, and floating algal mats. Algae may also grow on rocks, fountains, and waterfalls.
 |
 |
|
“Blanket weed” in a pond |
“Green
water” bloom in pond water |
How does Koi Care Algaecide work?
Koi Care
Algaecide controls algae in two ways. Many algae, like Chlorella, consist
of a single cell. Koi Care Algaecide causes the algae cell wall to leak. The
algae respond much like a deflating balloon.
Other algae, such as Oedogonium, form filaments made up of many
cells. Koi Care Algaecide binds to protein in the cell membrane, disrupting the
flow of nutrients and ions across the cell membrane. Filamentous algae respond
to Koi Care Algaecide by gradually disintegrating over time. Algaecide can be
used with aquatic plants.
Are Goldfish and Koi sensitive to Koi Care Algaecide?
Extensive
laboratory and long-term outdoor field studies has shown that Koi Care Algaecide
can be used in ponds containing Koi and Goldfish without worry. The outdoor
field-testing ponds also contained a variety of other organisms including
leopard frogs, tadpoles, snails and other aquatic life.
Are there any precautions necessary when using Koi Care Algaecide?
Before
using Koi Care Algaecide, make certain that the pond has vigorous aeration,
i.e., a fountain, waterfall, or aeration device. Anytime dead algae are removed
by the filter or settle to the bottom of the pond, the oxygen level may drop to
harmful levels if adequate aeration is not provided. If adequate aeration is not
provided, fish loss due to low oxygen levels may also occur. Therefore, when
using Koi Care Algaecide in warm summer months, adequate aeration must be
provided. Do not shut pond pumps
and aeration devices off at night. Be sure to keep the pond filter clean and
running properly when using Algaecide.
Do
not use Koi Care Algaecide with crustaceans, including crabs, shrimp, freshwater
shrimp, and freshwater lobsters.
How
do I treat with Koi Care Algaecide?
It is a violation of federal
law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
Add 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) of Koi Care Algaecide for every 50 US gallons (190 L) of pond/fountain water; 1 ounce per 300 gallons, 1 pint will treat a 5,000 gallon pond.
Thoroughly mix Koi Care Algaecide into the pond/fountain water by adding it near the pump outflow, waterfall, or aeration device. Koi Care Algaecide can be mixed in a bucket of pond/fountain water and dispersed evenly around the pond/fountain. Repeat dose every 3 days until algae is controlled. Be prepared to siphon out dead filamentous algae. Once algal growth is under control, add 1/3rd dose per week. Weekly doses of Koi Care Algaecide will control algal growth and reduce pond/fountain maintenance.
It is inexpensive at $17.50/pint, $27/quart, $39/1/2 gallon, $69/gallon.
Phone: 303-883-8000