How it Works

Copper sulfate, the most common copper salt, was one of the early chemical approaches to treating blue-green algae. However, there has been growing environmental concern with its use because copper sulfate can be harmful to plants and fish as well as being toxic to humans in sufficient quantities.

Compared with PAK™27, copper-based solutions are:

Very problematic and likely to result in fish kills when water alkalinity is less than 50 ppm
Non-selective for blue-green algae
Toxic and persistent in the ecosystem

PAK™27 works through an oxidation process, releasing hydrogen peroxide into the water supply. It is a selective treatment for blue-green algae—meaning that at the lower end of the dosage rate (below 17#/acft) PAK™27 does not harm beneficial forms of aquatic life, such as green algae, diatoms, and other desirable algal forms. PAK™27 is effective both as an algaecide (eliminating existing blue-green algae infestations) and as an algaestat (i.e., retarding and preventing new growth). It works quickly, and neither it nor its byproducts (hydrogen peroxide and oxygen) linger in the ecosystem.

The best way to minimize blue-green algae, their blooms, and therefore the toxins is to use an algaecide as an algaestat and “prune the bloom.” With early prevention, one can limit the toxins, the odors, off-flavors, and unacceptable surface appearance that result from blue-green algae.

Composition
PAK™27 is a granular addition compound of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This environmentally sound compound is neither persistent in nor toxic to the ecosystem. PAK™27 initially adds oxygen to the system, and beneficial chlorophyll a oxygenators are retained in the water column-providing oxygen to support fish and biologically essential aquatic organisms. See Chemistry for more technical information.