Velda I-TRONIC Mode D'emploi page 26

FAQ
l Is the use of the I-Tronic safe for my fish?
We can not give 100% guarantee. However, there is an important point to keep in mind, an oxygen
shortage. Especially in ponds without (oxygen) plants and with relatively many fish, the balance
becomes easily disturbed by getting rid of algae because an important oxygen source is gone. Ex-
tra aeration may then be necessary to ensure a sufficient oxygen supply for the fish. This applies
particularly to fish like the sturgeon, which have a very high oxygen requirement.
It is also good to know that if algae growth is obstructed, nutrients may accumulate and can cause
harm to the fish. To avoid this, we recommend that you add nutrient-absorbing materials such as
zeolite to your pond filter or that you partially refresh the water.
The benefit of the I-Tronic (fibrous) algae remover is that with the electronic control display, it can
be started at a really low level (5%) and if problems develop, it can be turned down again. With a
chemical addition to the water, this is not possible.
l With which activation can I best begin with the I-Tronic?
Our advice is to always begin with the 5% activation and if necessary, increase the percentage by
5% per week.
l Can I use a smaller pump than indicated?
Yes, but the possibility exists that the I-Tronic will become stopped up sooner or that there will be
air bubbles and therefore, must be cleaned more often. Also, there will not be sufficient copper ions
in the pond water, whereby the result will not be optimal.
l I have added salt to the water of my koi pond. Can I use the I-Tronic without any risk?
No, you can not just do that. Sodium (kitchen salt or sea salt) will combine with the copper ions.
These bonds can be precipitated on the gills of the fish. Especially cypriniformes, so including koi,
are very sensitive to this. If you want to use the I-Tronic, you will first have to refresh the water.
l Where can I best place the I-Tronic?
To prevent blockage in the I-Tronic, it is advisable to place the I-Tronic after the filter, so that the
water flows first through the filter, and therefore, there cannot be any coarse pieces to cause
blockage. However, this applies only to a closed filter. With an open filter, the I-Tronic must be pla-
ced before the filter, so that the water flows first through the I-Tronic. The I-Tronic will then become
dirty more quickly and the message 'check electrode current to low' will appear on the display. With
the enclosed brush, the anode and cathode can then be cleaned. Always place the I-Tronic hori-
zontally and outside the pond, on or under the water level.
l What happens with the dead algae?
The algae come loose and float through the water. Especially with large amounts of algae, the filter
must be cleaned regularly to prevent blockage. The dead algae that are not removed will ultimately
be broken down through nitrates and phosphates and remain in the pond environment. With
sufficient plant growth, these will be taken up or eliminated through water refreshing.
l Why fish swim at the surface of the pond and breathe quickly. What is the problem?
This indicates an oxygen shortage. In this case you should install an air pump as quickly as pos-
sible, refresh the water and clean the filter.
l The algae only disappear on one side of the pond. What should I do to get the whole
pond algae free?
Ensure there is enough water circulation in the pond, so that the copper ions can spread out over
the whole pond.
l How often should be anode be replaced?
In general, one time per season. With continuous use, persistent algae growth, and especially
when the I-Tronic is too small with respect to the pond volume, it should be replaced two or three
times per season.