...I am seriously considering tilapia next spring. Also, I am reading up on phosphorous binders. I'll start a new thread on that topic
Just my experience, but stringy plants or algae can clog up at the flap entering the pump housing if too much comes in at once. If so, unconnecting and cleaning out the inlet hose may be needed. You don't want that. Plants like coontail, or in this case some FA, killing the plant before you vac it out can make it much easier to suction, and you're still taking the dead algae out of the pond. I've also floated the end of the pump inlet hose 6"-12" deep in place, got wet, and raked the plants and algae to the hose. It's fair less effort than moving rigid pvc pipe.
Check fish, peeps, and livestock restrictions on phosphorous binders before you select one. I'm trying something Friday or Staurday for a neighbor's cow tank that doesn't restrict their immediate access to the tank. I'll post how the numbers move, or if they move at all.
