Unsure about the right solution? Get expert advice at no cost.
Pond dyes act as a UV shield for your lake or pond — a light filter that suppresses algae and submerged weed growth by blocking the wavelengths of sunlight they need to photosynthesise. Algae rely particularly on the red end of the spectrum to drive growth. By tinting the water a deep, natural-looking blue, the dye stops that light penetrating below the surface, starving algae and weeds of the energy they need to bloom. The result is clearer, healthier water that’s far less hospitable to seasonal algae problems.
Unlike algaecides, pond dyes are a preventative treatment rather than a corrective one. They work best applied to clean water at the start of the warmer months and topped up monthly to maintain colour intensity. Parklink’s range — Regen-Blue and Regen-Reflect — are manufactured using food-grade colours tested to European Food Additive standards, with no pesticides or algaecides. Once diluted, the dyes are safe for fish, livestock, wildlife and plants, and the deep tint also provides natural cover from aerial predators like herons and shags.
Poor water quality can also pose a health risk for ecosystems. Too many nutrients in the water can cause excessive algae growth.
Regen-Blue dye product is formulated for use in the smallest garden pond to the largest of lakes.This safe blue pond treatment not only enhances appearance but also helps to improve pond water clarity. Manufactured using the highest quality colours rigorously tested to European Food Additive Standards. Coloured Water filters light, disrupting the process of photosynthesis.
Completely free of pesticides, algaecides
What is daylight?
Daylight (or white light) is made up of a series of colours, collectively referred to as a spectrum.
This is known because when a beam of white light is passed through a glass prism; the white light splits into seven visible colours with red shades at one end through to blues and violets at the other.
Filters block colours
When a white light source has a coloured filter placed over the beam the observer will then see the light as a colour, i.e. a green filter shows as green – blue as blue, etc.
It is useful to realize that when white light hits the filter, the other colours are being blocked. The filter is allowing only certain colours of the spectrum through.
Regen-Blue® blocks the red end of the spectrum
By adding Regen-Blue® to water,you’re applying a safe dye for ponds to stop algae a filter is being created to block colours from the red end of the spectrum getting through to the bottom of your pond or lake.
Photosynthesis needs red light
By adding a filter to the pond or lake water you are blocking some, or all, of the red light and the process of photosynthesis is interrupted.
Calculate the volume of water in the pond and see the product label for dose rates:
Width (metres) x Length (m) x Depth (m) x 1,000 = Litres
Wear gloves when handling. Do not open sachets or touch the powder.
Maintenance Top Ups:
A general starting guide is 10-50% of the original dose each month.
Powdered Dye Sachets
By supplying dye powder in separate water-soluble sachets, it is easy to calculate the number required to dose a lake.
In large lakes, if a boat is being used, simply drop the sachets in different areas where they will dissolve, releasing the dye. By applying the dye into different areas, the time required to fully mix with the water is reduced.
If a boat is unavailable, face the water with a breeze coming from behind. Drop a few sachets along the edge and throw the others out into the water. The breeze will move the water and the dye will dissolve and disperse naturally.
Liquid Dye
If a boat is being used, gently pour the amount required into a wide area. The liquid dye rapidly disperses and will mix completely with all the water in the lake.
If a boat is not available pour the desired amount into the water along a bank with the wind behind you.
Regardless of which method is used, the water will look to have more colour in the first few days because it takes a little longer to completely mix and dilute from the top to the bottom.
Avoid ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact of the powder. Do not use in or near potable (drinking) water. Wash any contaminated clothing separately.
In its diluted form, Parklink’s Dye is SAFE for all aquatic creatures and for livestock to drink.
Commercial pond dyes are non-toxic, high-quality, food colours providing a cost-effective method of controlling algae and weeds without affecting the health of fish, wildlife and plants.
Parklink’s commercial pond and lake dyes are supplied in two forms; powder sachets to treat large bodies of water and a liquid solution for smaller fisheries and large ponds.
