Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Balance of plants in the environment Curly-Leaf Pondweed

I have a new plant in the pond and I have it narrowed down to curly-leaf pondweed. There is only one patch of it right now. The pond was finished in fall of 2008 and filled by spring 2009. It is 2 acres. I just put 10 Grass Carp in this spring to keep ahead of the submerged growth. Goals for the pond are big bluegills and big HSB. Also, the family swims occasionally and the dogs are out there nearly every day.

I don't mind a few weeds. I want it to look natural, but not get out of control.

So, is curly leaf pondweed really bad? Not so bad?

Should I get on top of it now so it doesn't get out of control?

Will 10 Grass Carp keep under control?

If the nutrient levels are right for your pond, pondweed can spread rapidly. Grass carp do eat pondweed but just remember what they are going to switch to after they finish off the pondweed. They can eat up to 3 times their body weight daily. Also make sure you're up to date with state/county permits.

FCM: curly-leaf pondweed is a little unique in the problems it causes as an aquatic nuisance species. It actually reaches peak coverage early in the season, and then is usually dead and gone by midsummer. Here are a couple of links.

http://www.sdgfp.info/wildlife/aquaticnuisance/curlypondweed.aspx

http://fl.biology.usgs.gov/Region_5_Report/html/submersed_plants.html