Putting a piece of Copper in water to stop Algae growth?

[ArizonaNessa]

They use sacrificial metal on the bottom of boats to prevent corrosion. While this question was not about corrosion, I think that the copper might work the same way so that the algae forms on it and not in the rest of the waterer. Heck I don't know....it sounded so much better and so much more relevant in my head

 

[fl_deb]

Well, I think it might have to do with some metals inhibiting growth of algae....like the roof vents not having algea and even some strips you can buy to keep your whole roof free of algea growths...but I thought it was zinc, not copper....but then I've been wrong before.

 

[3goodeggs]

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It is supposed to inhibit bacterial growth, and viri, that makes sense.
My mother had a burn salve that was colloidal silver.
Before refrigeration, I bet people used all kinds of stuff that with time we have all forgotten.
Pumps,wells, and electricity have reduced the need for a copper plate in the water bucket I bet.

 

[bwknight877]

if you put pennies in, be sure to use pennies dated 1962-1982, which are 95% copper

modern pennies are only 2.5% copper plated

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cent_(United_States_coin)#History_of_composition

 

[PhilErvin]

Sounds like a good idea to me. And I would think it would be just as safe as having copper pipes in our houses.

 

[dirtdoctor]

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OH NO not copper pipes in the house!! Just kidding, ask any plumber if he has a scrap of copper pipe, or for 2bucks you can get a fitting at Homeydopey.

 

[dirtdoctor]

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I think that those are Zinc, attracts the corrosion in salt water, then when they consume you replace it. So I have heard.

 

[crooked stripe]

I have zinc plates on the bottom shaft of my outboard motor to resist corrosion. I replace them every couple years as they are eaten away. (fresh water)

 

[dirtdoctor]

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Wow, See it goes to show ya can learn something new everyday!

 

[natrgatr]

Bottom paint on boats contains copper to inhibit algae growth. Zinc anodes on boats are sacrificial and wear away from stray electric currents before more noble metals (like iron or steel). Zinc strips are also used on roofs to stop moss from growing. I would put a piece of scrap copper pipe in the water bowl. That should work.