I have to say, this is one of the coolest gadgets I have come across in quite some time. Let's see if this thing lives up to its promises. Dealing with algae as a pond owner is a never ending battle. Just about any water feature is affected by this fast growing green invader. If you are wondering “is there is a better way to control string algae” in your pond or water feature, this is the answer you have been looking for.
How Does The IonGen 2 Work?
Let’s start at the beginning. What is an ion? An ion is an atom that has an electrical charge because the number of its electrons doesn’t match its number of protons.
How Are the Ions Created
The two pronged probe of the IonGen 2 system is made up of scientifically blended copper, silver, and zinc material. The microprocessor in the control unit sends an electrical current to the probe. This electrical current causes the atoms on the outside of the probe to lose an electron, creating an ion.
How Do Ions Get Into the Water?
The positively charged ions attempt to move from one side of the forked probe to the other, and gets swept away by the current in the water feature.
The copper ions in the water are not harmful to fish or plants at these levels. On the contrary the copper ions disrupt the cells of string algae. This in turn reduces the amount of string algae and its ability to spread.
How Copper Ions Effect Algae
Plants create energy through photosynthesis. When there is too much copper present they are unable to do this.
According to https://homeguides.sfgate.com/copper-control-algae-97682.html copper binds to the algae cells and they begin to leak, ultimately killing the algae.
Features and Benefits of The IonGen G2 Clarifying System
BEFORE
AFTER
Important note - New ponds or newly cleaned ponds should have copper levels checked regularly until the levels stabilize. Without algae growth to consume the copper ions, copper could reach unsafe levels.
Drawbacks of The Iongen 2 System
-The iongen 2 will kill algae, however the time frame is not an overnight fix. Depending on how much string algae is in your pond or water feature it could take weeks rather than days to turn it around and get rid of the algae. The IonGen 2 will keep a clear pond clear, but may struggle a bit to get an algae infested pond back on track.
The copper probe needs to be checked periodically to be sure it is free from scale. Over time the copper probe may get scale built up on it and reduce its effectiveness. This can easily be fixed by simply scraping away the scale.
IonGen 2 System Video
About the Aquascape Brand
Aquascape has been a leading manufacturer of water gardens, water features, and ecosystem ponds in North America. Their innovative products push the limit when it comes to ponds and water features.
Independent Reviews and Recommendations
This site https://www.fakespot.com/product/aquascape-iongen-system-2nd-generation-g2 rates reviews on various products and the IonGen 2 is no exception.
The most complete and authentic review according to them claimed the purchaser spoke to their son who warned against the system, claiming that it killed fish. After installing and using the iongen 2 for some time in their 8,000 gallon pond on the highest setting it was not remedying the situation.
Chemicals were added and the pond cleared up in 24 hours. The IonGen 2 was then turned down to a setting of 5, and the pond remains algae free. They quote: “So would I recommend the IonGen to others? You bet”
What Amazon Customers Have to Say About the Iongen 2
The following quotes are from real customers that have purchased the IonGen 2 System from Amazon.
It’s been three weeks since it’s been installed and the IonGen actually making a difference with no added chemicals
Wally
verified purchaser
The IonGen was installed after my last spring cleaning, and I have no string algae this year. This is the best answer to algae that I have found.
Sam
verified purchaser
“Make sure it is turned to the appropriate level. It took a little while to have an impact.”
Paul
Gave Highest Rating
Bottom Line
The IonGen 2 system is a great way to keep your water feature from being overtaken by string algae. After doing research for this article I have come to the conclusion that the biggest complaint came from people that had expected an overnight miracle.
Every situation is different, just like every pond or water feature. We recommend starting low and then slowly raising the setting until desired results are seen. This is the safest way to use this system without harming fish or plants.
The system works well once balance is found. A simple solution that will save you tons of time on maintenance giving you more time to enjoy your pond or water feature. Until next time, enjoy your backyard water garden
~Jeff
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