Pond Boss
Posted By: Thackery Water meal, my big problem, what now? - 08/14/11 07:29 PM
I just discovered Pond Boss, great forum so far.
I read a couple of threads about water meal but figured I would start a freash one.
My pond has had watermeal for the past 2-3 years, it is of course overwhelming the pond.
I am investigating herbicides to use as well as a new aeration system.
herbicides I have found so far but don't know anything about are: Clipper, Avast, Sonar. Any comments on these.
I was given a Kasco 3/4 hp fountain that I intend on installing after I run electric to the pond.
What have others done to deal with this problem? What is the most cost effective approach?

I really want to get my enjoyable pond back.

Thackery
-How big is your pond (surface-area) - and what is its average depth (often estimated at 40% of its maximum depth, but greatly depends on its contour/slope)?
-Does it: 1) occasionally 2) frequently 3) constantly or 4) never discharge water (flow-through)?
-What purpose(s) does it serve? Irrigation? Livestock? Potable? Swimming? Fishing?
-What type of spray-application equipment do you own, or have access to?
Posted By: Thackery Re: Water meal, my big problem, what now? - 08/14/11 10:56 PM
I guess 1/2-3/4 of an acre, not sure, I saw that people have been using some tool with google maps to measure but I have not looked into it.
Avg. Depth 4'-5'.
Discharge frequently in the spring and then usually none at allfor several months in the summer.
Swimming, fishing.
Garden sprayer and I have a boat.

Thackery

Thanks, Thackery
Posted By: esshup Re: Water meal, my big problem, what now? - 08/15/11 01:03 AM
Another point is do you have any plants growing in the pond that you don't want killed? I have some hardy lilies that will be removed and re-introduced when I use Fluridone based products. I will be dropping the water level in the pond so the marginals (arrowhead and pickrelweed) aren't affected too.
Thackery - welcome to the PB Forum.
If your pond-water pH is below 8, I'd suggest the use of CLIPPER (now) followed by SONAR (fluridone) early next summer - once the threat of discharge has passed. Back-to-back annual treatments will likely be required to interupt watermeal's reproductive cycle.
Your pond's description sounds much like other circumstances covered in previous watermeal threads. Rather than start yet another round of extensive commentary, it might be best if you use the search-function to locate those threads for additional details - then ask any specific questions that haven't already been covered.
Also, such topics are regularly covered in POND BOSS magazine. You might consider a subscription, since ponds like yours are the publication's primary focus.
Posted By: esshup Re: Water meal, my big problem, what now? - 08/15/11 01:13 AM
+++ on what Kelly said. Listen to him, he knows his stuff. I think he's been doing it (the weed control thing) for a long time.
Posted By: Thackery Re: Water meal, my big problem, what now? - 08/15/11 11:57 AM
I am having some luck with the wind in the last 24 hours and have scooped out ? tons ? of water meal. I figure less is better no matter what.
In looking into the herbicide I have found that Pond Guy Catalog recommends Redwing and Pondweed Defense for watermeal.
They also carry other products, but I don't see Clipper.
Where do I get Clipper?
Should I keep scooping, or is it a waste of time?
To answer someone's question, I have no other plants that I need to protect from herbicide.
Thanks, Thackery
Thackery redwing is a godo product and pond guy good company. We sell reward the product that redwing mimics, that is a off brand of diquat so any thread you read about diquat will aply. As on previous threads...diqaut kills watermeal but it is contact so near impossible to eradicate in this method. We also sell clipper if you wnat to contact us for a price. It works well but my advice is for sure use sonar next spring/summer when you see it coming back. Good luck. I woudl not scopp that is for sure.
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