Copper

Question
I am Scott Sater, my company is Ponds of Reflection and we build swimming ponds. That is ponds you swim in with goldfish and water lilies. We use an ionization system that puts Copper and silver into the water to control both algae and bacteria. Typically the copper ion level is held at .3 to .5 ppm and we have few problems. However a rebuild job has come about (a natural pond of about 2 acres) they have an algae ,Chara, that requires 1.0 ppm copper to effectively control it. How will this affect the fish?

Thanks,

Scott Sater

Answer
Hey Scott,

In my experience, copper kills fish even in moderate quantities. I've recently had trouble at my place of business, where a koi tank with a nice fountain had pennies thrown in it and wiped out almost $500 worth of butterfly koi and aged comets.

With about fifty cents in change, in a 450 gallon setup, the heavy metal toxicity was enough to kill otherwise healthy fish. In your situation, I'd recommend adding some pond salts, as they are safe on coldwater animals, but effectively help control algae. Large activated carbon pads typically help control the spread of algae as well. If carbon pads and salt (which wont irritate the skin) are not acceptable means of algae control, there are several other methods avalible. Adding large amounts of live plants will help suck up needed nutrients for algae to grow, Certain cat fish can be used to graze on and consume algae *But beware of spines!* And even use of commercial no-more-algae products can help eliminate any threat of algae.

If again, none of these ideas are safe for your business, then acclimate the fish slowly to the change. Finish the setup (minus the copper) and begin adding animals, plants, etc. After a month or so at .3, bring it up to .5, in a month or two after that, add another .2 until you reach the 1.0 you desire. Adding things slowly that way, the fish have a chance to adjust and cope with the stress of the heavy metals. If you note the fish lose color, show signs of inactivity, sink and refuse to eat, or other unusual changes in behavior or appearance, it's time to reduce the ppm of copper, and switch to a less stressful means of algae removal.

I hope one of these options works out for you! And good luck with your project. For perhaps potential business for you, e-mail your location to me, and contact information. I have several people every month asking where I got my waterfall setup, and I never have a place to refer them to. If you live in or near Los Angeles (The San Fernando Valley, in specific) in California, you could benefit from those interested in my store!