Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Balance of plants in the environment I have too much of this in my pond. pics

That looks a lot like Chara \string FA mix to me... I have that very same stuff in my pond this time of year. It rakes out real well and very heavy when wet has a musk smell to it... When it dries out it almost like crunchy hey!

Some pros and cons about Chara/FA and possible treatments.

Pros.
1. Chara is not a invasive form of plant it is native.
2. Small fish love to hide in from bigger fish it give smaller fish a refuge.
3. Has a lot of small micro foods in it for smaller fish to eat.
4. Produces a lot of D.O. during the day.

Cons,

1. Sucks to fish in it sprecailly once it gets to the surface.
2. If you catch a fish in it, it feels like your pulling a log through the weeds.
3. Takes away D.O. at night!
4. It all dies and goes to the bottom of your pond increasing your muck load.
5. Without chemicals its a pain in the neck to get rid of really.

How I treat my Chara,

1. I have 6 Grass Carp that eat on it but they eat everything else too!

2. I have used Curtrine Plus Granules on mine before and spot treat it and this works quite well I might add. Never treat the whole pond mind you at one time as you could have a D.O. crash and kill some of your fish. I usually treat mine around mid to end of May cause this stuff really like to take off in June.

3. If you don't want to do either of those then the good ole rake it the next best thing. Or a wide device attached to a rope so you can sling it out into the water and pull it back. I've done this before and clean it out like rows almost looks like your mowing under water lol. It's not easy work though.

Anyhow nice looking place man hope you find a happy medium with your Chara.....

RC