Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Water meal and duckweed

my 1/4 acre pond is completely covered in duckweed and water meal, I would prefer to use chemicals because they are expensive and would much rather do it naturally but what would be best to clear it off? I thought grass carp would do it but I read some where that grass carp don't eat either of those?

I don't think I've ever heard any options but chemically I could be wrong though..

I think I understand your post, but then again maybe not.

If you prefer to use chemicals, Clipper or a Fluridone based product would work.

If you want to do it manually, look at this: http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=35787&fpart=1

Andrew, I too had the DW problem and for me, coupled with Coontail.

I made the prickly rope that esshup directed you to, as well as a DW skimmer which was also found from a previous thread. This picture is before I put the floats on but it works incredibly well. For me though, 2 acres was an impossible chore. And you have to realize how quickly DW will reproduce! I was told you could remove 80% of it and within 2 weeks, it will all be back!

This is the DW skimmer I made that also works incredibly well! I moved the eye-bolts up a little higher, tied two long ropes onto the eye-bolts and just toss it out and drag it back in. It will skim just below the surface, trapping anything it it's way (DW, leaves, debris, etc.). Both very cheap to make!

For me I went the Fluridone route and couldn't be happier with the results! Completely gone in 6 weeks!!! Unfortunately my Coontail has returned, in part because I treated more for the DW than I did the Coontail (less PPB used) so a second treatment of Fluridone will take place next week. It's very pricey stuff but extremely effective!

After hours and hours of trying to remove the DW myself, I will not hesitate to treat with Fluridone, as long as finances allow it.

Here's the before and after. Worth the money? You Bet!




I too wanted to do everything without use of chemicals, then realized there are times where the chemicals are beneficial and necessary depending on your goals.

I wish you the best and continue reading and learning on this forum.

PB Rocks!

Has anyone had good results using copper sulfate?

CUSO4 will not do much to DW.

tried 100 4 inch tilapia inserted early June. Duckweed and millfoal beginning to cover 2 acre pond which was un fishable most of last few summers.4 weeks and all above gone. Pond producing more and bigger fish than ever. 21 inch bass. Hope to harvest tilapia this fall and leave rest to bass. I am in Ky. No chemicals ever. Tilapia are not cheap but I suspect less than chemicals. Hope it works again next year.