How to use Coptrol in hydroponic systems

Controlling algae in a hydroponic system can be difficult.

When algae are present in a system:

They use up nutrients from the solution
They smell
After blooming and decomposing they remove dissolved oxygen from the system resulting in increased biological oxygen demand.
The resulting oxygen removal leads to root suffocation
Decomposing algae is also a food source for fungus gnats
Fungus gnats damage plant roots
Suffocated and damaged roots are ideal targets for Pythium attack.

What steps should be taken to stop algae growing?

Algae need light, water and food to grow. You cannot do much

about the water and the nutrients but you can stop the light.

Wherever light penetrates the nutrient solution action should be

taken to stop it. Make sure you have a light proof nutrient reservoir

made from opaque material and a lid. Then light proof all the

channels, the entry and exit points of the solution.

Recommended Dose Rates

If your initial source of water is a farm dam or pond Coptrol should

be used to eliminate algae.

It can even be used to prevent an algae bloom as it remains active

in the water until algae bloom and is never wasted.

Coptrol will not harm your plants

If algae are a problem in your water source follow this 5 step method to keep your waters clear and bright.

1. First identify the algae present. If you are not certain visit

www.algae.info. This site enables you to identify all the

common algae in Australia.

2. Now calculate the volume of water to treat. Ignore depths

below 1 metre. We have a page which explains the methods

used to determine the amount of water to treat. If you need

assistance see How to calculate the volume of water to treat

with Coptrol.

3. Next calculate the amount of Coptrol needed. An easy way

to calculate is:

a) If you are storing water in a farm dam or pond

If the algae is fine and free floating use 2 mL of Coptrol per 1000 Litres (1 cubic metre) of water. That is equivalent to 2 Litres of Coptrol per 1000 square metres of surface area.

If the algae is long and stringy use 5 mL per 1000 litres of water (1 cubic metre) or 5 Litres per 1000 square metres of surface area.

4. Dilute the required amount of Coptrol using a 1:10 or even a

1:20 Coptrol water dilution.

5. The best application method is by spraying. Apply on a sunlit

wind free day when algae first appear. If this is impractical

look at our general recommendations.

b) If algae are circulating in your nutrient system

Coptrol can be used to eliminate algae.

Coptrol will not affect your plants.

Use 10 mL of Coptrol per 1000 litres of water for 7-10 days. Repeat
as necessary.

c) To control the fungus Pythium in lettuce crops,

       add 30-50 mL of Coptrol per 1000 litres of
       water continuously for 7-10 days. Repeat as
       necessary.

If you still need help call RCI at no cost to you. Contact RCI where our free call numbers are displayed. Or you can email RCI using this form.

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