Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Water chemistry Aquashade, Phycomycin, Phytoplankton

Are these sprayer application devices available anywhere yet?

Sorta, but not in quantity.
Production capacity at my assembly plant (aka "garage") is sorely limited by time-constraints. I'm looking for a better option. Unfortunately, local fabrication-quotes have demonstrated why assembly-labor is often outsourced to China.
Prototype testing has shown great potential for this rig - primarily for topical applications.
Range is approximately 25'; and the discharge-solution is adjustable up to 2.5% in its standard configuration.
Silent & on-demand operation is ideal for low-profile applications.
A video of the unit in operation is linked below.

The light is getting brighter but a few more questions.

I read the Phycomycin ingredient page but is it harmful to people and animals after being applied (time period frame)and how long does it take to dissipate? I'm talking about the granular.

Will it handle all under-surface algae? Other than the blue-green, what other algae is its favorite target?

I'm guessing you would only treat maybe half of the pond at a time.

Now another big ?, Whats the price tag on this to treat maybe an acre of water?

Phycomycin, like many things, can be "harmful" if injested - or if moist tissues are exposed to it. Gloves and goggles are highly recommended when handling the product. Even a seemingly dry palm offers enough moisture to activate the product's oxidation process (I have proof). Not a pleasant sensation! WEAR GLOVES!

I know of no algaecides that don't contain some variation of "harmful" verbiage on their labels. The lawyers cover all their bases. Regardless, every product should be treated with respect and caution - but some more so than others.
As for Phycomycin's post-application dissipation, it is quite rapid. I'd guess roughly 15-60 minutes, depending on circumstances and site-variables (esp water-temp).
Experiences with Phycomycin have shown it effective on many simple forms of filamentous algae, but not on higher forms of algae (Chara, Nitella). Also, water-depth influences the required dose-rate and effectiveness. Relatively shallow water treatments are preferred since product-activity dissipates as it descends through the water column, requiring higher dose-rates for a given surface-area as water-depth increases.
Treating half of a pond at a time is no guarantee that an oxygen-drop (or crash) will not occur. Conducting partial-pond treatments simply throttles the spike in oxygen-demand (prompted by microbial biomass degredation) by regulating the acute amount of decomposing biomass following each treatment. The threat of an oxygen-crash involves multiple factors: initial oxygen levels, water temp, amount of decomposing biomass, aeration (if any), etc. etc. Bottom line: 1/2 or 1/3rd pond-treatments only "reduce" the risk of an O2 crash.
Phycomycin's "price tag" per acre will vary signficantly; depending on sourced-cost of the product and the required dosage due to depth. Check out the wide-ranging dose-rates listed on Phycomycin's label.
Of equal consideration is the fact that a single-dose treatment of Phycomycin - or any other algaecide - is not a "cure" for algae problems, but instead is a short-term management approach. In many cases, filamentous algae will rebound after an algaecide treatment as long as conducive conditions are present.

PS: Sorry about my earlier thread hijack.

Bill & Kelly,...Thanks guys!!! I'm just curious as to the algae (types) that is affected best by the peroxide? As compared to tilapia controlling the same types.

Kelly - Great information thanks from all those that have filamentous algae!!!!

How do you apply the powder?

Look up at K Duffies post above about precautions to handling. I used a boat, wearing the appropriate safety gear and just broadcasted it. There is as much small granular stuff as there is powder. Wasn't really that hard to do.

Jim

Edit--I am assuming you are talking about the Phycomycin.....

Yes...thx