The last time I had the ph checked, it was almost 7.8; and the total hardness was very high. I don't recall he exact figure, but it was in the low 400's. So, indeed, this is pretty hard spring water; and from what I've read about chara, my pond is just about as good a home as it could want!
Over the past few years, I've sort of arrived at a "truce" with it. I can't really eliminate it, so I just try to keep it in check. I was fairly successful at that approach in 2005; a little better in 2006 and 2007. Chara won this year.
My normal containment regimen is to start early in the year (March or April) with a light application of granular Cutrine Plus at hot spot areas. I usually start applications of a dye (Aquashade) in early May, adding about a quart every 10 days or so. This worked well for almost three years. The chara was pretty much restricted to close-in areas.
There were still extensive chara beds throughout the bottom of the pond, but the reduced sunlight probably served to keep it in check.
One good thing I will say about chara -- it appears to serve as great habitat for aquatic insect life. A minor downside is that it may provide a bit too much escape cover for young-of-year bass and sunfish (also permanent residents of my "trout" pond).
I have an aerial photo of my pond that my son-in-law took last winter. In our family, we've dubbed it "the chara monster." It shows just how complete the chara coverage is in my pond.
By the way, AP, my local building supply has everything I need for the cage I will build ... except the key ingredient, those three-way corner pieces. I was told they are "on order."
I'll post that aerial picture in just a moment. -- Mike
