Algae and aquatic plants host distinct microbial communities on their surface called the microbiota. This diverse community of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses) can be both mutualistic and pathogenic. The microbiota plays a key role in protecting algae and aquatic plants from environmental impacts, pathogens, and chemical attacks. It also is important in fixating nutrients for growth. The community can adapt or shift according to the conditions to promote the health and survival of its host.

Improving performance of algaecide / herbicides

The effectiveness of a chemical treatment can be limited by the ability the microbiota to protect its host. Shifting metabolic activities or reactions and producing thick biofilms are examples of how the microbiota defends algae and aquatic plants from copper, diquat, endothall, and other chemistries.

When blended in with algaecides and herbicides, AquaSticker temporarily disrupts the protective microbiota by fostering competitive microbial growth on algae and aquatic plants. Upsetting the natural balance of this community temporarily enhances chemical uptake by the host. AquaSticker also improves contact time with targeted algae and aquatic plants by slowing dissipation in the water column and increasing adhesion.

Improving performance of probiotics

AquaSticker’s unique traits and essential components allow it to combine well and improve the performance of our probiotics and biocatalysts (Water Column Clarifier and PondZilla Pro). When blended together, AquaSticker and Water Column Clarifier will improve formation of microfloc which clarifies the water. When mixed with PondZilla Pro, AquaSticker improves the biological reaction at the surface of the algae or plant.

An Example of Lyngbya‘s Protective Microbiota

This graph represents the microbiota surrounding a sample of Lyngbya tested in the lab.

Dosage Rates

When mixed with algaecide or herbicide:

Surface Acres	Cyanobacteria	Planktonic Algae	Aquatic Plants
1/4	1 – 5 pounds	1.25 – .75 pounds	.25 – 1.25 pounds
1/2	2.5 – 10 pounds	.5 – 1.5 pounds	.5 – 2.5 pounds
1	5 – 20 pounds	1 – 3 pounds	1 – 5 pounds
5	25 – 100 pounds	5 – 15 pounds	5 – 25 pounds
10	50 – 200 pounds	10 – 30 pounds	10 – 50 pounds
100	500 – 2000 pounds	100 – 300 pounds	100 – 500 pounds

*Fully dissolve AquaSticker in chemical solution and spray evenly over target.
**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

Increases chemical uptake
Speeds chemical reactions
Boosts probiotic performance
Improves adhesion and contact
Less chemical use
Safe for environment and applicator
Works especially well with copper sulfate

Available Sizes

30# pail, 1# water-soluble packets
30# pail, bulk

Specifications
Ingredients	Bio-vitamins, probiotics, and micronutrients
Description	Light tan powder
Odor	Earthy odor
pH	7.0 – 7.5
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. Keep out of direct sunlight and do not store with strong oxidizing agents.

LOCATION: Michigan

SIZE: 4 acres

TARGET: Cyanobacteria (Lyngbya), HAB’s (Harmful Algal Bloom)

SUMMARY: A lake at the center of a residential community was experiencing harmful algal blooms that limited use of the lake. The cyanobacteria, Lyngbya, bloomed frequently throughout the summer season and was not responding to traditional chemical treatments.

SOLUTION: Incorporate AquaSticker into chemical treatments to kill the cyanobacteria and apply MD Pellets to reduce the internal nutrient load.

RESULTS: Cyanobacteria blooms were reduced in both frequency and intensity and the lake became safe for residence to use.

Full Lake Pro 2018 Case Study

LOCATION: Florida

SIZE: 38 surface acres

TARGET: Various aquatic plants

SUMMARY: This lake was experiencing outbreaks of various aquatic plants including bladderwort, water shield and fragrant water lilies. Targeting several species and restricted access to the waterbody was limiting treatment options and coverage.

SOLUTION: Added AquaSticker to the herbicide combination to improve adhesion and increase herbicide uptake.

RESULTS: The treatment was successful, and the lake remained clear of the targeted aquatic plants 40 days after the initial treatment.

Full Lake Doctors 2017 Case Study

LOCATION: Texas

SIZE: 0.25 acres

TARGET: Bushy pondweed, chara, filamentous algae, and water primrose

SUMMARY: These private landowners have a shallow pond with little aeration —one small fountain runs a few hours a day. The waterbody receives heavy nutrient loading as a result of an aerobic septic system that broadcasts in their watershed. At times more than half of their pond would be covered in a mat of tolypothrix.

SOLUTION: Created an algaecide recipe that included an application of Aquasticker to control growth.

RESULTS: The treatment was successful while reducing maintenance costs. More importantly, the homeowner was extremely pleased to see that their pond was successfully cleared of algae and aquatic weeds with less chemical use. were used during the treatments.

Full Solitude Lake Management 2016 Case Study

The Naturalake 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 Naturalake Biosciences products. Follow the links below to learn more about the program, how to enter, and what constitues a winning case study.

Learn more about entering your case in this year’s contest.

View all winning studies from previous years.