Why copper works?

Specific metals have been used for hundreds of years for anti-bacterial purposes. Silver is used in silverware and silver jewelry to prevent the growth of bacteria. Copper is used in plumbing and is even used on doorknobs of hospital surgery room doors. Copper has been used for over 100 years as a pesticide and anti-microbial agent.

Why is pH important?

In order for copper sulfate to work best as an anti-bacterial agent it must be dissolved in water. Unfortunately when the pH of a solution of copper sulfate goes above a pH of 5, the copper falls out of solution and becomes ineffective. Since urine and manure are very high in alkalinity they will cause the pH to quickly go above 5. The addition of HoofMax Dry will assure that the footbath will stay below a pH of 5 for the entire session even with heavy manure and urine loading, allowing copper to do its job.