Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Done everything I thought was right but...

I thought I was doing everything right, I put in an aeration windmill, put in structure, laid riprap all along the shore and the water is so clear now that you can see down a foot and a half. Here's the problem, algae is now growing up from the bottom. The pond is about 4 foot deep at the bank edges and gradually goes out to 12 foot in the middle. I catch a moss monster with every cast of the pole. How can I tame this growth?

Welcome to PBF to another Illini!

Sounds like you have the traditional very fertile Illinois pond. Lots of ways to deal with FA IMO. Herbicide can provide short term relief. From the description of your pond, Cutrine granular will knock it back. I am going to stock crawfish this spring to help with the problem in my pond while supplying extra forage for my fish. Unfortunately, Tilapia is not an option in Illinois. Hopefully, a pro will be a long to offer some good options.

Again, Welcome to PBF!

Bill D.

Join the club. Very common problem.

You need to:

1. Reduce sunlight penetration i.e. a dye.

2. Reduce phosperous and nitrogen (any fertilizer making it's way to the pond?)

3. Replace the FA with something else that metabolizes the nutrients like a non-invasive pond weed(s).

Chemical treatment will work while you address the above.

Welcome to PBF and FA.

It took off early in my pond. Put down some Cutrine granules just a couple days ago and ordered some black pond dye.

It can be a bugger.

We are supposed to get heavy rains and my pond will get muddy, which will block the light from the FA which is starting to come on strongly. It will take a few weeks to clear, and by then the FA should be much reduced.

I've got pretty clear water also. I can see some, what I assume is, FA growing on the bottom in the shallower, more gradual sloping, sections of the bank.
Should I order the Cutrine now, and get ahead of it? Would Cutrine be available at farm and home, or something like that?
Thx

SetterGuy, I see Cutrine or other copper products at some feed stores around here, but the price is usually higher than online prices. If you go granular, I like Cutrine Plus because of the larger grain size. Some of the cheaper algaecides I've purchased are almost talc like, and are harder to evenly spread on windy days.

Thanks, I'll look on line for granular size. I appreciate the tip..

Edit.. The 10 AC of alfalfa that is above my pond was fertilized last week. They put down a dry fertilizer this time, instead of spray. I imagine I'll be getting quite a bit more into the pond with runoff. Rain expected off and on for the next several days.

Jeff