PondZilla Pro
PondZilla Pro is a natural catalyst that accelerates chemical treatments by improving penetration. When mixed with an algaecide or herbicide it speeds the breakdown of dead algae and aquatic plants while stimulating naturally occurring bacteria to fixate nutrients liberated during this process. This complex blend of enzymes, cultures, fungi, and stimulants dissolves the dead algae and aquatic plants on a cellular level, reducing their contribution of nutrients. By accelerating chemical reactions, PondZilla Pro improves copper algaecide performance. This is especially critical in hard water applications when copper solubility and performance is reduced. PondZilla Pro alone does not kill anything.
The cells of algae and aquatic plants can be thought of as a series of well-engineered structures. These structures are made of complex proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and minerals. Chlorophyll is stored within the chloroplasts in the cell, and chlorophyll is how a plant gets it energy to grow from sunlight. This intricate framework allows algae and aquatic plants to grow and thrive while aiding in resistance to chemical treatments.
Improving the performance of contact algaecides and aquatic herbicides
Contact algaecides (copper products, peroxides, and diquat) must contact the cell wall and enter the cell to be effective. Lack of penetration and intercellular movement of these chemistries reduces their effectiveness. PondZilla Pro degrades dead plant cell walls and weakens cellular integrity when used with an algaecide formulation. Killing all susceptible cells reduces the risk of algae developing any resistance to
Improving the performance of systemic herbicides
Systemic herbicides (i.e. glyphosate, imazapyr, or triclopyr) travel through the cell disrupting processes such as amino acid synthesis, cell division, and photosynthesis. Systemic herbicides tend to work slower, but they do translocate into multiple parts of the plant (1). However, herbicide resistance has been studied in detail (2) and can reduce overall treatment performance and consistency. For this reason, we focus on a complete degradation of the dead plant structure and aquatic herbicide dispersion to all susceptible cells.
When combined with systemic herbicides, PondZilla Pro speeds movement into the cells by breaking down the cellular framework of dead cells, promoting rapid nutrient recovery, and decomposing dead plant material from the inside out. PondZilla Pro works synergistically with systemic herbicides and ensures thorough and complete degradation of dead aquatic plants.
NOTE: PondZilla Pro DOES NOT kill aquatic plants or algae.
Dosage Rates
When mixed with algaecide or herbicide:
| Surface Acres | Filamentous Algae | Planktonic Algae* | Aquatic Plants* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 16 – 96 ounces | 16 – 32 ounces | 16 – 64 ounces |
| 1/2 | .25 – 1.5 gallons | 32 – 64 ounces | .25 – 1 gallon |
| 1 | .5 – 3 gallons | .5 – 1 gallon | .5 – 2 gallons |
| 5 | 2.5 – 15 gallons | 2.5 – 5 gallons | 2.5 – 10 gallons |
| 10 | 5 – 30 gallons | 5 – 10 gallons | 5 – 20 gallons |
| 100 | 50 – 300 gallons | 20 – 100 gallons | 50 – 200 gallons |
*Best when mixed with AquaSticker for planktonic algae and aquatic plants.
**Do not mix directly with peroxide based algaecides.
Common Uses
- Lakes and ponds
- Aquaculture
- Hatcheries
- Water features
- Golf courses
- Retention ponds
- Decorative Ponds
- And more!
Benefits
- Used as an adjuvant
- Speeds chemical reactions
- Cleans up dead plant matter
- Rainfast via improved absorption
- Less chemical use
- Safe for environment and applicator
Available Sizes
- 1 gallon bottle
- 2.5 gallon jug
- 55 gallon drum
- 275 gallon tote
| Specifications | |
| Ingredients | Biostimulants, select cultures, and other proprietary ingredients |
| Description | Black liquid |
| Odor | Fermentation odor |
| pH | 4.8 – 6.0 |
| Stability – Activity loss | At 75 degrees F for 12 months*: 10% or less; At 100 degrees F for 6 months*: 10% or less; *When stored as directed in a sealed container out of direct sunlight. |
| Storage and Handling | Store in a cool, dry space between 50-80 degrees F |
SUMMARY: A 3.7 acre pond that takes over 2 million gallons of effluent from a reclamation facility everyday was experiencing excessive algae growth.
SOLUTION: Initial treatment began in May 2020 and included heavy use of PondZilla Pro and some use of a copper based algaecide to reduce and control the nutrient load. An aeration system that included 12 diffusers (1 per .3 acres) was also installed
RESULTS: The Pondzilla copper based algaecide reduced algae over a one year period.
SUMMARY: This pond is located in Geneva Alabama and was overgrown with fragrant water lilies and water shield lilies. With the help of aquatic herbicides and Natural Lake products, we were able to control the lilies.
SOLUTION: I treated the lilies with a tank mix consisting of flumioxazin, Pondzilla, and Aquasticker.
RESULTS: The Pondzilla and Aquasticker drastically increased response time which led to faster results. The addition of Pondzilla also rapidly increased the decomposition of dead plant material.
SUMMARY: A ~1.75ac private pond in Virginia quickly became 50% covered with some type of gelatinous Lyngbya species. Lyngbya is a filamentous cyanobacteria associated with high organic content. It forms large floating mats and is widely known to be difficult to treat. Copper/diquat and Copper/flumioxazin tank mixes alone did not show any response.
SOLUTION: : Natural Lakes Pondzilla Pro and AquaSticker. Herbicide Mix: Copper/Diquat or Copper/Flumioxazin.
