5/28/2023 – Having trouble unscrewing the cap to remove the probe on a 2nd generation IonGen. I can’t find a telescoping basin wrench with a large enough jaw (3.5 inches?) to accommodate the recessed cap in the ground next to our pond. Suggestions?
Response From TJB-INC: Several different options. We use a pair of large channel lock pliers. You can also use a pipe wrench or a strap wrench. I have never heard of anyone using a basin wrench before. Now I know why. It does not fit.
8/4/2014 – Can a larger IonGen System, or 4-or-5 in tandem, be used to control algae in a non-recurculating pond on a golf course...???
Response From TJB-INC: No, there must be circulation to disperse the copper Ions.
I would suggest looking into VitaStim MD Pellets available on www.ShopTJB.com to remove the excess nutrients that are causing your algae outbreaks.
9/5/2011 – We installed an iongen and all of our fish died. We bought new fish and they died. Third group are displaying signs of copper toxicity after less than 24 hours in the pond and I finally determined it was copper toxicity.Over $650.00 later and watching these fish suffer, 3 complete water changes the iongen is off. Is there any way to use it safely. Incidentally, we could never get copper strips and the installer only took about 2 months to return our calls.
Response From TJB-INC: It's very important that you test the amount of copper that's available in the pond, in a new pond or after a cleanout where there is very little bioactivity and/or algae to consume the copper, copper levels can elevate quite quickly and cause a problem. If you simply test the amount of available copper you can easily prevent any possible problem with toxicity. Another thing that's very important is that you chelate the copper makeing it safer by the addition of pond detoxifier. This will also help the available copper become chelated and work more efficiently on deterring algae… If you give me your name, address and phone number I will be happy to send you some copper test strips at no charge to prevent the problem from happening again! I hope this helps!
Best regards,
Scott (Director of Product Development - Aquascape INC)
PS. Who did you purchase the Ion Gen from?
8/18/2010 – I have had my backyard pond for 5 yrs.I have gone thru 2 Savio uv clarifiers,and 4 replacement bulbs in that time.I am very disgruntled about Savio products at this time .I have 23000 gal pond,with all the proper installation ex.skimmer and falls,and this summer minus the uv.I am to the point that I would just love for a big dump truck full of dirt to fill in what used to be my husband and I s favorite pass time.The algae is totally uncontrolable.I am so tired of chemicals.I live in southeast Ohio the temeratures get really hot and humid.So these problems are not new ones but this yr with out the uv its down right disgusting.I cant afford another uv and their temperments.I have researched this Iongen to compare to uv.This will take care of ALGAE?
Response From TJB-INC: Hi Christine,
The main problem in your battle for clean water is your water quality. It sounds like you have too many nutrients in the water. These come from decaying organics on the bottom of the pond (leaves, fish poop,old food, etc.) The first step is to remove as much of this as possible. Then add in Benificial Bateria to help decompose the remaining debris and clean the water. Make sure you do not have too many fish and stop feeding then until the pond water clears up. Add aeration/waterfall if you do not have one. Bacteria work better in high oxygen levels.
If you have the water quality under control, you should not need anything else. But ... the IonGen will work in your current situation by releasing minute particals of certain metals that will kill all algae and keep the water clean. This will make your pond water clean but does not address the base issue which is water quality.