Hey Forum - Pond location NE Texas - My pond Is just over a year old. (2 acres) Have had positive rain fall since late spring and am finally getting close to full. Water level has only gradually come up through the past 6 months and slowly covered previously grassy / dry ground. My water clarity is 'too' good - Could snorkel in it - tried fert in early June, but did not impact it. Missed doing the re application. Now I have a significant (greater than 50%) coverage of Baby Pondweed - probably close to 80% of my fishable Growth has exploded in past 6 weeks. So now, all my good structure that I took effort to put in is not fishable.
Furthermore, I also have, about 30% cover with Filamentous Algea. I have applied copper sulfate with some success, but have limited application due to being cautious about maintaining oxygen levels in this heat. I did put in about 20lbs of tilapia (6") in may, but they did not even get close to keeping up - the algea has expanded significantly in the past 6 weeks
The good news is that the weed has created great cover for establishing the bluegill - I think I'm good here. But I don't want this problem next year
So - several questions.
Is there anything I should do at this time of year?
Is the Pondweed going to die during this winter?
What do I do to make sure this problem doesn't come back next year?
David, where in N.E. Texas are you located?
We have several PB members located in what we call N.E. Texas.....problem is most folks out side Texas don't realize that "N.E.� Texas is larger than many states..
Our ponds in Delta County are located in transitional Blackland Prarie/Post Oak Savannah� � FireIsHot in Hopkins County which is �Post Oak Savannah� - High Flyer in transitional Post Oak Savannah/Piney Woods. There are others in our area with much pond experience.
Water chemistry is highly variable across this area � drastic changes from high alkalinity/hardness in Blackland Prarie to highly acidic water in Piney Woods.
Have you had your water tested?
Rainman recommendations for tilapia and grass carp are well taken.
Based on my experience with a new pond with clear water I would place grass carp on first priority to handle aquatic vegetation first, and tilapia following years if your water became more turbid � so �it all depends� on your location.
So - several questions.
Is there anything I should do at this time of year?
Grass carp
Is the Pondweed going to die during this winter?
Not in our pond.
What do I do to make sure this problem doesn't come back next year?
Grass carp this year � FireIsHot has current experience.
Tilapia next spring and each following year � 20 lbs/year recommended but I get good results from about 10 lbs/acre.
Welcome to another N.E. Texan
George
ps: Bill Cody was typing faster that I...
We need to know where in N.E. Texas you are located.
In my area pond weeds will be a lesser problem after first year or so - water primrose will dominate and give more "cover" than needed - GC WILL eat water primrose.
Other aquatic vegetation may be a problem - FireIsHot is very knowledgeable and currently managing his program.
G/
