Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Another Grass Carp Question...

I have a fairly new pond that had a pretty big problem with yellow water primrose, alligator weed, and filamentous algae last summer. I would like to attempt to control this issue before it gets out of hand again this summer. I just read a post on carp and water primrose which was very informative. I'm currently waiting for my state permit to come in the mail so I can purchase a couple triploid grass carp. My main question is whether or not grass carp eat filamentous algae. This is a plant that can really makes fishing frustrating. I'd like to somehow control it if possible. Any help would be appreciated.

GC do not usually have any impact on FA.

Tilapia are the champion FA eaters.

Golden Shiners have been reported to have some effect on FA, but not in the same league as Tilapia.

Thanks Theo. Does anyone know how or where to obtain some tilapia around south Louisiana?

Is this the same tilapia that I've eaten in restaurants???

I don't think you can stock tilapia legally in the state of LA.

That's too bad. I like the way "Champion FA eaters" sounds.

I might have to try Golden Shiners instead then.

Limb Bream,
Goats are absoluely the best control available for water primrose and emegrgent aquatic vegetation, that they can reach from shore.
As ewest once said "they wrap their lips around the primrose and pull it from the water".
Very good results for shoreline grass, weed and brush control.

Don't know whether they eat FA or not since our tilapia keeps it under control.
They don't get into the water as do cattle.

Hahaha. I love that picture. I wish I could get some goats if they really work that well, but I would have to put up plenty fence that I just can't afford. I really like the idea though, very original!

Would a goat stay in say a 5 strand barb wire fence or would you have to do the hog wire type fence? I have a 5 strand fence around the place that is need of repair but would work. I am looking to do something with the 5 acres that my pond sets on besides mow the 2 acres of pasture

For our herd, we use electric fencing. Barb wire fence doesn't contain them.