Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants weed control

In my 2 years old pond, everything is working quite well with the exception of excessive moss and long green wirey losely grounded weeds. They distract from the excellent fishing (stocked at fill up). The pond is 2-2.5acres, and we originally put 6 grass carp in it, with a recent suppliment of 15 additional. Any suggestions?

If your grass carp are eating then they are fertilizing too. Your moss or algae will not be eaten by these geese with fins.Thus compounding your nutrient problem. In Ohio grass carp are considered more of an algae producer than an eater.Consider inventory of your nutrient load and its source and proper aeration as a front line of defense against unwanted excessive algae. Good luck Ted

Ted, thanks for your reply. The grass carp were placed in the pond via Fish and Wildlife recommendations. Now I'm really confused? Your comments are appreciated.

Lindsay

Fish and Wildlife use stocking formulas that date some years back. Today more things are (should be) cosidered such as "your" goals,nutrient source and load,water sources etc. Most stocking of grass carp were to keep "plants" under contol. Today some view these plants and algae as 02 producers, and grass carp as eliminators. In shallow ponds with too much sunlight where plants are likely to flourish carp may fit.Where plants are a problem and algae is not bothersome they may fit. It seems that stocking these fish are done without all the considerations to the individual pond owner.These fish are a better method of plant control than chemical sources (copper compounds) in my opinion.I always scratch my head when a new pond is stocked and grass carp are part of the plan in a pond 25 feet deep with very steep slopes. Usually means someone was sold a "package".Did not mean to make it sound like your carp were a mistake just some additional things to consider before tossing in any more. The good news is your pond size to carp ratio is not overboard.Good Luck Ted

I too don't understand why grass carp would be stocked in a new pond. Must be some VERY agressive weeds!

Thanks again Ted, and you too Ric. Sounds like I screwed up. Yes Ted, a package formula for the "new" pond was recommended and applied. Think I should make some effort to remove the grass carp?

The pond is deep, steep slopes, losts of structure, clear, and spring fed with upstream updrainage basin cattle grazing in progress.

Lindsay