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POLYDEX_®
Bacteriostatic Algaecide:
TECHNICAL BULLETIN

What is POLYDEX?

POLYDEX is a bacteriostatic algaecide for the control of algae and bacteria in water-holding containments, such as agriculture dugouts, municipal potable water impoundments, golf course ponds, and ornamental waterscapes.POLYDEX was the first environment-friendly non-halogen, non-oxidizing product to provide faster, more effective, and longer-lasting algae control in potable water and wastewater storage.

                  Why is POLYDEX different?

POLYDEX is a highly biologically active ionized mineral matrix, which effectively stabilizes copper ions [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺ and disperses them evenly throughout water.

                  Greater concentrations of ions

• Lower required doses
• Higher efficacy
• Most biologically active form
• Works in a range of water conditions

POLYDEX is strongly hydrophilic in nature. Therefore, it self-disperses quickly in clean water (~6 meters/hr in all directions).POLYDEX remains in a state of high molecular stability. The active ingredient remains in an ionic state indefinitely in a wide range of water conditions.POLYDEX will always be uniformly distributed throughout the water body, regardless of seasonal temperatures or water condition.

                 How does POLYDEX work?

POLYDEX works on organisms in entirely different way than chlorine and similar products. Halogens and oxidizers attack micro-organisms from the outside. They “burn” them out of existence.Algae absorb POLYDEX, where copper ions interfere with natural metabolic processes, such as membrane permeability, respiration, digestion, reproduction, metalloenzyme function, and even the denaturing of DNA. As a result, the algae die from their inability to perform vital functions.Once POLYDEX has cleared a water body of algae, the unused active ingredient remains in the water, effectively rendering the entire water body bacteriostatic. This prevents algae from returning as long as there is a minimum residual.

                    What can you expect?

In ponds where there is an existing algal bloom, expect to use POLYDEX in proportion to the demand for copper needed to kill the bloom.After applying POLYDEX, algae at the surface may appear to turn brown – and may exhibit a foaming activity as resident bacteria digest the dead algae. This is short lived and the water should clear in a matter of days.in clear water, there will be no visual change and, when properly maintained, the water will remain free from algae.

To Control Algae in Impounded Water, Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs

Probably the simplest and most satisfactory method is to pre-dilute POLYDEX in water and spray the solution over the body of water. A small pump mounted in the boat can be easily used for this purpose.POLYDEX may be broadcast directly on the water surface from a properly equipped boat. When using this method, the wind direction is an important factor. Do not use this method unless completely familiar with this type of application.

    Application Method when Dosing POLYDEX from a Boat

Begin treatment along the shoreline and proceed outward until one-third to one-half of the total area has been treated. Care should be taken that the course of the boat is such as to cause even distribution of POLYDEX. In large lakes, it is customary for the boat to travel in parallel lines about 20 – 100 feet (6 – 30 meters) apart.

  POLYDEX Dilutions (Equivalent Copper ppm) for Freshwater Algae

Use the lower recommended rate in soft waters (less than 50 ppm methyl orange alkalinity) and higher concentration in hard water (above 50 ppm alkalinity). Always consult local authorities before applying this product to municipal waters

POLYDEX in LAKE AND POND WATER MANAGEMENT

Edited from material provided by Mr. Roy Matoush, Biochemist, CemLake Management, Denver, CO
While the remarks on treatment of six lakes in Colorado were in large part aimed at algae, there were references to pondweed. In most cases we found that the pond weeds found in all of the lakes in this area, are very receptive to treatment with POLYDEX. Operators should start by, checking conditions of the lake. Look for floating algae and the quantity of the biomass. Check, if possible, for the type of algae; for instance, blue green, bottoms covered with algae, or algae floating below the surface. Record the temperature, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, and colour of the lake each time you treat or check the lake. This will allow you to build information for future use in determining how to treat the lake in years to come.

Remember that the lakes will turnover in the spring and fall. The temperature will cause the lakes to stabilize with the changing conditions of the summers and winters. This data can provide the approximate "turnover" of the lake and when you can expect a heavier than normal algae bloom. Pay particular attention to the existing biomass if you are starting your initial treatment of the lake. This will aid you in determining the proper dosage for the lake. A large biomass will enable you to apply a heavier dosage than generally allowed for the lake. This, of course, will be due to the absorption of the copper ions at a faster rate than will be required for routine maintenance.

A good, safe approach for the first time treatment of a lake when you are unsure of the biomass or the volume of water, or if you are concerned over fish kill, is to start with a reduced level at the perimeter or in shallow areas where warmer water temperatures are more likely to contribute to algae growth. We have found the best overall starting level to be 0.04 ppm of Polydex. This will give you a safe level for essentially all types of fish and you will not have an overkill of algae thus preventing a decrease in the oxygen level of the water. Remember you can always do a second and third treatment. When fish are present always adopt the cautious approach.

We have found that in most cases we are very effective at levels of pH 9.0. This is somewhat conservative. We have treated lakes several times at levels of pH 9.5 without loss of efficiency. Try to accumulate all the information available on the types of waters or chemicals, if any, that are discharged or flow into the lake as natural runoff. Look for small feeder canals that carry water during periods of heavy rains only. Pay particular attention to the amount of grassed areas that lie above the lakes or ponds to be treated. This will generally change the length of time between treatments. The larger the grassed or fertilized areas the more nutrients will become available to the lake as a result of watering or normal rain.

Most of the lakes treated were situated on the fairways of golf courses. Due to the normal fertilization and watering frequency practiced by most golf courses, we had to maintain a very regular treatment schedule. Also, we encountered a very heavy influx of geese and ducks on the fairways and the ponds. This not only increases the nutrients provided to the water, but also adds to the cross contamination between the lakes in the surrounding area. This means that you have to be aware of troublesome strains of algae or plants, such as duck weed, that can be brought in from other lakes.

 Pond Perfections Inc.
RR#2, #952 B-Line
Mildmay, Ontario, Canada
NOG 2JO
Phone 519.367.5932 
Fax 519.367.3413 
contact: Bob@pondperfections.com

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