Thanks for finding the post Russ. I'm not very good at finding this old stuff. I did add more zip ties. I randomly added about 150 more to the 100 foot rope so they are a lot thicker. It really works well now. I have no idea what the black goo is. I'm guessing its bottom sediment that is full of anaerobic bacteria cause when I scoop it out it stinks like hydrogen sulfide. Even though it's floating it's very heavy like mud so I think it must by decaying stuff mixed with bottom dirt.

Cecil, I hope you find what you're looking for. If you need a source for the float I probably have the company name around here somewhere. The key to making this work is enough zip ties and enough small floats to keep it on the surface so it won't slip down under the duck weed. I shopped around a lot to find the right size floats for a cheap price.

Gotta get back to fishin!