Background: A Pond Overwhelmed by Phosphorus
When phosphorus levels spike, water quality quickly declines—and Solomon Lake was a textbook example. By mid-2024, the 4-acre Illinois pond had become overrun with thick algae blooms and dense mats of watermeal. Testing confirmed extremely high phosphorus concentrations, fueling an unrelenting nutrient cycle.

SOLitude Lake Management, our lake management partner, identified Solomon Lake as an ideal candidate to evaluate OASE Professional’s SeDox and SeDox Max phosphorus-binding products. Their objective: to gradually remove internal phosphorus loads and prevent future blooms without relying on short-term chemical treatments.

Treatment Strategy: A Steady, Measured Approach
Beginning in spring 2025, SOLitude implemented a monthly SeDox program, applying approximately two bags per treatment. As the season progressed, they transitioned to SeDox Max as it became available and 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. Future applications are planned—likely at a reduced rate—to manage incoming nutrients and maintain a healthy, attractive pond.

Results: 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%.

Even more impressive, the observed phosphorus removal surpassed the expected performance based on standard product efficacy models. This demonstrated not only the power of SeDox and SeDox Max but also the value of consistent, well-timed applications.

A Season Under Control
Despite the 2025 season’s challenging weather—marked by heavy rains followed by extreme summer heat—Solomon Lake remained stable and visually clear. The recurring algae and watermeal blooms that once dominated the pond never reappeared.

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.

Partner with OASE Professional
The Solomon Lake project shows how OASE’s science-driven solutions and professional-grade products can transform water bodies struggling with nutrient overload.

If your lake or pond faces similar phosphorus challenges, contact OASE Professional to learn how SeDox and SeDox Max can help restore long-term balance.