Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants What to do about Brittle Naiad?

This is a bit of a follow up to my post on Fish:
BG are Dying

There was so much help offered I thought I would seek advise on the Brittle Naiad problem. I have read the many posts suggesting various chemical treatments, mechanical treatments and fertilizing the pond.

I have plenty of planktonic algae going but the Naiad is spreading like crazy. I have treated with Hydrothol/Reward with little success. As reported in the post above I continue to loose 4-6 BG and 2-3 bass a week. All with signs of red sores. Could the Naiad be a source for this condition?

Back to vegetation management:
It is an aerated, shallow pond (3-7') averaging about 4-5'.
Usually my biggest problem annually is filamentous algae if I don't get a good start on the Chara. This year, probably because of the abundance of Naiad, both are practically nonexistent.

So do I let this stuff run its course? What is the harm in doing this?
If I chemically treat I am concerned about more stress on the fish.
If I mechanically remove I will certainly stir up more nutrients for more unwanted growth.

Thank you for all your help on past topics and I would appreciate guidance with this one.

Aquathol would be a better option than Hydrothol, since the former is: 1) much more active on naiads, 2) poses no direct threat to the fish (unlike Hydrothol) and 3) poses no threat to Chara (unlike Hydrothol). Spot-treating sections of the pond might be feasible, further reducing the potential for DO-issues.

Kelly, have you used the granular Aquathol Super K? That looks like something that would help, and it's easier to spread than spray for me.

Good question FireIsHot. I would like to know that as well. Since this stuff is visible in about 35% of my pond I would like to know which would be the best product/application to treat it.

Yes, but I sell far more Aquathol K (liquid) than Aquathol Super K (granular), mostly due to the economics associated with the liquid.
However, specific circumstances (besides convenience) may favor one formulation over the other.
Super K's polymer granule is simply a carrier (or "vehicle") for delivering its active-ingredient (endothall). Once applied, the granule releases its active-ingredient into the water-column within a matter of hours (transforming into "clear jelly-ice" in the process) and may remain visible for weeks or months after discharging its active-ingredient "payload".
Whether using the liquid or granular formulations, it is necessary to achieve and sustain a concentration of endothall within a target area that is deemed appropriate for a targeted weed-specie (as listed on the product's label).

Thanks Kelly.
So if I am spot treating the patches of Naiad should I apply directly to the growth or distribute in the pond uniformly? If the answer is the targeted area how do I calculate the amount of Aquathol to use?

I estimate the growth coverage to be about 40% of my 1/2 acre pond.

There are many variables involved in the answer to your question. But in general; yes, you should apply directly to the infested areas - knowing fully well that the active-ingredient will likely diffuse or disperse into the adjacent untreated areas to some degree or another.
I would suggest having a conversation your chemical supplier for specific details and use-rate recommendations - after you've described the pond's various perameters and its level of infestation.

One more question. Would you recommend application at dusk, dawn, midday or does it matter?

Definitely at dawn; mostly because it is much more comfortable to perform any type of manual labor at that time of the day