Products
Various products containing copper sulfate are commercially available. Pure copper sulfate powder is also available in pharmacies or drugstores.
Structure and properties
Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO
4
– · 5 H
2
O, M
r
= 249.7 g/mol) exists as a blue crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water. However, solubility decreases with increasing pH, which may affect efficacy. Copper sulfate may also be present in the compounds as anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO
4
). The molecular weight is correspondingly lower.
Effects
Copper sulfate has algicidal properties. The dissolved (ionized) Cu is effective.
2+
.
Application areas
For the prevention or treatment of algae infestation. Copper sulfate can also be used in waters with fish.
Dosage
According to the directions for use. The agent is added to a watering can together with water and distributed as evenly as possible in the pond. We have the following dosage of a product for biotopes and ponds:
- From a solution with 10.5 mg/ml copper sulfate is given 10 ml per 100 liters of pond water.
- Dead algae should be removed before and after treatment.
- Pay attention to an adequate supply of oxygen.
- If the infestation is too large (>30%), it is not recommended to use.
- Treatment is carried out every 1 to 6 weeks (caution because of accumulation).
Adverse effects
The death of algae can cause a rapid decrease in oxygen levels in the pond, which can lead to suffocation of fish. Copper sulfate can also be directly harmful to fish in high concentrations. It also kills plankton and invertebrates such as snails. Finally, copper can be deposited in sediment.
