Carolina Algae Control


	LG Sonic FAQ 1. What is the difference between the five ultrasonic devices ? Although they all operate the same way (killing algae by breaking it's "rigid" cell wall with under water sound vibrations), they all have a different capacity and range of action. Each device is built to project the signal through the water a certain distance. The signal also bounces off the surface tension and projects downward. Knowing the dimensions of your body of water will help determine which unit would work best or if multiple units are necessary for effective coverage. 2. Which kind of algae are killed by the LG Sonic and how quickly ? There are over twenty seven thousand kinds of algae in the world and seventy four thousand strains within those 27K types! The most common algae are the so-called “roaming algae", which enter the water by wind and rain. These will be killed the quickest, generally in a few days. Others may take as long as a month tosix weeks, but will be dead in due time. The cellular make-up of any particular algae strain is what determines how quickly the algae is killed. Thus far only four algae types have been identified that the LG Sonic will not effect. Those are chara, nitella, euglena, and pediastrum. These four types either look like a plant or are colonized algae cells capable of propogating faster than the LG Sonic can kill them. Although the unit may not kill all of the algae present in your water, most times an effective pond management strategy can be implemented to address the remaining algae. The LG Sonic would remain a very viable solution for your ponds overall health. a. How do I know what type of algae I have? Contact us and we will help you identify the algae type present in your water. Your water/algae sample will undergo a free analysis by our biologist expert. Armed with this information, you can comfortably know what to expect with the LG Sonic in your specific environment in advance. 3. Which algae are the most difficult to kill ? This depends on the application, in other words, the type of water body in which the LG Sonic is being used. In swimming pools for example, the toughest ones are the black algae which mostly grow in the joints of the tiles; however, they surely will be killed in due time. Another hard type is string algae due to its more developed cell structure. Remember, the LG Sonic is environmentally friendly with only enough strength behind it to influence the algae and no other higher order life forms. Some patience is definitely required here, as the string and filamentous algae bond together forming masses which asborb the ultrasonic vibrations hindering the overall effective range. They will be killed, it just takes longer. If you would like to speed up the process remove the masses as the wind blows them to the edge of the water. Filamentous and string algae rises and sinks, so this process may need to be repeated a few times. Just remember this will be the last time you will have to remove algae because with the LG Sonic unit in continuous operation the algae can't return. 4. After having the ultrasonic device in operation a couple of weeks it looks as if there is more algae than before. What happened ? Of course this is not the case, it only Looks that way! There are two reasons why it appears like that: a. Sometimes (roaming) algae do not sink to the bottom after being killed, but form a tiny methane (gas) bubble, which makes them rise to the surface, giving the impression that they have multiplied. If you push the dead algae aside, you can see the clear water underneath. After a heavy rain shower the bubbles will break and the dead algae will sink to the bottom. If you prefer, use a rake or net to remove the dead algae, as this will speed up the cleaning process. b. Dead filamentous algae are loosened from bottom and sides and they fall apart, "giving the appearance" that they have increased in volume. Dead filamentous algae should be taken out because they block the water surface and absorb the sonic vibrations. c. A fountain or enclosed pond that has a filtration system in place will remove the algae versus the algae having to decompose as in a natural pond. A filtration system capable of filtering out to a 10 micron level would be sufficient for most algae types. 5. Should I have the device continuously operating ? Absolutely! The electrical cost of operating any LG Sonic device is less than $20 a year. Our strongest device (LG Sonic XXL) uses 25 Watt, the smallest (LG Sonic SSS) 20 Watt. By having the ultrasonic vibrations permanently operating in your water volumes they prevent new algae from causing a bloom. 6. Can I lengthen the transducer cable ? No! It is always best to either lengthen the electrical cable of the control box or bring the electrical source closer to the water body. When both options are impossible, it can be done, but ONLY with a cable made to the needed measurement, which you can order from your LG Sound dealer. This cable will have the right connecting plugs fitting to the electronics box and the transducer cable. Be aware: this connection is only drip waterproof, under no circumstances can it be used under water! Also a mounted cable to the required length can be supplied on ordering the device. Lengthening the cable will cause some loss of strength of the signal. 7. Can I shorten the transducer cable ? Yes, no problem. Have a certified electrician cut it to the required length, then refit the original plug. DO NOT coil any of the extra length as this may cause induction which could influence the strength of the signal. 8. What is the best place to position the transducer ? Usually the best position is in a corner facing out. The LG Sonic XXL, XL, and Tank units are equipped with a specially designed float, which keeps the transducer permanently at the right depth. The LG Sonic Pool and SSS units can be mounted in the body of water with a universal mount. (Each environment may have unique considerations and Carolina AlgaeControl engineers can assist you with this process). Keep in mind the sound waves need line of sight, therefore you don't want to place the transducer facing any obstructions. You should tie off the transducers with floatation devices so that neither wind, rain, or water current would deter it's aim. 9. How do I know if the transducer is working? When the red control light on the electronic control box is blinking (4 seconds on, 1 second off), it means that the ultrasonic sound is being produced. To check whether the transducer is working, you can hear an interrupted high tone when putting the front of the transducer to your jaw or forehead (don't worry, it will not harm you). 10. How and where do I place the control box? The control box will be plugged into a GFI protected outlet located near the water. (A 220 volt solution is also available as the unit itself is switchable) It will need to be positioned as close to the body of water as the transducer cable allows, also considering where in the water it will be mounted or floating. The SSS, Pool, and Tank unit have 33 feet long transducer cables. The XL and XXL units have 56 feet long transducer cables. The control box itself measures 7" x 7" x 2 " and is considered weather resistant - but not weather proof. Ideally the control box would be placed either inside a building, under a roof, or enclosed in a simple weather resistant cabinet. Bear in mind the control box contains a circuit board, and just like other electronics, should be protected from the weather.