Yep you usually get what you pay for!
I'm using aquashade in a small pond that I am feeding male bluegills in to avoid the dreaded onslaught of excessive macrophytes. The pond is so small I'm not sure how easy it would be to create an algae bloom and maintain it.
Anyway I would prefer not to use it and the bluegills in my bass pond that has clear water seem to feed better. Personally don't like the look either.
Maybe next year I'll refrain from the dye and put in some grass carp like Bruce does as a proactive approach.
