Hey guys, I'm new here and I really don't have time to find my way around in all the threads. I would appreciate if some of the pros could give me some quick advice.

I inherited an old pond that's about 1/4 acre and probably averages 4-5 feet deep. It has a few big trees around it and a lot of cedars and briars. I know there's a lot of muck on the bottom. I've been working to clear the brush and have a good amount of it done.

The pond has always had a duckweed problem and my grandpa just threw some copper sulfate in it every year. I treated it with 1.5 lbs this spring and two more times with a half pound each just spraying next to the bank. Since then I've read how bad it is and I don't want to kill my game fish or my carp. I've been skimming all I can get with a net from the bank, but I can't hardly keep up and its a lot of work!

I'd like to know if the skimming is even worth doing because it will reduce seeds and nutrients? I can't afford to have it drained, put on in aerator, or the chemicals like sonar or diquat. Is 2,4-D safe if you want to eat the fish? All wisdom is appreciated! Thank you

I would use diquat...It comes in the name brand Reward or the "off" brand Tribune. Tribune works just as good and it is cheaper. One gallon would go a long way in a small pond like yours. A backpack sprayer or ATV sprayer would work well.

Make sure you wear old clothes because diquat stains.

Brad

Welcome ogfd15!

Read through this active thread as well:

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=338141#Post338141

It was started this afternoon

Brad, thanks for the info! Does 1 qt in 50 gallons of water sound right? And what about wetting agents? Can you use soap and if so, how much?

Sounds about right, just follow the label. I can't imagine you would need 50 gallons of spray solution. As for using soap, I would not suggest you doing that. A wetting agent helps spread the spray over the leaf surface as well as penetrate the plant cuticle. Not sure is soap will help spread the spray.

Thanks for the post Lovnlivin! Brad, can you recommend a wetting agent? I'm not familiar with any.

Wetting Agents:

http://www.brewerint.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=VsKRNPwaW_k%3D&tabid=63&mid=504

http://www.helenachemical.com/specialty/Labels/kammo.pdf