Can Too Much Copper Sulfate Kill Fish in the USA

Copper sulfate is toxic to very few fish. Some species that you can’t use copper with are Koi, goldfish and trout all of which are listed on the label. Pond owners that have experienced a fish kill after using a copper sulfate algaecide most likely treated too large of an area.

Is copper sulfate toxic to fish?

The greatest risk to fish from the use of copper sulfate is killing too much plant material at one time. Decay of plant material uses scarce dissolved oxygen, leading to fish suffocation. Fish treated with copper sulfate at approved rates are safe for human consumption with zero withdrawal time.

Can Too much copper kill fish?

Copper can be toxic to some sensitive fish species and is highly toxic to many invertebrate species. Even for more tolerant species, chronic copper use can damage gills, kidneys, spleens, and other organs and systems.





Can you use too much copper sulfate?

Copper sulfate can cause severe eye irritation. Eating large amounts of copper sulfate can lead to nausea, vomiting, and damage to body tissues, blood cells, the liver, and kidneys. With extreme exposures, shock and death can occur.

How much copper can fish tolerate?

Do not use in conjunction with any other medication. If the aquarium has ever been treated with an ionic copper (e.g. copper chloride, sulfate or citrate), test copper level after initial dosing. Although most fish tolerate Cupramine to 0.8 mg/L, it is not advisable to exceed 0.6 mg/L copper.

Can you eat fish from a pond treated with copper sulfate?

There are no restrictions on swimming, eating fish from treated water bodies, human drinking water, pet/livestock drinking water, or irrigation. Copper is an element, and so is not broken down like other herbicides.

How often can you treat a pond with copper sulfate?

Never treat the entire lake or pond at once, as doing so will deplete oxygen levels while vegetation and algae decomposes after dying. You will need to adjust this dose depending on the brand of copper sulfate you are using – you don’t want to have more than 2.0 parts per million (ppm) in the water.

What happens when you put copper sulfate in water?

If copper sulphate crystals are added to water then, the particles of copper sulphate crystals loses attraction between them and starts moving continuously and gets mixed up with water. It is called ‘hydrated copper sulphate solution which is having a blue colour.

How long does it take copper sulfate to work?

After using a copper sulfate algae control product you should notice the algae start to change a brownish or grayish white within about 24 hours.

How often should I use copper sulfate?

Application by Slug Method: Make a dump of Copper Sulfate into the irrigation ditch or lateral at ¼ to 2 pounds per second of water per treatment. Repeat about every 2 weeks as needed. A dump is usually necessary every 5 to 30 miles depending on water hardness, alkalinity, and algae concentration.

Is copper sulfate safe to use in a pond?

Copper sulfate can be toxic to fish and other organisms. Copper sulfate results in copper build up in pond sediments and creates a sterile bottom in the pond. Besides many important organisms, it kills beneficial bacteria.

How do you treat a farm pond with copper sulfate?

Mix 5lbs of granular copper sulfate with 3 gallons of hot water. Agitate until granular is completely dissolved. Spray ½ of your pond. Wait 5 days and do the same treatment to the other ½.

How do you remove copper sulfate from a fish tank?

It can only be removed by either doing water changes, or by using E.D.T.A. (Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acidic Acid) to chelate it out of the water. Remember folks, there is no such thing as a “Chelated Copper Solution”, as “Chelated” means “Inactivated”.

Does copper hurt fish?

Copper sulfate is toxic to very few fish. Some species that you can’t use copper with are Koi, goldfish and trout all of which are listed on the label. Pond owners that have experienced a fish kill after using a copper sulfate algaecide most likely treated too large of an area.

How long does copper last in fish tank?

Theronts are very susceptible to copper and will die anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. If a tomont (cyst stage) is exposed to the copper treated water for 2 to 3 weeks the copper will prevent it from producing viable theronts.

How long do you treat fish with copper?

Copper measurements should be taken twice a day, with more copper added if necessary. As discussed previously, treatment may last 3–4 weeks or more, depending upon the target organism and specific situation. Consult with a fish health specialist to determine duration of treatment and effectiveness.

When should I put copper sulfate in my pond?

Copper sulfate should be used as a pond algae treatment on actively growing algae in water temperature above 60F. When getting rid of algae in a pond, it is always important to treat 1/2 of the pond algae at a time to avoid killing too much algae and depleting the water of oxygen.

How much copper sulfate should I put in my pool?

IN SWIMMING POOLS To treat and prevent algae and odors, apply 1 tablespoon of Copper Sulfate for every thousand gallons of pool water. This will result in a concentration of 1.0 ppm of dissolved copper. Prior to application, the pH of the pool should be 7.2-7.6.

How do you neutralize copper sulfate?

Unless it is a copper carbonate or basic carbonate,contaminated copper sulfate, water soaking or steam cleaning should remove it. If it is not removed with water, try a dilute solution of acetic acid and it should remove it .

Is Cutrine plus the same as copper sulfate?

copper sulfate and Cutrine are not the same thing. Cutrine is a chelated copper which is much less toxic than CuSO4. Cutrine sells a granular form (not copper sulfate) as well.

Can you touch copper sulfate crystals?

Don’t drink the solution and avoid touching it. If you do get it on your hands, rinse them in clean water immediately. Be aware copper sulfate will stain skin and fabrics. Copper sulfate crystals contain water, so if you want to keep your finished crystal, store it in a sealed container, like a plastic bag.

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