The gully to pond project

[GGB]

Pacerron, you've just opened my eyes regarding copper sulfate hurting the beneficial bacteria in ponds. I've used both and have had good luck. Seems like I have usually used copper sulfate when I've got a lot of algae, and bacteria when dealing with smaller amounts. Now I'm questioning why I'd ever want to use copper sulfate.

Regarding bacteria, I've used liquid bacteria but even used Rid-X and have had good results. From what I understand, there are some commercial types of liquid and powder bacteria available but haven't had any luck sourcing. If anyone has suggestions, I'd be interested. The pond I'm treating is about 2 acres for reference.

On my small pond which is about .7 acre, at Easter this year I put up a used Koenders Windmill which drives an airstone, and have been really impressed. So far, no significant algae, and I still haven't gotten the airstone optimally placed. Also, no chemicals or bacteria have been added this year. Now I'm thinking seriously about getting a windmill for the big pond, hopefully to avoid any bacteria at all. Seems to me that I'll save the cost of chemicals/bacteria over 5-7 years, and will also add to the looks of the place just like at the small pond.

GGB

 

[pacerron]

GGB,
The articule I posted has a tab at the top about bacteria that they sell.
I'm always skeptical about articles that are selling something; that is why I asked advice.
I'm reading from Natural resource sites at various state universities now and am slanting toward leaving the floating weed alone until it exceeds 15% of the surface area. Aeration looks to be a great benefit also. Hopefully more folks will reply with their experience and solutions.
Ron

 

[jinman]

I bought some Aquathol Super K to control my pond weed. It is "powdered gold" it seems because of the price, but it works well with minimum treatment. I put it along my lake frontage and have moss, but no broadleaf pond weeds as I used to have.

 

[pacerron]

Thanks Jim.
I figured you would have some good input and that others would pay attention and respond more if it were on your gully to pond project site. I think the subject fits; I am not trying to control your post.
Here is an OSU Extension article with paths to other articles that I read later today which covers the pros and cons of chemical control.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Aquatic Plants in Ponds, A-17-06
Ron

 

[jinman]

Yep Ron, you want to carefully kill out weeds so that you do not harm their useful purpose. The Aquathol Super K is in a large granular "pill" form that does not leach out from where it is applied. You can kill weeds in one area only and leave the others to benefit the fish.

 

[bindian]

Yep Ron, you want to carefully kill out weeds so that you do not harm their useful purpose. The Aquathol Super K is in a large granular "pill" form that does not leach out from where it is applied. You can kill weeds in one area only and leave the others to benefit the fish.

Jim,
Where can I buy some Aquathol Super K?
hugs, Brandi

 

[pacerron]

Jim,
I took some shots of the pondweed situation today for later reference.
The pan is 7 images handheld stitched with Microsoft "Ice", part of Windows Live. There is a little distortion in the pond shape, because of handholding the camera, but you see how the pondweed is around the edges and quite a bit more over the fish nests in the shallow corners.
The pond is about 0.89 acre of surface water when full. It is down about a foot now due to evaporation and lack of rain. The second shot is the floating pondweed. Not sure exactly what the species is but I don't think that matters much in the control.
In your opinion, is it getting out of hand yet?
Ron

 

[ben2go]

Jim,
I took some shots of the pondweed situation today for later reference.
The pan is 7 images handheld stitched with Microsoft "Ice", part of Windows Live. There is a little distortion in the pond shape, because of handholding the camera, but you see how the pondweed is around the edges and quite a bit more over the fish nests in the shallow corners.
The pond is about 0.89 acre of surface water when full. It is down about a foot now due to evaporation and lack of rain. The second shot is the floating pondweed. Not sure exactly what the species is but I don't think that matters much in the control.
In your opinion, is it getting out of hand yet?
Ron

That doesn't look bad but I'm no expert.One pond near me is covered in that stuff to the point that you can't tell there's a pond there.You can't see water anywhere.

 

[jinman]

In your opinion, is it getting out of hand yet?
Ron

I would say you have the perfect amount, but everybody sees things differently.

Brandi: You can buy Aquathol Super K through the website I linked to or send a PM to TBN member, fishman. His real name is John Tibbs and he is a marine biologist in Waco, TX. He can sell you the Aquathol K and arrange shipping to you. For your little pond, I would not think you need more than the 10 lb container.

 

[bindian]

I would say you have the perfect amount, but everybody sees things differently.

Brandi: You can buy Aquathol Super K through the website I linked to or send a PM to TBN member, fishman. His real name is John Tibbs and he is a marine biologist in Waco, TX. He can sell you the Aquathol K and arrange shipping to you. For your little pond, I would not think you need more than the 10 lb container.

Thanks Jim!
hugs, Brandi