The Pond Report > Pond Dyes, Pond Colorants, BluZyme, True Blue, Crystal Blue, Bio Black, Water Shade

Pond Dyes & Pond Colorants
Concentrated pond dyes to reduce sunlight penetration and enhance esthetics of pond water
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The use of aquatic dyes or pond and lake water colorants is an interesting concept that has some value for helping prevent algae and to reduce the proliferation of certain unwanted aquatic plants and slime. These products work on many levels, and as we review the different products you can buy we will discuss the positive and negative aspects of adding pond dyes to your water, but the principal benefit of using a product like AquaShade, BluZyme, Crystal Blue, Bio Black or many of the other brand name mixtures is that you are blocking out the red-orange and blue-violet spectrum from the sunlight. This is natural radiant light in the spectrum that can contribute to the growth of algae; also, by blocking the sunlight we can reduce the sun rays that hit the bottom of the pond, as the water is more opaque, thus we are reducing the warming effects of the sun compared to a untreated pond.

Adding dyes to the pond is also for esthetics and often that is the main reason for golf course owners or public pond owners who use it to decide to add the colorant. It can hide the shallow plants and algae that may be growing and in cases of wedding photos or public areas it can turn a muddy gray water into a bright blue or reflective black surface that often looks much better. I often have clients who have small children or grandchildren who want to use the blue mixes for their pond just because the kids don't want to venture into the water when the color is gray and once the BluZyme or AquaShade is added the little ones think the water looks great!

Pond Dyes & Aquatic Colorants Recommended by ThePondReport.com
Go down the page for smaller quantities.
All prices include shipping within Continental USA

BEST BUY
PK Blue Lake Dye - 32 Ounce Supply - $49.95
Item # PR-4001-310 -- 32 fluid ounces per acre
Price includes shipping within continental USA.

PK Blue Lake Dye is the professional strength, concentrated blue lake colorant formulated to treat commercial ponds, farm ponds, small lakes and other large water features. This is the product we use for all our commercial clients as it offers the best value. This PK lake dye helps filters out the sunlight spectrum that can lead to algae and plant growth in ponds as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the water by offering a natural bluish look. This Liquid Lake Dye can be mixed even more quickly and evenly throughout the lake with the use of a fountain, aerator or similar device but will mix naturally within a few hours in a lake or large pond if no circulation system is available.

PK Dye benefits
Natural blue look | Filters sunlight | Will not stain fish, birds, plants or pets once added to water | Non toxic | Compatible with most herbicides and algaecides | Safe for fish, plants, pets and people

To ensure your pond/ lake maintains a clear blue look, the use of Pond Keeper beneficial pond bacteria is recommended in conjunction with Pond Keeper Blue Lake Dye.

PK Dye Application Rates
32 fluid ounces colors 1 surface acre of pond water between 4-8 ft. deep. To ensure fast, even distribution, apply product at multiple points in the pond. Reapply as needed. We recommend purchasing at least four 32 ounce jugs for every acre of pond size simply because we've seen so many clients decide they wanted to add more or less after the first 32 ounces was added. A single application will typically last from 3 to 8 weeks depending on the inflow and outflow of the pond.

For Smaller Ponds
PK Blue Pond Dye - 16 Ounce Supply - $29.99
Item # PR-4001-313 -- 1 ounce per 1000 gallons
Price includes shipping within continental USA.

PK Blue Pond Dye is a perfect general strength, concentrated blue pond colorant formulated to treat small ponds, water gardens, wooden barrel ponds and other small water features including reflective ponds. This is a great product we use for all our small yet important clients as it offers an inexpensive alternative and value. This PK pond dye helps filters out the sunlight spectrum that can lead to algae and plant growth in ponds as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the water by offering a natural bluish look. This Liquid Pond Dye can be mixed even more quickly and evenly throughout the pond or watergarden when you have a fountain, bubbler or similar circulating device but will mix naturally within a few minutes in even the larger sized backyard ponds or large pond if no circulation system is available.

PK Dye benefits
Natural blue look | Filters sunlight | Will not stain fish, birds, plants or pets once added to water | Non toxic | Compatible with most herbicides and algaecides | Safe for fish, plants, pets and people

To ensure your pond/ lake maintains a clear blue look, the use of Pond Keeper beneficial pond bacteria is recommended in conjunction with Pond Keeper Blue Lake Dye.

