• Even Distribution: PolyPro disperses uniformly throughout the water column and does not precipitate or stratify.

• High Efficacy at Low Concentration: Demonstrates strong bactericidal, cyanobactericidal, and algaecidal action at parts per billion (ppb) levels of ionic copper.

• Ideal Timing: Best applied in late spring or early summer when algae first appear.

• Temperature Versatility: Equally effective in both warm and cold water conditions.

• Adjustable Dosing: Application rates may vary based on algae density, water hardness, turbidity, and flow.

• Safe Start: If dosage is uncertain, start with a lower dose and increase gradually until control is achieved or the maximum allowable level is reached.

• Targeted Application: For best results, apply on sunny days when filamentous algae mats are floating and can be sprayed directly.

• Pre-treatment Tip: Physically remove heavy algae mats before applying to enhance effectiveness.

• Fish Safety: Regularly monitor copper levels to ensure safe residual concentrations. For water bodies containing fish, do not exceed 0.4 ppm total copper.

• Fish-Friendly Method: Begin treatment along the shoreline and work outward in bands, allowing fish to move into untreated areas.

When using PolyPro in fish-bearing water bodies, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of aquatic life. Before treatment, test the water for:

• Total alkalinity (>50 ppm)

• pH (≥6.5)

• Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (>3.0 ppm)

Copper toxicity increases as pH and alkalinity decrease, posing higher risks to sensitive species like trout and salmon. If alkalinity is below 50 ppm, consider adding sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) to raise levels safely before treatment.

Copper toxicity is influenced by many variables, including species, life stage, water chemistry, temperature, and DOC. Because of this, there’s no one-size-fits-all guideline for copper safety. Applicators must understand these factors to prevent unintended harm.

For sensitive species like salmon and trout, PolyPro should be applied gradually, in smaller doses over 2–3 days, to reach the target concentration. During this time, monitor dissolved copper (Cu²⁺) levels at least twice daily, ensuring they remain within the 0.04–0.06 ppm range.

Apply a pre-diluted 1:10 solution as a surface spray directly on algae-affected areas, typically in the top meter of water or shallow zones where algae are most active. Begin along the shoreline and work outward to allow fish to move into untreated areas. For fish-safe applications, do not exceed 0.4 ppm total copper in the entire water body.

For species-specific guidance, contact your Ocion distributor.

Treating algae and aquatic weeds can lead to oxygen depletion in the water as decomposing plant matter consumes oxygen and photosynthesis slows down. This drop in oxygen levels can harm or even suffocate fish and other aquatic life. Proper application techniques and timing are essential to minimize environmental impact.

Best Practices for Safe Application

• Treat in sections: Begin along the shoreline and work outward in bands. Treat only ¼ to ⅓ of the water body at a time, allowing fish to move into untreated areas. Wait at least 48 hours between treatments, and ensure a 14-day interval before re-treating the full body of water.
• Use emergency aeration: Have aeration equipment on hand during treatment to maintain oxygen levels if needed.
• Apply early in the season: For best results, start treatment at the earliest signs of algae growth using the minimum effective copper concentration. If algae persist, increase the ionic copper level gradually (up to 0.18 ppm), but never exceed 1.0 ppm in treated water.
• Account for biomass: Copper demand increases with higher algae and organic matter levels. As copper binds to organic material and algae, its bioavailability drops reducing its toxicity as it moves deeper into the water column.

By following these guidelines, PolyPro provides effective control with minimal environmental disruption, helping maintain a safe and balanced aquatic ecosystem.