Pond algae

[Stihlrunner]

We have a springfed pond on our property, probably about 3/4 of an acre. It's pretty full of silt, algae and weeds. There is no aeration to it.

We can't have grass carp on Oregon. About the only fish options looks to be the usual bluegill, bass, perch, trout and catfish. Do catfish eat algae, I've heard mixed reports?

Does the barley bale really work?

Thanks!,
Grossed out in Oregon

 

[rekees4300]

I've used Cutrine Plus on my 1 acre pond with success.

 

[Western]

You will find a wealth of information at Pond Boss Forum - Forums powered by UBB.threads™

I have always heard channel cats prefer "live" baits, never heard of them eating algae. They wont let you use sterilized carp? Also, sounds like it's time to dredge your fish'n hole too.

 

[Stihlrunner]

The only way we can use carp is by special permit, biologist inspection and radio transmitters in the fish! Incredible BS!

We don't fish in the pond so drastic measures are fine!

 

[Fossil Farm]

If the pond is has a lot of silt, then it probably has a lot of nutrients to promote weed growth. If the pond is becoming shallow from the silt, then the weeds will become worse each year. White amur do not prefer algae unless they are near the starving point. They would eat the submerged weed growth. You say your pond is spring fed. Is there much outflow from the pond? If not, have you tried one of the shade treatments like aquashade or crystal blue? They do work quite well. I have heard of the straw bales working, but not sure of the timing on placing them or how many per acre of water.

 

[groundcover]

Copper sulfate should help.

 

[pochie]

I have 3 Koi in my small pond and never fed them. They eat algae and plants, although I notice no loss of plants. My pond is springfed and is about 2-3' deep and 10 x 10'. You can buy small Koi relatively cheap at some Koi farms and it may be worth spending $100 to see how they work out.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I don't know if you can find them in Oregon but TILAPIA are efficient algae and moss eaters. The water has to be above 60F or they die, but they will reproduce at least one time in the season. You would need to collect them in the fall before the kill and they are excellent eating.

 

[Stihlrunner]

Thanks for the info guys! Ironically there are several Tilapia farms in the area, although water temp most of the year would be below 60.

I'm going to hit it with the copper sulfate initially and then barley hay. If it looks like it is working I may try some Tilapia.

As far as the aquashade I've heard good things about it but I don't think I can keep my dogs from taking their occasional cool off dip in the pond so I don't know how effective it would be.

 

[creekbend]

Thanks for the info guys! Ironically there are several Tilapia farms in the area, although water temp most of the year would be below 60.

I'm going to hit it with the copper sulfate initially and then barley hay. If it looks like it is working I may try some Tilapia.

As far as the aquashade I've heard good things about it but I don't think I can keep my dogs from taking their occasional cool off dip in the pond so I don't know how effective it would be.

Have you considered using an Aerator after treating the pond?