The Un-Filters 401 Chapter 9
Usage Recommendations
If there’s already algae present in an existing water feature, start the Ionizer at 100% and diligently monitor the copper level with a test kit at least once a week until the level reaches 0.1 ppm, then reduce the level to 30% and continue monitoring until algae is controlled AND levels stabilize at between 0.1 and 0.3ppm. There is no way to tell how long this will take in any given water feature, but be prepared to clean out a lot of dead algae in the first week or two, and be willing to monitor the copper until a consistent level is attained.
In new features that have no algae yet, you can let the first bloom appear, to allow algae to clean up the organics in the water, then start the Recommendations above. If there is a need to keep the feature algae free from the beginning, start the Ionizer at 30% in a clean, new feature, monitor the copper levels as above, and if algae appears, raise the level of Ionization by 10% per week until levels come up to 0.1%. After levels stabilize, you might try lowering the Ionization Level by 10% to get the most out of your electrodes. The less current running through them, the longer the electrodes will last, so finding the lowest Ionization level that keeps the feature algae-free is the key to the lowest operating costs.
Is the Ionizer a drop-in, “set-it-and-forget-it” panacea for all ills? NO. Is the Ionizer a great tool to control all types of algae with minimal side effects when used properly in a well-circulated and well-maintained water feature where pH and KOH levels are optimum? Yes it is.
To Recap - YES, Ionizers will clear green water and control floating algae and surface growths as well, without the use of “harsh chemicals” - IF AND ONLY IF:
- the unit is properly installed in the return line of a pumping system capable of circulating ions to every corner of the pond, and
- the water is conductive, and
- the copper level is maintained between 0.1 and 0.3ppm, as determined by a test kit, and
- the pH maintained around neutral, 7.0, with KOH levels between 100ppm and 120ppm
If there’s already algae present in an existing water feature, start the Ionizer at 100% and diligently monitor the copper level with a test kit at least once a week until the level reaches 0.1 ppm, then reduce the level to 30% and continue monitoring until algae is controlled AND levels stabilize at between 0.1 and 0.3ppm. There is no way to tell how long this will take in any given water feature, but be prepared to clean out a lot of dead algae in the first week or two, and be willing to monitor the copper until a consistent level is attained.
In new features that have no algae yet, you can let the first bloom appear, to allow algae to clean up the organics in the water, then start the Recommendations above. If there is a need to keep the feature algae free from the beginning, start the Ionizer at 30% in a clean, new feature, monitor the copper levels as above, and if algae appears, raise the level of Ionization by 10% per week until levels come up to 0.1%. After levels stabilize, you might try lowering the Ionization Level by 10% to get the most out of your electrodes. The less current running through them, the longer the electrodes will last, so finding the lowest Ionization level that keeps the feature algae-free is the key to the lowest operating costs.
Is the Ionizer a drop-in, “set-it-and-forget-it” panacea for all ills? NO. Is the Ionizer a great tool to control all types of algae with minimal side effects when used properly in a well-circulated and well-maintained water feature where pH and KOH levels are optimum? Yes it is.
To Recap - YES, Ionizers will clear green water and control floating algae and surface growths as well, without the use of “harsh chemicals” - IF AND ONLY IF:
- the unit is properly installed in the return line of a pumping system capable of circulating ions to every corner of the pond, and
- the water is conductive, and
- the copper level is maintained between 0.1 and 0.3ppm, as determined by a test kit, and
- the pH maintained around neutral, 7.0, with KOH levels between 100ppm and 120ppm
