Pondpuppy I hate to use herbicides if I don't have to and strive to have a natural pond. My objective has been to have as much submerged plants and lilies to help prevent algae without chocking the pond and to add oxygen. So with this approach I try to add just enough GC, amur, to control excessive growth but not to many to adversely effect the oxygen and structure for the fish. My amur grew to over 3 feet and maybe 30 lbs. and eating abilities seemed to be the same as when they were small. They may eat less as they get bigger per pound but still eat as much total vegetation as when they were young to fuel those big bodies, in my opinion.
Tilapia would seem a good solution for algae control, since they don't muddy the pond but replacing them every year in colder climates is the down side. Israeli Carp & KOI worked for me but the down side is more turbid water, and I think you would want bass to control the off springs.
