FAQ

Coptrol is an Aquatic Algicide.

When Coptrol is applied to water bodies the Algae actively seek out the Coptrol and absorb the Coptrol for its nutrient value. Once the Coptrol is absorb by the algae through their cell wall, digestive enzymes within the algae cell, breaks down the Coptrol compound and then releases the active constituent inside the algae cell to kill algae.

Coptrol is approved by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) for application in potable water storage’s and water tanks (water suitable for drinking / human consumption) reg no. 31030. Coptrol can be sprayed, dripped or applied directly onto drinking water storage’s and waterways to treat blue green algae.

Coptrol is completely safe when used in human drinking water storage’s and tanks*.

There is no risk to domestic animals where Coptrol is used in farm livestock drinking water storage’s, tanks and troughs.

Coptrol will not corrode metal surfaces such as water tanks, irrigation equipment, spray valves and pumps.

Coptrol is not corrosive to aircraft and aircraft equipment.

Coptrol will not build up in the soil when irrigated with water treated with Coptrol.

Coptrol is specific to algae in water and should not be used for Aquatic Plant Weed Control.

Coptrol will not harm rice crops, hydroponic plants, turf, pastures or golf greens.

When Coptrol is applied to drinking water or irrigation storage’s there is No withholding period and the water can be consumed and crops irrigated immediately when used as directed.

To view the SDS/MSDS click here.

Generally speaking Coptrol with control all types of Algae in water.

Coptrol will effectively control all types of Blue Green Algae.

Coptrol will effectively control all types of free floating and filamentous green algae including brown slime algae.

Specifically Coptrol will treat Blue Green Algae such as:

• Microcystis (Blue Green Algae),
• Anabaena (Blue Green Algae),
• Cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae),
• Oscillatoria (Blue Green Algae),
•  Aphanizomenon (Cyanobacteria),
• Dictyosphaerium (Blue Green Algae) and
• Euglena (Flagellates).

Specifically Coptrol will treat Filamentous algae such as:

• Spirogyra,
• Chlorella,
• Hydrodictyon,
• Cladophora and
• Oedogonium.

Specifically Coptrol will treat Plant Structured algae such as:

• Chara and
• Phormidium.

Coptrol is approved by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) for application in potable water storage’s and water tanks (water suitable for drinking / human consumption) reg no. 31030.

Coptrol can be sprayed, dripped or applied directly onto drinking water storage’s and waterways to treat blue green algae.

Coptrol is Safe to be used in human drinking water storage’s and tanks.*

When Coptrol is used in accordance with the label directions, Coptrol will not harm livestock, birds, fish or crustacean.

Livestock / Domestic Pets: There is no risk to domestic animals or livestock where Coptrol is used in farm dams or drinking thoughts. However, Coptrol should not be used in water sources where sheep are grazing on Ragwort.

Native Birds: Coptrol will not harm native birds drinking water treated with Coptrol. However Coptrol should not be used on areas where large numbers of water fowl are feeding on filamentous algae.

Fish / Crustacean: Coptrol will not harm fish or crustacean. However when using Coptrol where there are fish or crustacean in the water, take the following precautions:

• Ensure that the water temperature is above 16 degrees.
• Ensure that the calcium carbonate of the water must be 50 PPM (50mg/litre).
• Ensure the water is aerated.
• Only treat one third of the water body / volume at a time, then wait 10 days between additional applications.
• When treating beginning from the shore and moving outwards in bands to avoid trapping fish in treated areas.
• If fish or crustacean stocks are valued, test a few fish in a test bucket before large scale application is made.

When Coptrol is used according to the label directions, it is safe to irrigate rice crops, general crops, hydroponic plants, turf, pastures and golf greens with irrigation water treated with Coptrol.

Coptrol will not harm rice, hydroponic plants, turf, pastures and golf greens.*

There are three main groups of Algae. 