PK Dye Application Rates
Apply 1 fluid ounce of pond dye per 1000 gallons of water. Reapply as needed. We recommend purchasing at least one 16 ounce jug for every 5000 gallons of pond size simply because we've seen so many clients decide they wanted to add more or less after the first few ounces was added. A single application will typically last from 3 to 8 weeks depending on the inflow and outflow of the pond.

Let's start by saying that adding a pond dye will not make swimmers and bathers skin turn blue! We get asked that question whenever we recommend the use of any of these products whether it by the extremely dark Black Onyx or the more turquoise effects of BluZyme. These liquid mixtures are extremely concentrated and some retailers actually include a pair of latex gloves with every purchase because while the dyes, once fully mixed and diluted in the pond are not going to stain skin or objects, when the liquid is in the container it is extremely rich in concentrated dyes and will definitely stain any skin, cloths, rocks, boats or docks that happen to get a drop on them!

Dyes For Control of Algae and Aquatic Vegetation Growth
While all aqutic dyes will filter out certain sunlight spectra, there are certain dyes that go beyond the aesthetic properties and provide enhanced filtration of the light that contributes to the growth of algae and aquatic plant growth. In most cases the less expensive dyes will assist in blocking the unwanted rays and will create an enhanced color for ponds and lakes. When the serious control of pond and lake algae is the goal it is suggested to use one of these more comprehensive pond dyes.

Admeral® Liquid Pond Dye
Admeral® Pond Dye - Four Gallon (4 x 1 Gallon) Supply - $300
Item # PR-ADMPD-- 1 gallon treats 4 acre feet - 4 gallons treats 16 x 4 acre feet
Price includes shipping within continental USA.
This registered product is an EPA-approved water colorant that controls the growth of several types of aquatic weeds and algae while enhancing the appearance of the water. It can be used in natural or man-made ponds, lakes, fountains, fish hatcheries and swimming ponds. One quart treats one acre-foot to control filamentous blue algae, bluegreen algae, chara, leafy pond weed, spirogyra, slender naiad and water milfoil at depths greater than two feet. ISO 9001-certified and EPA-approved.

Note: This item can not be sold to the following states: CA, CT, IA, ME, MT, NE, NH, NJ, VT and WA.

Other Recommended Pond Dyes
All prices include shipping within Continental USA

Extreme Dark Pond Dye For a Natural Deep Lake Appearance
Black Veil Concentrated Colorant - Bulk Supply - $249
Item # PR-OWD51 (4 x 1 quart supply) Each Quart treats one acre up to 8 feet deep. The strongest pond dye available. Each quart Treats up to 1 Million Gallons for 120 days!

HIGHEST RATED PRODUCT FOR CONCENTRATED COVERAGE - 1 Gallon of Dye will treat up to 4 million gallons or up to 12 acre feet for up to four months.

This aquatic colorant is so concentrated that you only need 1/4 the amount of other pond dyes. One quart will treat 1 million gallons. The black dye is the most natural looking dye as it most mimics the hues and tones of a natural lake. Safe for birds, fish and humans this dye has no algeacides or herbicides. Effect can last for up to four months. Non-toxic. Sold in 4 x 1 quart containers.

Dry Pond Dye Packets
16 Blue Colorant Dry Packets - Bulk Supply - $349
Item # PR-OWD41 (16 x 1/2 pound pouch supply) Each packet treats 250,000 gallons for up to 120 days. HIGHEST RATED PRODUCT FOR EASE OF USE - Toss in a dissolving packet and that's it!

Performs exactly like liquid dyes but is easier and less messy to use. This aquatic, non-toxic colorant comes in water-soluble packets that are simply tossed in to your pond or lake where they quickly disperse in and leave a lovely blue color like a natural healthy pond. One 1/2 pound packet will treat about 250, 000 gallons. This toss-in format is great for small pond owners who want to buy bulk colorant and add only a few treatments easily and without mess per season.Sold in cases of 16 packets.

All prices include shipping within Continental USA . Contact us with questions by email : info @ thepondreport.com

Prices include shipping within continental USA. Additional border and customs charges on Canadian orders.

