Use of Copper in Freshwater Aquaculture and Farm Ponds

Craig Watson and Roy P.E. Yanong

Release Date: 8/21/2017

Reviewed At: 10/3/2024

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fa008-1989

Agriculture

Abstract

Copper has been used for many years as a chemical tool in freshwater farm ponds and aquaculture operations. It is both an effective algicide and a parasite treatment. The problem with the use of copper is that there is a thin line that separates effective treatment levels from overdoses, which can kill fish. This fact sheet is designed to explain when copper is used, how it is used, and some precautions to take before using it. First published in 1989.

About this Publication

This document is FA-13, one of a series of the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 1989. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Craig Watson, director; and Roy P.E. Yanong, professor, Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Watson, C., & Yanong, R. (2014). Use of Copper in Freshwater Aquaculture and Farm Ponds. EDIS, 2014(9). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fa008-1989

Authors

Craig Watson

director (retired), Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, UF/IFAS Extension Tropical Aquaculture Lab, Ruskin, FL

Roy P. Yanong

Specialist

University of Florida

professor and Extension veterinarian, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, UF/IFAS Extension Tropical Aquaculture Lab, Ruskin, FL

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Contacts

Eric Cassiano

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