Pondcare Algaefix is it safe?

[Sailgal]

I have been complaining about my string algae and I got a bottle of PondCare Algaefix as a gift. Before I use it has anyone had experience with it and should I pass on it and continue to try to combat my string algae with my toilet brush?! I put a post up about this problem (and what I've done to treat so far) with a photo earlier today. Help
thanks!!

[Graham 83]

Stick with the brush, water changes, and house cleaning, and filter cleanings

[Cometstorm]

I have and use it on occasion. It does seem to help control the string algae.

However, be SURE and introduce it only at your pond outflow point. If you put it in the pond itself, it can concentrate in certain area(s) and cause fish death.

Also, I only use about 2/3 of the label application rate.

Be especially careful during hot weather when the oxygen levels in the water are low. I would reduce the application rate to around 1/2 during such times.

Also, I don't think I've ever put it in more than twice a week, and no less than three days apart.

It should be pre-diluted and stirred in a five gallon bucket of pond water before introduction.

Finally, it goes without saying do not shut your falls down anytime soon after introduction of the algecide.

I would not consider it a cure-all though....

Just my 2 cents...hope it helps!

[Pondpuppy]

Take Graham's advice, and leave the chemicals alone. You can become a slave to them.

Carol

[Sailgal]

thanks folks, I prefer to stay natural, just so frustrating. I was hoping for a miracle tip
See what happens.

[Cometstorm]

Originally Posted by Pondpuppy

Take Graham's advice, and leave the chemicals alone. You can become a slave to them.

Carol

Like one can't become a back-breaking slave to the algae itself in abundance? (a little humor here)

Seriously, I'm not a chemical pond user by nature. I've even quit using MicrobLift P/L. I figure what's the point, if one does frequent, thorough pond change-outs, mine being every five to seven days at about a 15 - 20% changeover. DeChlor is it for me, EXCEPT for the use of Algaefix on a very irregular basis.

In fact, right after my last (above) post, I introduced some since the air temp is a low 60 degrees, pond oxygen should be pretty good right now, and it's been well over a month since I intoduced any Algaefix. For me, I've found that it helps keep beginning algae from becoming unsightly...but not to say it eliminates it altogether.

Again, it surely is not a cure-all....but I am a believer that it is an algae control helper when used with proper care.

To each his own, but I've never had a problem with it.

LIAR ME!

|
|
|
|
\/

The first time I used it, I spread some around the pond itself and lost one fish in a "still water" part of the pond. But, that was over five years ago....

[JanR]

I agree with Graham, don't use it. I know looking at string algae is terrible, but believe me, using any kind of chemical to get rid of it just seems to make things worse in the end. We have two toilet brushes, one that is attached to a pole and the other one isn't. The one that is attached to the pole is much easier to use, especially for me, my arms aren't that long. lol

[Pondpuppy]

One of the problems with AlgaeFix or any other chemical is that while it does kill the string algae, what doesn't wind up in your skimmer ends up at the bottom of the pond and provides nourishment for the next batch of algae.

Carol

[Fish Lips]

The trick with Algaefix is that you must use the Ecofix the next day. The Ecofix breaks down the dead algae which gets sucked up in the filter. Before you use it though you need to pull out as much of the algae as you can. It won't perform miracles...

[brightly]

Thats what I do. I want an easy fix and have never had a problem with it.
I do always follow it up with Ecofix and am careful with the dosage and do
put it in at the falls.

[Graham 83]

Not much since using EcoFix after all the fish have been potentially killed by the AF...two different prodcuts doing two different things.

[aqualandman]

Algaefix if not done correctly will kill the fish because it removes Oxygen from the water and its too late before you know it.. dead fish. Try 3% hydrogen peroxide at 3oz per 100 gallons after taking out as much as possible.

[TimeBandit]

After going away for a week vacation in May, I returned to find the my pond filled with string algae everywheres. Couldn't even see the rocks on the bottom. I started treating with AlgaeFix and slowly it began to eliminate the algae. Through this process I maintained good aeration with waterfall, a fountain, and two air-stones bubbler. Also since the algae started to lift off, I had to clean the skimmer filter pad daily for about 3 weeks (or else my pump would come close to running dry). After 1 month the algae is totally gone. All fish and plant life survived very well through the process. Again I believe good pond aeration is a must.

Dennis