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I've personally been very careful when applying these products yet have always managed to come home after the treatment to find my fingernails looked as if I'd been soaking in melted blue M+M's! On one occasion I literally spilt a half gallon into the boat where I was carefully pouring the liquid near the aeration boil to assist in dispersion throughout the water column and I had blue stained legs that made it look like I had the Mother of all bruises! Once the colorant has dispersed thoroughly it won't stain but in smaller water gardens or whenever you are dumping it directly from the jug just make sure you don't splash it or it can leave a stain. The stains will eventually wear off but on some shorelines having blue or dark black stains on the grass and rocks can be unsightly.

Just like many pond additives like bacteria the pond colorants are available in dry pellet or block form. This format really reduces the risk of stains but gloves are still recommended if you are handling and applying.

Highest Overall Rated Pond Dyes
Over the years we have tested and evaluated the staying power and effectiveness of many coloring products and have now chosen the one that we confidently recommend based on our reviews of pond dyes and colorants. Many retailers sell five gallon jugs or one gallon supplies at the cheapest price but they are often watered down mixes or require twice as much application to achieve the same results.

Even though our 1/4 gallon supply is often more expensive than a gallon of another brand of colorant it depends on the concentration and effectiveness. I have, when buying my flat screen TV, heard the expression: "You get what you pay for" and with this product it is quite relevant! This PK Lake and Pond Dye has been our highest rated product consistantly over the years and we trust it completely. We are able to offer this product at our special price.

Popular aquatic dyes we have tested
We recommend these as very good quality products

Black Onyx Black Onyx Lake and Pond Colorant is an exciting new addition to Becker Underwood’s aquatics product line. The specialized high-concentrate colorant creates a natural, mirror-like appearance often associated with black-colored water. The new colorant will not harm fish or aquatic waterfowl, and imparts a mystic beauty to the look of lakes, ponds, and other ornamental water features found on golf courses, in residential communities, and municipal recreation parks. Available at Reinders www.reinders.com	BluZyme BlueZyme c Combines pond colorant with enzymes into one simple application - saving you both time & money. Its appealing blue color is safe for all aquatic activities & will not harm the environment. Colorant restricts UV sunlight penetration and does not stain wildlife or fish, while the enzymes digest organic nutrients and wastes and reduce noxious odors. Two sizes available: one and five gallon containers. Available at AquaMaster Fountains www.aquamasterfountains.com	Aquatic Blue Lake and Pond Dye is an organic water dye for use in ponds, lakes, decorative water features, golf course water hazards, and impounded bodies of water with limited or no outflow. Aquatic Blue improves the appearance of surface water by turning waters a bright blue or blue-green color. Aquatic Blue may be poured directly into the water at several locations to enhance dispersion. Treated water will not harm fish, waterfowl, pets, or wildlife. Water may be used for irrigation or fishing immediately. Apply Aquatic Blue at a rate of 0.25 gallon per acre foot of water. Available at AquaticManagement www.aquaticmanagement.com
AquaShade A lake dye registered by E.P.A. for control of aquatic plant growth. Aquashade is a unique blend of blue and yellow dyes specifically designed to screen or shade portions of the sunlight spectrum required by underwater plant and algae growth. This shading inhibits photosynthesis in young, bottom growth suppressing growth and development of nuisance conditions. Aquashade can be used in place of, or as a companion to registered aquatic herbicides and algaecides in managing aquatic nuisance growth. For best results, apply before growing season starts, or when growth is on the bottom. Application rate: 1 gallon per 4 acre feet of water. Available at Aquatic Control www.aquaticcontrol.com	Jet Black EZ Solupak Black Lake and Pond Dye in water soluble packets. Each packet will effectively treat (1) one foot acre, or approxiamately 325 000 gallons of water. To determine the initial number of solupaks to apply, multiply the surface acres of the body of water by 4. Once the dye has been dispersed you can add more solupaks if necessary. Why would you want black dye instead of the traditional blue dye? - black dye gives the water a mirror like appearance Jet black EZ solupaks is a proprietary blend of environmentally friendless, nontoxic, water-soluble dye formulated to reduce sunlight penetration and impart a natural black color when applied to ponds, lakes and other water features. The packets are protected by a unique waterproof, foil-lined packet to prevent accidental staining when you are handling the packets. The black pond and lake dye is in water soluble packaging designed to dissolve quickly. Available at RittenHouse www.rittenhouse.ca	True Blue True Blue Ez SoluPakTM Each 5.25 ounce True Blue Ez SoluPak will effectively treat one (1) acre foot or approximately 325,000 gallons of water. Holding onto the foil-lined outerpack, drop or throw True Blue Ez SoluPak(s) into the body of water. Water temperature and degree of agitation will influence dissolution and dispersion of True Blue Ez SoluPak(s). For best results, apply early in the spring and throughout the season to maintain color intensity. Do not apply this product to water intended for human consumption. Do not use this product in streams, rivers or other bodies of water not under control of the user. Do not use in water that has been or will be chlorinated. Available at Fish Farm Supply www.fishfarmsupply.ca