Regen-Blue® is the first of our commercial pond dyes for use in large lakes. Regen-Blue® is the most popular and economical pond dye available. We later introduced Regen-Reflect® for a twilight effect.
Regen-Reflect (black coloured) dye product is formulated for use in the smallest garden pond to the largest of lakes. Manufactured using the highest quality colours rigorously tested to European Food Additive Standards. Coloured Water filters light, disrupting the process of photosynthesis.
Completely free of pesticides, algaecides
What is daylight?
Daylight (or white light) is made up of a series of colours, collectively referred to as a spectrum.
This is known because when a beam of white light is passed through a glass prism; the white light splits into seven visible colours with red shades at one end through to blues and violets at the other.
Filters block colours
When a white light source has a coloured filter placed over the beam the observer will then see the light as a colour, i.e. a green filter shows as green – blue as blue, etc.
It is useful to realize that when white light hits the filter, the other colours are being blocked. The filter is allowing only certain colours of the spectrum through.
Regen-Blue blocks the red end of the spectrum
By adding Regen-Blue to water, a filter is being created to block colours from the red end of the spectrum getting through to the bottom of your pond or lake.
Photosynthesis needs red light
By adding a filter to the pond or lake water you are blocking some, or all, of the red light and the process of photosynthesis is interrupted.
Calculate the volume of water in the pond and see the product label for dose rates:
Width (metres) x Length (m) x Depth (m) x 1,000 = Litres
Wear gloves when handling. Do not open sachets or touch the powder.
Maintenance Top Ups:
A general starting guide is 10-50% of the original dose each month.
Powdered Dye Sachets
By supplying dye powder in separate water-soluble sachets, it is easy to calculate the number required to dose a lake.
In large lakes, if a boat is being used, simply drop the sachets in different areas where they will dissolve, releasing the dye. By applying the dye into different areas, the time required to fully mix with the water is reduced.
If a boat is unavailable, face the water with a breeze coming from behind. Drop a few sachets along the edge and throw the others out into the water. The breeze will move the water and the dye will dissolve and disperse naturally.
Liquid Dye
If a boat is being used, gently pour the amount required into a wide area. The liquid dye rapidly disperses and will mix completely with all the water in the lake.
If a boat is not available pour the desired amount into the water along a bank with the wind behind you.
Regardless of which method is used, the water will look to have more colour in the first few days because it takes a little longer to completely mix and dilute from the top to the bottom.
Avoid ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact of the powder. Do not use in or near potable (drinking) water. Wash any contaminated clothing separately.
In its diluted form, Parklink’s Dye is SAFE for all aquatic creatures and for livestock to drink.
Commercial pond dyes are non-toxic, high-quality, food colours providing a cost-effective method of controlling algae and weeds without affecting the health of fish, wildlife and plants.
Parklink’s commercial pond and lake dyes are supplied in two forms; powder sachets to treat large bodies of water and a liquid solution for smaller fisheries and large ponds.
Frequently asked questions about pond dye, if your question isn’t listed, please ask, and we will gladly help and add it to the list.
Will Parklink’s dyes work in all ponds and lakes?
Our pond dyes will create a light filter in all waters. The minimum doses do require at least 1 metre of overall depth, anything less requires more dye to compensate. For example, a pond half a metre deep will need a double dose.
Please note that not all weeds and algae are susceptible to treated water at minimum concentrations.
How long will the pond dye last?
There is no definitive answer to this question as strong sunlight and rainfall both have an effect on the dye. The Sun will fade the dye and rainfall will dilute it. We suggest that a monthly top-up of 10 to 15% of the original dose should be made in order to keep the dye concentration at its best.
I have fish in my pond, will they be safe?
The dosage recommended is very low and has no effect on fish. The European regulations have a fish test that uses the dyes in concentrations 1000 times greater than our suggested dose without any harmful effects.
My pet drinks from our pond, will it be ok?
