Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Property Projects & Construction Is copper sulfate a good choice?

Hello

I am thinking about using copper sulfate to treat my pea green pond water. I am aware it is widely used for algae. Upon looking on the label on a container of copper sulfate crystals I have from another use, it states that it was toxic to goldfish and koi (which I have) and recommended it not be used on small ponds. My pond is about 2000 square feet. Proper water conditions (such as ph) and other cautions were also mentioned in the product information. All of this lead be to believe that the margin for error was slight with use of this product.

Given the above is use of sulfate a bad idea? There are other products that contain copper though in lesser amounts such as Cutrine. Is this as effective for plankton, which I believe to be t which I am seeing. Or, are there are better products for this situation? Thank you.

William

Welcome to the forum.

Copper Sulfate is risky to use if you have koi in the pond. (or trout for that matter). The proper way to use it is to dissolve it in water then spray it in the pond, NOT throw out the crystals (for planktonic algae).

Even Cutrine Plus liquid would be iffy in your situation. That's another copper based product.

For your application, I'd be looking at Phycomycin, Green Clean or Green Clean Pro. All those have 0 copper in them.