Typical directions for use, warnings, dangers and advice
Always the follow the specific directions on the bottle, jar or jug. Most of these products have no restrictions for use in Canada or the United State of America but most manufacturers suggest not applying into ponds or lakes where there is an outflow into other private or public waters. While most of these products, check with your local store when you buy your pond dyes, are safe for fish and plants, pets and animals they should never be used in an aquatic system that is used or connected to one that is used for human or animal consumption. Certain exceptions apply but be like my Sister used to say, be careful what you put in the water, as come contaminate in the water are not discovered to be harmful until years after.

Applying these products in larger ponds can be as simple as gently pouring the concentrated liquid direct from the one or five gallon jugs right off the back of your boat. If you have a fountain or aerator try and get close to it to allow the circulation of the diffuser mixing to do the brunt of the work. Within 10 minutes you should see a distinct mixing.

If you are applying into a pond on a windy day it is a good idea to stand upwind and pour the dye at the upwind side of the pond. This will allow the wind to push the dye throughout the pond.

No matter how you apply it, when you put it into a large pond it can take up to 2 hours to fully mix and longer if you don't have an aeratror. Be careful if you are applying the concentrated liquid near a fountain as the fountain, if the dye gets too close to the propeller intake, can throw very concentrated liquid into the air that could splash into you and literally make you look like a spotted blue Smurf!

The use of any colorant should not be considered or seen as a cure-all that will solve all of your pond problems, while it can greatly improve the general quality of the water; as there will be less chance for bottom sediments to be reached by sunlight thus inhibiting algae blooms, it should be one of the tools along with natural bacteria and aeration that make a difference in your pond.

Keeping it healthy and clean, and blue, is the goal and we want to help!
Email us for pond dye information or with your questions.

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DISCOUNT POND DYE SUPPLY

Airmax Black DyeMond Pond Dye

A new formulation of pond dye, Black DyeMond. Black DyeMond will give your pond a rich appearance and provide beautiful reflections. For an even more Mystic looking pond, use a 50/50 mix of Nature's Blue and Black DyeMond! One quart treats up to one surface acre 4' - 6' deep.
Airmax Black DyeMond Pond Dye

Aquashade Pond Dye

Aquashade Pond Dye 1 gal. This product cannot ship to CT, DC, MA, ME, NJ, NY, VT due to state restrictions. AQUASHADE® is a blend of blue and yellow dyes specifically designed to screen or shade portions of the sunlight spectrum (red-orange and blue-violet) required by underwater aquatic plant and algae growth. This action effectively inhibits photo-synthesis in young, bottom growth and may prevent development altogether if applied early enough in the season. AQUASHADE® is primarily effective at depths of two feet or greater. Inhibition of Planktonic (suspended) algae blooms has also been proven. Desirable, floating leaved plants such as lilies are unaffected if they have already surfaced and concentrated product does not contact leaves directly. AQUASHADE® is the only 'colorant' product of its kind which is registered by the U.S. EPA for aquatic plant growth control. AQUASHADE® is effective at a low dosage concentration. One gallon treats one acre of water with an average depth of four feet (approximately equivalent to one ounce per 10,000 gallons).
Aquashade Pond Dye

Sonar AS Pond & Lake Dye & Weed treatment

An improper balance of nuisance aquatic weeds and algae interferes with your ability to enjoy your pond. Left uncontrolled, aquatic plants such as duckweed can upset your pond's natural ecosystem, affecting wildlife nesting and fish populations and making your pond unsightly. Weeds and algae can also ruin your recreational use for fishing, swimming and boating. Sonar controls unwanted aquatic vegetation by restricting the plants