Argos Algaecide & Herbicide

Description

Argos Copper Algaecide for Ponds and Lakes

Argos Algaecide & Herbicide is a liquid copper algaecide that clears algae and hydrilla from ponds, lakes, and canals. It works on contact, so you see results quickly. Generally, green, cloudy water clears within one to two days. Meanwhile, thick mats of string algae break down in about three to four days.

Many copper products lose strength in hard water because the copper settles out. Argos, however, solves this problem. It binds copper to a chelating agent, keeping it active in the water where it can do its job. As a result, you get steady control in both soft and hard water.

What Argos Controls

This copper algaecide targets the most common algae and weed problems in ponds. For example, it controls the following:

• Planktonic algae: Tiny algae that turn water pea-soup green, especially blue-green algae, golden algae, and diatoms.
• Filamentous algae: Also known as string algae or pond moss, such as Spirogyra and Cladophora.
• Bottom-growing algae: Chara (musk grass) and nitella, although they look like rooted weeds.
• Submerged weeds: Hydrilla, Brazilian elodea, milfoil, pondweeds, and other copper-sensitive plants.

Also, see the product label for the full species list.

Where You Can Use It

Argos is labeled for many water types. For instance, you can use it in:

• Farm, fish, and fire ponds
• Lakes and drinking water reservoirs, but drinking water still needs normal treatment
• Fish hatcheries and raceways
• Irrigation canals, ditches, and laterals

However, do not use this copper algaecide in swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, or fountains. Also, do not use it in small garden ponds or in water that holds koi or goldfish.

Features and Benefits

• Fast results: Clears green water in 24 to 48 hours, while string algae dies back in 3 to 4 days.
• Works in hard water: Chelated copper stays in the water instead of settling out, so each treatment goes further.
• Algae and weed control in one: Treats algae, chara, and hydrilla with a single product, so you buy less.
• No water-use limits: Because the label sets no water-use limits, you can swim, fish, water livestock, and irrigate after treatment.
• Strong copper content: Each gallon contains 0.9 lb of elemental copper, so a little goes a long way.
• Easy to apply: Mix it with water, then spray it on the surface or inject it below.
• Tank-mix friendly: When hydrilla is tough, pair it with an endothall herbicide.

How to Apply This Copper Algaecide

1. Measure your pond: Before you treat, find the volume in acre-feet. Simply multiply the surface acres by the average depth in feet.
2. Pick your rate: Next, check the label for your target algae or weed. Then use the rate chart below.
3. Choose the right day: Treat on a calm, sunny day when the water is at least 60°F, and growth is active.
4. Mix and apply: Dilute Argos with water, then spray it evenly. If you see thick mats, break them up first so the product reaches more growth.
5. Treat in sections: When growth is heavy, treat no more than half the pond at once. After that, wait at least 14 days before you treat the rest.

Application Rates

The right copper algaecide rate depends on what you treat and how dense it is. Generally, use the low rate for light growth and the high rate for heavy growth.

• Planktonic algae: 2 to 0.6 ppm copper
• Filamentous algae: 2 to 0.8 ppm copper
• Chara and nitella: 4 to 1.0 ppm copper
• Hydrilla and other submerged weeds: 4 to 1.0 ppm copper

To reach these levels, use 0.6 gallons per acre-foot for 0.2 ppm. Similarly, use 1.5 gallons per acre-foot for 0.5 ppm, or 3 gallons per acre-foot for 1.0 ppm. However, never go above 1.0 ppm copper.

Specifications

• Active ingredient: Copper ethanolamine complex, mixed, 27.9%
• Metallic copper: 9% (0.9 lb per gallon)
• Form and size: 1-gallon liquid concentrate
• Signal word: Caution
• Maker: Alligare (EPA Reg. No. 81927-53)

Safety Tips

• Wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, socks, and chemical-resistant gloves when mixing and applying.
• Copper can harm trout and other sensitive fish in soft or acidic water. Therefore, test your water before you treat.
• Treat in sections, because dead algae use up oxygen as they break down.
• Above all, use this copper algaecide only as the label directs. After all, the label is the law.

Copper Algaecide FAQs

How fast does Argos work?

Green water usually clears within 24-48 hours. String algae, however, takes longer, often 3 to 4 days.

Is Argos safe for fish?

Argos is labeled for fish ponds and hatcheries when used as directed. Still, copper can harm trout and other sensitive fish in soft or acidic water. To protect your fish, treat only part of the pond at a time. Also, never use it with koi or goldfish.

Can I swim or fish after treatment?

Yes. Because the label sets no water use limits, you can swim, fish, water livestock, or irrigate after treatment. However, drinking water must still go through normal water treatment.

How much copper algaecide do I need?

The amount depends on your pond volume and your target. For example, a quarter-acre pond with an average depth of 4 feet holds 1 acre-foot. So at 0.5 ppm, that pond needs 1.5 gallons.

Does Argos work in hard water?

Yes. In fact, Argos shines in hard water. Its chelated copper stays active instead of dropping out of the water.

When is the best time to treat?

Start in spring as soon as the water reaches 60°F. Treat early, before growth gets thick. Then, in cold regions, finish your last treatment 6 to 8 weeks before the pond freezes over.

How often can I apply Argos?

Wait at least 14 days between treatments. Also, follow the label’s yearly copper limits.

Ready for clear water? Then order Argos Algaecide & Herbicide today and put a proven copper algaecide to work in your pond.