A.  Macro (or Filamentous Algae): Filamentous algae is green in appearance and sometimes brownish in colour if exposed to strong sunlight. It appears floating on the water’s surface, amongst submerged rocks or in the shallows of dam and lake edges. It is stringy and looks like floating scum on the water surface. It is an indication of high nutrient loads in the water body. If left untreated, it can:

• Block irrigation pumps
• Cause a strong odour and distinct rotten egg smell
• Detract from the visual look of the water body
• Turn into an algae bloom and take over the water body

This type of algae is normally treated with between 0.2-0.5 mg/L of Coptrol. If heavily infested, re-treat after 10-14 days.

Filamentous Algae

B.  Micro (or Blue Green Algae): Micro algae can contain toxins such as in Blue Green Algae. Micro algae looks like a green oil slick or paint on the water’s surface and tends to congregate in downwind edges of dams and lakes. This form of algae can be toxic to humans, domestic or native animals and birds. It is of most concern when people are in contact with water contaminated with toxic Blue Green Algae, if it is used for irrigation and staff are handling the water it can pose an OH&S risk. If the public has access to the water, it can be a duty of care risk.

This type of algae is normally treated with between 0.5-1 mg/L of Coptrol. If heavily infested, re-treat after 10-14 days.

Blue Green Algae

C.  Plant Structured Algae: Plant Structured Algae is algae that takes a similar form and shape to aquatic plants. This type of algae can cause strong odours and bad tasting water.

This type of algae is normally treated with between 0.5-1 mg/L of Coptrol. If heavily infested, re-treat after 10-14 days.

Plant Structured Algae (Chara)

Coptrol is a commercial grade algaecide, used for the safe and effective control of algae & algal blooms. Approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), the National Registration Authority for agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

Coptrol will not harm fish, livestock, plants, pastures or turf irrigated with water treated by Coptrol (when used in accordance with label instructions). Coptrol is the new generation Algaecide and is safe for use in potable (Drinking Water) for the control of Algae.

Coptrol that kills algae and nothing else.

Coptrol is a commercial grade algaecide that works fast to kill algae quickly. When applied as directed Coptrol begins to kill algae immediately and a full kill can result within 72 hours of application.

Often one application of Coptrol is enough to control most types of algae. If your water body is heavily infested with algae, you can re-treat after 10-14 days as necessary.

The Coptrol application rate depends on the degree of algae infestation, the kinds of algae present & the depth of water to be treated.

Examples of typical Coptrol application rates are as follows:

For Tanks & Troughs:
Apply 2 to 5 mL Coptrol per 1,000 litres of water to be treated.

For Dams, Ponds and Water Impoundments, including potable water storages:
Apply 4.2 to 8.4 litres of Coptrol per 1,000 square meters of water surface area at an average water depth of 1 meter or greater, or 5 to 10L of Coptrol per 1 mega-litre of water.

For Quantities needed, refer to information here.

Coptrol is a highly soluble liquid, therefore is really easy to apply. For general application to farm dams/ponds, simply dilute 1:10 to 1:20 with water and spray evenly over the waters surface from an aircraft, from a boat or pontoon, from the banks of smaller storage’s or even dripped directly into flowing water or even from a bucket.

Coptrol can be applied spray applied from a horticulture sprayer or knapsack sprayer. When using spray equipment adjust the spray nozzle to a course droplet size or stream spray rather than a mist spray.

If required Aquatic Technologies can apply the Coptrol for you, using various special designed equipment including shoreline spray equipment, Aquatic Spray Boats or Amphibious Spray Craft.

Generally one application is enough. However, if the algae infestation is severe, re-treat after 10-14 days as necessary.

Yes, it is perfectly safe to swimming in water treated with Coptrol.

Swimming, fishing, canoeing and other recreational activities will not be inhibited by treatment of the water with Coptrol.

If treating swimming water infested with blue-green algae, while the Coptrol will not affect usage, blue-green algae toxins may still be an issue for swimming for up to 10 to 21 days.

Yes! Below is a video displaying the application of Coptrol in a decorative council lake.

To view the SDS / MSDS click here.

Yes we can. Amongst our various aquatic products we have DAM STOP LEAK that should save your dam’s water this summer. View the website for more detail here.