We’ve encountered this question frequently regarding a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and rabbits. Additionally, there are numerous unconventional “pets” beyond the common ones that our clients express worries about. In essence, water treated with Parklink’s dye will not alter its state from what it was prior to the dye application. Thus, if the pets were healthy before the dye was introduced, their well-being will persist. Please remember to stay vigilant about the presence of Blue Green Algae/cyanobacteria.
Our pond is visited by frogs/newts/Insects/invertebrates/dogs/cats/rabbits/insects – will the treated water be safe for them to drink?
The actual dye content in the water is very low and is not harmful.
Please note that a well-known brand of energy drink has 65 times more dye per litre than a litre of pond water dosed at the minimum rate!
Does dye help reduce weed growth as well as algae?
Yes. Rooted weeds at the bottom of the pond require sunlight to grow in exactly the same way as algae. Weeds that have leaves at, or above the surface of the water will be able to benefit from the sunlight, so it is recommended that pond dyes should be applied in early Spring before the weeds start to grow. Prevention is always better than a cure!In fact, using a safe pond colorant or blue pond treatment helps cut down excess light, which not only stops algae but also improves clarity and balance in your pond.
The weeds in our lake are growing, is it too late to use dye?
Some weeds require more light than others to photosynthesise. Those requiring a lot of light may not be able to support their own growth even when they have hit the surface. As stated above, try to apply the first dose in spring before growth is established.
What happens if we put too much dye in our water?
The water will be a deeper shade, and possibly opaque. Over time, rainfall will dilute the colour to the point where it will all be gone. It can also be diluted by adding more water. If emptying the pond is required, the water should be flushed into soil beds – please avoid letting over-dyed water get into surface drains or streams. Any water getting into a stream or drain will not be harmful, but anyone seeing coloured water flowing by may report what they think is pollution to the authorities for investigation.
Does the pond dye stain?
In concentrated form, THEY WILL stain hands and clothing, so it is always recommended that gloves are worn when handling the raw products. At recommended dilution rates no staining will occur.
REGEN-Reflect® uses a higher concentration of dye and may result in slight discolouration of surrounding stones and water features.
Spillages of the dye on surrounding areas should be washed with copious amounts of water first and strong sunlight should fade any residue.
Is it safe to swim in water treated with Parklink pond dyes?
Yes. All of Parklink’s dye products are made using European Food Approved Colours, but do give the concentrated dye time to mix into the water before diving in!
Can we use more than the recommended dose?
Yes, REGEN-Blue® can be overdosed by many hundreds of times. It is sometimes necessary to add more than the minimum dosage, for example, if the weeds have grown and are getting near to the surface (normally 2, 3 or 4 times the minimum dose) but it depends on just how close to the surface the weeds are. There are a few lake owners that want to enhance the look of their lakes and use up to 10 times the minimum dose.
I have seen photographs where dye has been used and this made the water look very blue, why is that?
There can be many reasons such as the photographs taken too soon after application or the owners deliberately overdosing for effect. Even the reflection of a blue sky can make the water look bluer than it actually is. It is almost impossible to capture in a photo just how pale the water is once coloured.
How long does it take for the dye to mix into a pond?
This depends on a number of factors including the size of the pond and the “stillness” of the water. The more movement of water, the quicker the pond dye will mix. If re-circulating pumps are used the mixing will take less time. The simple movement of fish can also help to distribute the dye.
Will the Dye damage water pumps?
No. The dye is completely soluble and will pass through pumps and filters easily.
Can dyes be used with other pond treatments?
Yes, they can be used with other chemicals provided that they are not Chlorine-based. Chlorine will attack the dye by bleaching it and rendering it useless.
What do I do with unused dye?
Keep it in a cool, dry place with the lid firmly in place and use it for “topping up” or the following years(s). Stored in this way, Parklink’s dyes have a long shelf life.
Call us +64 6 843 2913
(Monday to Friday, 8am – 5 pm)OR
Fill in the form below, The more we know about your pond or lake the better. You will notice the questions are optional, so if you don’t know the answer just go to the next question.Please fill in your details below, and we will automatically email you the file.
