Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants fertilizer and weeds

Have some weeds in the tank (pond) that look like chara but are not that. Also water is extremely clear so I know it needs fertilizer. Should I hit it with cutrine plus granules first, then fertilize? The weed is grassy with no odor and just looks like a sort of grass. Any suggestions from not much info? I am sure the grass is growing because sunlight extends so far down. By the way, I have 8 carp in there and it is a 1.5 acre tank in central Tx. Bass, Cat's, and many bluegill are doing well and in all sizes.

You need to get a good identification first. Pull samples and place in pond water so they will retain true appearance and carry to your county agent.

I thought that was gonna be the answer, but I was I was hoping to just nuke the weeds and fertilize soon after. Thx for the response.

Casca,

One word of experienced advice....do not fertilize with weeds in the pond. Contrary to some beliefs that shading will correct the problem, fertilizing with weeds present is like throwing gas on a fire. Been there, done that. Wouldn't do it again.

The weeds are only a problem when they restrict the fishing . But how in the world would you clear out that many weeds before fertilizing? Probably should just wait and then try to fertilize if the weed problem gets better. This has happened before and it tends to go in cycles. It seems that they come then go away on their own, but before I can catch the time to fertilize before they come back they are there again. I will put in some cutrine granules to try to clear up some areas. Not all at once , but a bit at a time. Anyway I know that it is a problem for a lot of pond owners and if you folks could come up with an easy solution for us novices we would pay for it. There are a lot of differing views on these weed, scum, algae issues.

Yes, everyone has a different opinion it seems. I can only say what worked for me and it may not work for you. After loosing control of weeds and algae because of fertilizing, I did the following:

1) treated with Cutrin Plus granular and liquid
2) stocked Mozambique Tilapia and a few more grass carp.

The result, after some time, was that weeds were completely under control and algae gone. Worked for me, but I can't swear it will work for you....and I had a bad case. I will never fertilize again, never.

Thanks Meadowlark, and I have done the cutrine plus granules before and will do again. The Tilapia kind of worry me because in Central Tx. they may survive and then if they do have a die off I am worried about an oxygen loss. Thanks again.

If you have bass in your ponds with the Tilapia, don't worry about the Tilapia dieoff...the bass will eat just about every last one of them and you will be amazed...thats what happened to me at least.

Now, if you don't have LMB or HSB, you will see a lot of dead fish and the potential is probably there for an Oxygen problem.

Have some LMB up to 5 lbs. and a couple up to 8 so I will try the Tilapia for filimentious algae but they don't eat other weeds do they?

Casca,

I've seen them munching on chara and I suspect if they ran low on preferred foods they would eat most any vegetation. They seem to be survivors...if the water temps didn't get them, they would take over a pond I believe over time.

Meadow, what happens to your Talapia, do they just die out, or do you harvest them before too hot? What can you catch them with?

You answered my questions in your last post.

Meadowlark, I am trying to find a source closer to buy the Tilapia now. Henneke out of Halletsville seems to be the best bet. I will darn sure try them and appreciate your input.

Well it is now May 7 and I put in the Tilapia, but was amazed to see that the tanks had all fertilized themselves somehow. Water was pea green with lots of photoplankton floating throughout and looked like it does when I fertilize. No known outside sources that I know of. Has anyone seen this occur in their water?

Casca :

Yes I have seen this before. If your water is fertile from last year and you did not have to much runoff during winter when temps get right the bloom will start without fertilizer. In some parts this happens every year without any fertilizer. As Meadowlark often reminds us , that is why you have to be careful in starting a fertilization program . They can get out of control and cause problems.As long as you have visability of 18 inches you should be ok. You should keep an eye on it and not add to the problem . ewest