Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Sonar application time?

Wow what a fantastic site and forum. Just found it and I know I'll be spending a lot of time here!

Here's my question - I have a 1/3 acre pond that is about 80-90% covered with watermeal. Before I knew what I was doing I applied Cutrine Plus (sparingly) and got a big fish kill - lost about 75 catfish and a few bass and bluegill, but fortunately it didn't kill everything. Now I've learned that Sonar AS is the best treatment.

Here's my question - Is it safe to apply it now or should I wait for cooler weather. Since it takes 60-90 days for the Sonar to work the water should be plenty cool by the time the watermeal dies. Does this seem like a safe approach? I don't want another fish kill and lose what I have left.

I use a homemade aerator (24x7) made from a 1/2 HP pool pump, it picks up water from about 4 feet down and sprays it out on the surface (kind of a like a fountain except it sits on the shore).

Sonar is a systemic herbicide and requires that the plant be growing to work. That means it needs to be applied before the water cools. It is also a selective herbicide and does not kill plankton so it is less likely to cause a fish kill. Always read the label (see below). IIRC 60 F water is to low.

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/guide/sonaras_label.pdf


Here is a thread on DW/WM with good info.


http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthread...true#Post106127 algae effects


http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthread...ite_id=1#import application example


http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthread...true#Post105725 WM/DW threads

torchroadster, They have a new floridine chemical out now called WHITE CAP. Its alot cheaper and basicly the same thing. I used it on my 1/2 acre pond and with in 45 days the watermeal was completley gone.

Thanks for the replies and links. I'm going to go ahead and apply it now.

I had found the White Cap but went ahead and ordered the Sonar this time.

How much is whitecap per gallon and how much per quart? I cant seem to find prices just searching the internet.
thanks

it was about $135.00 per 8 oz. packet. I couldn't find it by the gallon eaither. 3 packets treats 1/2 acre.

If you want to email me I can let you know where to get it and pricing, etc.

Thought I'd report back in with results. I applied 8 oz of Sonar 9/1 and 4 more ounces on 9/8. Today the watermeal is nearly all gone. What is left is very sparse and broken up. I expect it'll all be gone in a week or two.

Here are two links to White cap sources. Although just to be clear I used Sonar.

White Cap

White cap

I dont suspect that the reason the watermeal is gone is because of your fluridone application. Fluridone doesnt typically work that fast on watermeal, especially this late in the season.

Can you tell me a bit more about the size and depths of your pond and your local weather since application on 9/1?

Thanks,
Nate

Nate;

Thanks for the interest. Pond is about 1/3 acre. Depth isn't known accurately but probably 12' at least, although much of it is shallower.

Weather since Sept. 1 has been highs in the 80's lows in the 60's.
About 2 inches of rain when Ike rolled through.

Did the water go over the overflow with the rain?
What color was the watermeal 2 weeks ago?
What color was the watermeal last week?
What color this week?

Thanks!

No the water didn't go over the overflow. The pond is pretty low right now.

It was pretty bright green initially. The watermeal was starting to get a brownish tinge to it 2 weeks ago, but still mostly green, but definitely not bright. Last week was about the same color, just less of it. This week it's gone. By the way I still see green watermeal residue on the shoreline where the water has receded since the application of the Sonar.

that is awesome for your watermeal to clear up that fast! it is some tough nasty stuff to get rid of!

Are you sure 100 percent sure you had watermeal?

I guess I can't say 100% but I'm pretty confident. What we had fits this description perfectly.

Watermeal

Can you post a pic?

Here is a before picture:








I don't have any after.

I cleaned up a similar watermeal problem in a little under 4 weeks.

http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=97240&fpart=1