Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations How much FA....

How much FA is too much? I just noticed our first bloom starting a few days ago (or at least started noticing clarity dropping and a more green tint to the water) and it really took off. I just raked about 20 globs of stringy neon green FA off the waters edge and on to the bank. I don't want to get run over with it, as its near impossible to fish in. So again, how much is too much?

Hey Justin,

I'm not a pro but here's my train of thought. I remove all floating FA mats. They block the sunlight needed for phyto and zoo plankton and I see no benefit from letting them remain. I also discourage FA in spawning areas and brush piles with Cutrine. I consider it a plus otherwise and mine is always full of life. To me (right or wrong), FA is a an indicator of a healthy pond. If a pond can't grow FA, something is wrong.

Just my 1 cent

Bump for more opinions. The globs are getting more numerous and its starting to interfere with fishing in some areas. This stuff is NEON and not showing any signs of dying off. I thought about throwing some tilapia in there.....any ideas?

If you think it is too much, it is too much. Biologically, you'd have to have 50+% coverage to be a big problem.
You basically have three choices. You can apply an algaecide now to knock it out, understanding it is likely to return within a month. Or, you can stock tilapia to eat it and expect it to be reduced within three to four weeks. Or, you can do both.
If you leave it alone, you'll have mats of dead algae floating all over for a few weeks. Algae which grows now tends to subside when temperatures rise.