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How to control algae in Ornamental

Ponds and Fountains

Shallow ponds ideal for growing algae

Because ponds are generally shallow with significant surface area

they are a fertile breeding ground for algae, particularly in the

summer months.

There are hundreds of different algae that can cause a problem

in ponds, most of them unsightly, and most causing problems

including the blocking of pumps.

Frequently fish are added to the pond and they too assist the

growth of algae. Fish faeces are an excellent source of nutrient

for algae. Often fish are over fed and the excess feed falls to

the bottom and as it rots is another source of nutrient. Other

sources of nutrient are fallen leaves or fertilizer.

This excess of nutrient leads to algal blooms which in turn take

dissolved oxygen out of the water and leads to fish suffocation

from lack of oxygen.

Fish precautions

Coptrol will rid the pond of algae but before applying it there

are some important safety issues to check if fish are present.

• The water temperature of the pond must be 16C (61 F) or more
• The calcium carbonate of the water must be 50 PPM (50mg/litre)
• The water must be aerated
• You should read and heed Coptrol use in Aquaculture
• Dead and decomposing algae will use the dissolved oxygen in

the water. So where fish are present, and there is inadequate

aeration, it is recommended that a third of the pond be

treated at a time, at intervals of at least 7 days, to allow the

fish to escape to oxygenated water.

Coptrol is specific to algae and will not affect the plants in

the pond.

Dose recommendations

If algae is a problem in your ornamental pond or fountain follow this 5 step method to keep your waters clear and bright.

1. First identify the algae present. If you are not certain visit

www.algae.info. This site enables you to identify all the

common algae in Australia.

2. Now calculate the volume of water to treat. Ignore depths

below 1 metre. We have a page which explains the methods

used to determine the amount of water to treat. If you

need assistance see How to calculate the volume of water to

treat with Coptrol.

3. Next calculate the amount of Coptrol needed. An easy way

to calculate is:

• If the algae is fine and free floating use 2 mL of Coptrol

per 1000 Litres (1 cubic metre) of water. That is equivalent

to 2 Litres of Coptrol per 1000 square metres of surface

area.

• If the algae is long and stringy use 5 mL per 1000 litres of

water (1 cubic metre) or 5 Litres per 1000 square metres of

surface area.

4. Dilute the required amount of Coptrol using a 1:10 or even a

1:20 Coptrol water dilution.

5. The best application method is by spraying. Apply on a sunlit

wind free day when algae first appear. If this is impractical

look at our general recommendations.

If you still need help call RCI at no cost to you. Contact RCI where our free call numbers are displayed. Or you can email RCI using this form.

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