What are the benefits of using Viresco in ponds?
Viresco Aqua will give three basic benefits to the pond keeper. It will reduce and remove nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) in the pond water that feed algae. As a result, blanket weed (string algae) and algae bloom (green water) die of starvation. Secondly, Viresco Aqua will digest waste organic matter in the pond. Thirdly, Viresco Aqua will improve the health, growth and disease resistance of fish.
Should I use Viresco Aqua or Viresco Koi to remove blanket weed and algae bloom?
Where ponds have little or no organic waste, then the waste digester part of Viresco Aqua is somewhat superfluous. Our recommendation, therefore, is to use Viresco Koi. For all general garden ponds in which organic waste arises from fish excrement, from surplus food or from wind carried leaves and grasses, we recommend Viresco Aqua. If in doubt then use Viresco Aqua.
How is Viresco applied?
Viresco is a dry powder. We advise that the appropriate amount be mixed into water and allowed to stand for a few hours. The water should be taken from the pond. Ideally it should be mixed in the morning and applied to the pond in the evening. Also some air should be introduced into the solution via the use of an air stone or regular whisking. Never leave the solution for more than 24 hours before applying to the pond.
How frequently should Viresco be used and how long does it last in the pond?
Some of our customers make one application and then see no more blanket weed for over one full year. Others keep blanketweed at bay for a few months with one application. However, a minority of pond keepers need more than one dose to suppress blanketweed. Remember, every pond is different.
Should the pond keeper apply maintenance doses of Viresco?
It makes sense to consider the application of maintenance doses. However, unlike recommendations for some other products, we do not suggest what and when these should be. We advise that nitrate levels should be regularly checked and the readings used as a guide as to when more Viresco should be added.
What difference do fish stocking levels and overfeeding make?
Many ponds have filters with capacities that are far greater than those needed for the ponds' volume. More fish tend to be introduced knowing that the filters can cope with the increased amounts of ammonia. Where this is the case, then more Viresco than our suggested dose should be used. The amount required is linked to the increased amounts of ammonia produced rather than just straight water volume. As a yardstick, if more than 60 inches of fish are in 1000 gallons of pond water, more Viresco should be added.
Similarly, where overfeeding occurs or when very high protein foods are use, more ammonia is produced. More ammonia means more nitrite and more nitrate. More Viresco should be used.
How quickly does Viresco work?
Many people see blanketweed dying back within 4 to 5 days. For others it does take longer. For most people it occurs within about 3 weeks. If, after this time, no noticeable change has taken place, then apply a second dose.
What happens as the Viresco starts to work?
The colour of the blanketweed starts to change from green towards brown. It also becomes brittle and pieces break off. Some people have reported that pH levels in the pond water increase as the blanket weed dies.
Should the blanket weed be removed before applying Viresco?
We would advise that as much of the blanketweed as possible should be wound out before the Viresco is applied. This will reduce the need to clean up weed debris after it has died. It will also keep better control over rising pH levels.
Is Viresco safe for fish?
Yes, Viresco is safe for fish. It was initially formulated for use in commercial fish farming to improve the growth, health and disease resistance of the fish. The fact that it suppressed algae growth by removing the nutrients on which algae feed turned out to be a bonus.
Most koi keepers keep very clean ponds and do not have a need for the organic waste digester part of VirescoTM Aqua. Therefore, in April 2000, we introduced VirescoTM Koi. This contains 100% of the nutrient remover
