Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Eliminating Floating Heart

I have a 1 acre pond that is covered with floating heart (Nymphoides Peltata) over approximately 1/3 of the surface area. It is mostly along the shoreline but extends to about 4 feet deep. I am using Rodeo (aquatic concentration) and it is showing good effect with repeated applications. Even after the plants appear to be dead it is extremely difficult to rake. Will applications of enzymes and muck eating bacteria be sufficient to decompose the dead plant material? I have a sufficient supply of this type of product to apply to my pond. My concern is the O2 depletion. I have a very healthy bass and bluegill population. I will rake what I can, but some areas are not reachable.

tac5-

Raking out what you can reach is a big help in reducing the drop in 02 while the plant decomposes.

The bacteria you mentioned will require oxygen as well to survive. If you are low in oxygen in the deeper depths, you may enlarge the problem.

If you are concerned about losing your fish during this phase of decomposition, I would recommend adding a surface aeration unit for emergency aeration during the night time.

The recommended rate is 2hp/acre. There are a number of manufactures of these units, one that is on the resources page of the Pond Boss is Kasco Marine. Dealers in your area carry these units and they work very well.

Depending on how large and how much muck buildup you have, you may want to look into a submersed aeration system to prevent this in the future.

Good luck!