Dive into the Blue: Your Guide to Pond Dye
Q. My neighbour has recently added a pond dye to their pond and I am interested in following this but would really like to understand the benefits of using a dye and what I should be looking for when choosing a pond dye.
ANSWER
So, your neighbour’s pond is looking extra vibrant, and you’re wondering about their secret? So, they’ve discovered the magic of pond dye! More than just a pretty colour, aquatic dyes offer a range of benefits for your water feature. Let’s look at why you might want to give your pond a beautiful, healthy blue makeover.
What is Pond Dye?
Aquatic water dyes, like our Aquatic Blue, are specially formulated to create a vibrant blue colour in a water body. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they serve functional purposes that contribute to a healthier aquatic environment.
Why Choose a Pond Dye? The Benefits Explained
Beyond the stunning visual appeal, pond dyes play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
- Reduces UV Light Penetration: One of the primary benefits is their ability to filter and reduce UV light penetration through the water column. Think of it as sunscreen for your pond!
- Aids Oxygen Saturation: By filtering harsh sunlight, the light filtering properties of pond dyes like Aquatic Blue may lead to decreased water temperature where applied. This plays a vital role in supporting better oxygen saturation, which is incredibly beneficial for your fish and other marine wildlife, helping them thrive.
- Deters Predators: That beautiful blue shimmer isn’t just for show – due to the light reflection, predators (especially aerial ones) may find it harder to spot and catch fish in the water body once the product is applied, offering an added layer of protection for your aquatic inhabitants.
Where Can You Use Pond Dye? Pond dyes are incredibly versatile! They can be safely and effectively used in:
- Ponds
- Dams
- Lakes
- Fountains
- Water features
Safety First: What to Look for When Choosing a Pond Dye
When you’re ready to choose a pond dye, safety should be your top priority. You want a product that enhances your water body without harming its inhabitants or your family.
Look for dyes that are explicitly stated as food-based. For example, our Aquatic Blue is a food-based dye, meaning that once diluted, it’s considered safe for:
- Fish
- Aquatic plants
- Local wildlife
- Pets
- Livestock
- Swimming
- Irrigation
- Potable water
Crucially, it will not cause staining once diluted and dispersed in the water. This safety profile is what you should be looking for to ensure peace of mind.
How Much to Apply & Application Guide
Getting the right amount and applying it correctly is key to achieving the desired effect.
1. Calculate Your Water Body’s Capacity
First, you’ll need to know how much water you’re treating. To do this, multiply the length, width, and average depth of your water body to get its approximate volume.
2. Determine Your Dosage
Once you have your volume, apply the dye according to these recommendations:
- For Dams and Lakes: We recommend using 2.5 litres of Aquatic Blue per 1 megalitre of water.
- Example: A dam that holds 500,000 litres of water requires 1.25 litres of Aquatic Blue.
- For Ponds: We recommend using 7.5 millilitres of Aquatic Blue per 1000 litres of water.
- Example: A garden pond that holds 2,000 litres of water requires 15 millilitres of Aquatic Blue.
3. Application Methods
- For the fastest homogenisation: Dilute 1-part Aquatic Blue to 10-parts water and spray the solution evenly across the water’s surface. This method ensures quick and uniform dispersion.
- For quick application (but slower homogenisation): Aquatic Blue undiluted can be poured around the edges of the water body. The dye will naturally disperse over time.
Important Application Tips:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): We highly recommend that you use the appropriate PPE when applying the product to avoid temporary staining yourself. This includes gloves, coveralls, a mask, and goggles.
- Weather Conditions: The prepared amount of Aquatic Blue should be applied on a calm, wind-free day to ensure adequate and even dispersion.
- Achieve Your Desired Colour: More Aquatic Blue can be added in order to achieve a deeper or more desired colour in your water body.
- Avoid Chlorinated & Muddy Waters:
- Usage of Aquatic Blue in chlorinated and salt-chlorinated water is not recommended, as this will result in a yellowish-brown colouration.
What to Expect After Application
You should expect to see an observable difference in water colour quickly, depending on the size of your water body.
Aquatic Blue is long-lasting, and will provide you with coloured water for 4-6 months, depending on the water quality. It should be reapplied every 4-6 months to maintain your desired blue colour and continuous benefits.
Adding a pond dye is a simple yet effective way to transform your water feature, offering both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. So, if you’ve been admiring your neighbour’s vibrant pond, now you have all the information you need to create your own stunning aquatic oasis!