RESULTS: 95% control 10 DAT
SUMMARY: A 13-acre lake with over 400 acres of farm field runoff was having extreme Planktonic/Cyanobacteria outbreaks throughout the entire lake. Normal treatments with just chelated copper were not enough.
SOLUTION: Tank mix of chelated copper, AquaSticker, and Pondzilla Pro.
RESULTS: We saw better response to chemical treatment on the Planktonic/Cyanobacteria and water clarity improvement. Without these products the Planktonic/Cyanobacteria would continue to be an uncontrollable nuisance.
SUMMARY: Vallisneria blades were forming large rafts of floating vegetation that can impede navigation along the canals.
SOLUTION: Three separate areas in the canal were treated with a varying combination of PondZilla Pro, Chelated copper, water, and Diqaut.
RESULTS: Both treatments were successful at sinking the tape grass and proved to be an effective solution to get rid of floating vegetation. Results were achieved much faster in conjunction with a chelated copper herbicide
SUMMARY: A residential stormwater pond was experiencing a severe cattail infestation. The infestation angered the residents and was preventing the pond from functioning as it should.
SOLUTION: Applied CatZilla in conjunction with an herbicide and surfactants, then used PondZilla Pro to treat remaining growth and degrade dead biomass. Additionally, add Natures Blend to the open water to reduce the soluble nutrients released by the cattails.
RESULTS: The treatment plan was successful and the stormwater pond is functioning as designed. Additionally, it is now an aesthetically pleasing stormwater pond for the homeowners who reside along its waterfront.
SUMMARY: A stormwater pond had a severe vegetation/muck mat making it difficult to ascertain a pond was even there. There little to no storage capacity and the pond was unable to function as designed.
SOLUTION: A four part treatment was used each 30 days apart. Treatment 1: AquaSticker + herbicide, Treatment 2: AquaSticker + herbicide +PondZilla Pro, Treatment 3: PondZilla Pro + Nature’s Blend at 3 lb/acre + MuckBiotics at 40 lb/acre, Treatment 4: PondZilla Pro + MuckBiotics at 40 lb/acre.
RESULTS: With the four-part treatment they saw an increase in storage volume, the storage pond was able to properly function, and they saw cost savings.
SUMMARY: A problematic lake in Florida was not responding to traditional algaecide treatments. 10 months of treatment yielded very little progress.
SOLUTION: Add PondZilla Pro and AquaSticker to the algaecide treatments to improve the algaecide response time and breakdown the dead algal biomass.
RESULTS: The additions Natural Lake Biosciences’ biocatalysts (PondZilla Pro and AquaSticker) helped clean up the pond in just a few weeks. Treatments were more effective and longer lasting.
SUMMARY: A large retention pond adjacent to an apartment complex was experiencing significant algal blooms due to high nutrient inflow and runoff accumulation.
SOLUTION: Mix PondZilla Pro with a copper-based algaecide and flumioxazin to reduce algal biomass and improve treatment performance.
RESULTS: The treatment was successful and PondZilla Pro resulted in longer-lasting treatments.
SUMMARY: A man-made swimming lagoon was experiencing frequent filamentous algae blooms and elevated levels of E. Coli making swimming and recreation unsafe.
SOLUTION: Integrate PondZilla Pro and MD Pellets into a management plan to break ensure full decomposition of the filamentous algae and improve water quality and clarity.
RESULTS: Filamentous algae was controlled, and E. Coli concentrations were reduced to below harmful levels.
SUMMARY: A community pond was experiencing severe Pithophora blooms due to high organic buildup and heavy nutrient loading from runoff. Several attempts using different combinations of algaecides failed to control the Pithophora.
SOLUTION: Added PondZilla Pro to the copper algaecide mixture to improve penetration and degradation of the Pithophora.
RESULTS: After two treatments, the Pithophora was controlled and the pond remained clean and clear for the rest of the growing season.
SUMMARY: Microsystis, Anabenea and other forms of Filamentous Algae were an ongoing issue in these two combined man-made lakes. They also saw muck builup between 12-18 inches.
SOLUTION: Added MD Pellets, PondZilla Pro, and VitaStim Summer Slam every two-weeks.
RESULTS: After six weeks of treatment, algae levels had diminished and water clarity had returned. By the end of the 6 month study, the lakes had vastly improved.
The Natural Lake Biosciences Research & Case History Rewards Program is an annual contest created to allow lake managers to show off all the great work they do with Natural Lake Biosciences products. Follow the links below to learn more about the program, how to enter, and what constitutes a winning case study.
Commonly treated algae and plants:
- Pithophora
- Cladophora
- Spirogyra
- Hydrodictyon
- Aphanizomenon
- Chlamydomonas
- Hydrilla
- Hygrophila
- Torpedograss
- Alligator weed
- Duckweed
- Salvinia
- Other plants
Brad E. (SC) –
I add PondZilla Pro to all of my herbicide mixes and the difference it makes is significant! It greatly reduces the break down time of the targeted vegetation and it helps eliminate repeat treatments. I love the stuff!
Zack C. (IA) –
PondZilla Pro has worked wonders for our customers ponds. It is helping with overall health of their ponds and showing long term improvements.
Ashley U. (SC) –
Strong products, fast delivery.
Chris S. (FL) –
I’m mixing pondzila with my herbicide mix on my golf courses. I can see that after my treatment , the weeds die and algae goes away but most importantly the algae doesn’t come back on the dead vegetation. This is very important on a golf course. Visible surface algae is one thing superintendents will not tolerate. The pondzila keeps the algae from regrowing and speeds up the decay of the treated vegetation. I use pondzila year round.