90% reduction in phosphorus levels at Solomon Lake
The 4-acre Illinois pond was overrun with thick algae blooms and dense mats of watermeal, before seeing a remarkable turnaround with Oase SeDox and SeDox Max applications.
Key facts
- Project:
- Solomon Lake
- Location:
- Illinois
- Lake management partner:
- SOLitude Lake Management
- Type and size:
- Freshwater Fishing Lake, 4.0 Acres
- Problem:
- Excess phosphorus, algae blooms and watermeal infestation
- Product applied:
- SeDox & SeDox Max
- Results:
- Over 90% reduction in total phosphorus and over 99% reduction in reactive phosphorus, exceeding expectations and maintaining a healthy, visually appealing waterbody without traditional management methods
Project overview
A pond overwhelmed by phosphorus.
When phosphorus levels spike, water quality quickly declines, and Solomon Lake was a textbook example.
By mid-2024 the water body had become overrun with thick algae blooms and dense mats of watermeal. Testing confirmed extremely high phosphorus concentrations, fueling an unrelenting nutrient cycle.
In partnership with SOLitude Lake Management, Oase's phosphorus binding SeDox and SeDox Max products were chosen for application, with the objective to gradually remove internal phosphorus loads and prevent future blooms, without relying on short-term chemical treatments.
The approach
A steady, measured treatment strategy.
Beginning in spring 2025, SOLitude implemented a monthly SeDox program, applying approximately 100lbs per treatment. As the season progressed, a transition to SeDox Max offered a more efficient path to target deeper, more persistent phosphorus sources in the sediment before it’s routine summer release.
SOLitude’s strategy was to “chip away” at the problem over time, reducing phosphorus concentrations with each application while allowing the ecosystem to naturally rebalance.
The result
Phosphorus levels drop dramatically.
Sampling data collected before and after treatment revealed striking results.
Within one year, total phosphorus levels decreased by nearly 90% and reactive phosphorus (the bioavailable form that directly feeds algae) was reduced by more than 99%.
The observed phosphorus removal surpassed the expected performance based on standard product efficacy models, demonstrating the power of SeDox and SeDox Max and the value of consistent, well-timed applications.
Despite the 2025 season’s challenging weather, marked by heavy rains followed by extreme summer heat, Solomon Lake remained stable and visually clear.
SOLitude Lake Management reported no need for algaecide treatments during the season, saving both time and cost while allowing natural biological balance to return.
The consistent performance throughout variable weather conditions underscored SeDox’s ability to bind inactivate phosphorus effectively and balance the pond, even under environmental stresses.
Key outcomes
Over 90% reduction in total phosphorus
More than 99% reduction in reactive phosphorus
No traditional management methods were needed to maintain a healthy, aesthetically pleasing waterbody
Performance exceeded expected product efficacy
Validated “maintenance” phosphorus management approach.
Why it works
SeDox and SeDox Max are advanced, professional-grade phosphorus-binding agents designed to lock away soluble phosphorus, the primary nutrient that fuels algae and aquatic weeds.
By binding phosphorus in both the water column and sediment, these products deliver long-term nutrient reduction and helped to improve water clarity without harming aquatic life.
This case demonstrates that consistent, properly dosed SeDox applications can achieve measurable, lasting water quality improvements in even the most nutrient-rich environments.
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