FAQ
What is the difference between the five ultrasonic devices?
Although the ultrasonic algae control devices function 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 algae control device is specially made for a certain field of application.(pond, lake, pool, watergarden, industrial applications, etc.)
Which kind of algae are killed by which device and how quickly?
There are over twenty thousand kinds of algae, which react in various ways after their demise. The most common algae are the so-called “roaming algae", which enter the water by wind and rain, these will be killed the quickest. Others may take a couple of weeks, but will be dead in due time. Even though some algae die rather fast, others may take up to six weeks before the effects are visible to the naked eye. Remember that once your LG Sonic unit has killed all of the existing algae, regrowth will not occur as long as your LG Sonic unit remains in your water.
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 filamentous algae. Some patience is definitely required here, as they 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 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
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 an algal bloom.
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 loss of strength of the signal.
Can I shorten the transducer cable?
Yes, no problem. 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.
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.
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).
