The greatest risk to fish from the use of copper sulfate is killing too much plant material at one time
. Decay of plant material uses scarce dissolved oxygen, leading to fish suffocation. Fish treated with copper sulfate at approved rates are safe for human consumption with zero withdrawal time.
Can you use too much copper sulfate?
Copper sulfate can cause severe eye irritation.
Eating large amounts of copper sulfate can lead to nausea, vomiting, and damage to body tissues, blood cells, the liver, and kidneys
. With extreme exposures, shock and death can occur.
Can Too much copper kill fish?
Copper can be toxic to some sensitive fish species
and is highly toxic to many invertebrate species. Even for more tolerant species, chronic copper use can damage gills, kidneys, spleens, and other organs and systems.
How often can you treat a pond with copper sulfate?
Remember: Using any form of copper sulfate for algae control in ponds should always be done in
two batches
. Treat half of your pond first, then wait for at least five days before treating the other half to avoid oxygen depletion.
Can you eat fish from a pond treated with copper sulfate?
There are no restrictions on swimming, eating fish from treated water bodies
, human drinking water, pet/livestock drinking water, or irrigation. Copper is an element, and so is not broken down like other herbicides.
Is copper sulfate OK for fish?
The greatest risk to fish from the use of copper sulfate is killing too much plant material at one time. Decay of plant material uses scarce dissolved oxygen, leading to fish suffocation.
Fish treated with copper sulfate at approved rates are safe for human consumption with zero withdrawal time
.
What happens when you put copper sulfate in water?
As stated above, copper sulfate accumulates as a heavy metal precipitate once it is applied to water. Because of this, it does not biodegrade.
A buildup of copper sulfate can lead to a sterile water bottom, which can decrease and kill beneficial bacteria
.
Does copper hurt fish?
In a pond with algae,
copper treatments can cause oxygen concentrations to drop, which may result in fish kills
.
How do you neutralize copper sulfate?
Neutralize the acid very carefully with
bicarbonate of soda to a neutral point
. The steel wool will have reacted with most of the acid. Flush the remaining liquid down the drain with a good bit of water and throw your cathode,anode and rinsed steel wool in a metal recycle trash bin.
What does copper sulfate do to a pond?
Copper sulfate results in
copper build up in pond sediments and creates a sterile bottom in the pond
. Besides many important organisms, it kills beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria such as our all natural, PlanktoniX products, breaks down organic matter in the pond including silt, sludge, decaying plants, etc.
What are the hazards of copper sulfate?
Health Hazards
Copper sulfate is
a severe eye irritant and can cause substantial damage to the eyes
. If inhaled, the dust can cause respiratory irritation. Copper sulfate should not be ingested. Doing so will cause serious diarrhea and vomiting.
What can I do with copper sulfate?
Copper sulfate is used as a drying agent in the anhydrous form, as an additive for fertilizers and foods, and several industrial applications such as textiles, leather, wood, batteries, ink, petroleum, paint, and metal, among others. It is used also as an animal nutritional supplement.
Can you swim in a pond treated with copper sulfate?
When organisms such as algae become a problem in private or commercial fish ponds, copper sulfate treatment provides an inexpensive solution. However, improper application of copper sulfate can create more problems than it solves.
How long will copper sulfate last?
Chelated copper algaecides reduce the frequency of treatments because they are effective for
up to 6 weeks
after application. With all chemical treatments, we recommend using only as needed.
How long does copper sulfate take to work in a pond?
Liquid copper sulfate is best applied by using a broadcast sprayer. Within about
48 hours
after application, the algae should be brown and dead or dying.
Can you swim in water with copper sulfate?
It’s generally safe for swimmers
, but because copper sulfate doesn’t evaporate, it should be used sparingly. High concentrations resulting from repeated use can cause staining of the pool liner, the submerged pool equipment, and possibly the skin of anyone who stays in the water too long.
How soon can you swim after using copper sulfate?
Wait
at least 14 days between treatments
. Begin treatment along the shore and proceed outwards in bands to allow fish to move into untreated areas.
How long does it take for Cutrine Plus to work?
Cutrine-Plus is hard water stable. Far less corrosive than other common algaecides. Begins to work immediately on contact to break down algaes cellular structure.
Controls Planktonic Algae in 1 to 2 days, Filamentous Algae in 3 to 4 days
.
How often should I use copper sulfate?
Application by Slug Method: Make a dump of Copper Sulfate into the irrigation ditch or lateral at 1⁄4 to 2 pounds per second of water per treatment. Repeat about
every 2 weeks as needed
. A dump is usually necessary every 5 to 30 miles depending on water hardness, alkalinity, and algae concentration.
How do I get rid of algae in my pond without harming fish?
- Remove Algae. Rake out as much algae as possible with a pond or garden rake, taking care not to damage the pond liner by accidentally tearing it.
- Remove Debris. Remove fallen leaves and dead plant foliage from the pond. …
- Free Floating Aquatic Plants. …
- Use Barley Straw. …
- Utilize Beneficial Bacteria Tablets.
