Overgrown pond

[vaaccess]

So, if this size of a pond isn’t allowed, let me know. You all were so helpful with my smaller pond I thought you might have some ideas for my 1/2 acre pond!

for some reason, this year plant growth exploded, I’m in the central Virginia area.

anyway, any thoughts on how I might breast clean it up? It has bass, crappie, one sterile grass carp (other one died), and catfish. Plus lots of feeder fish.

part of me wants to spray an aquatic plant killer. Maybe I should just do that in sections over time? I also thought about turning it blue again to prevent light from getting to the under water plants, but the pond is steam fed and that only lasts a bit until the water has circulated fully.

thoughts?

 

[GBBUDD]

 

[MIKES KOI]

one thing that will help without spending thousands. get some grass carp. it looks like about a 1/4 acre pond . but pics can be misleading. i would recommend .10-12 grass carp in the 12-18 inch size.

 

[Tula]

Do you know what type of plants are growing. In the one picture it almost looks like Parrot's Feather, but I can't see all enough to say for sure.

 

[MIKES KOI]

you are correct those are Parrots feather, looks like red stem.

 

[Tula]

Wow, I know it's sales are banned in some areas as it's considered invasive, but I struggle to keep mine growing.....never seen so much before !

 

[Faebinder]

Well it helps not have fish in there eating it all.

 

[Tombstone]

Wow, I know it's sales are banned in some areas as it's considered invasive, but I struggle to keep mine growing.....never seen so much before !

Shoot mine are taking over my pond.

 

[vaaccess]

one thing that will help without spending thousands. get some grass carp. it looks like about a 1/4 acre pond . but pics can be misleading. i would recommend .10-12 grass carp in the 12-18 inch size.

Yeah, it's a 1/2 acre pond. I put 2 grass carp in there (that's what was recommended) at the time, for what it's worth, but I know one did die...the other is a monster.

I guess that's the "easiest" way to go about doing it, though honestly a pain because I have to go through the state to get a permit for them. And then have to buy them out-of-state at the closest place that sells sterile ones.

 

[vaaccess]

Wow, I know it's sales are banned in some areas as it's considered invasive, but I struggle to keep mine growing.....never seen so much before !

You aren't too far, feel free to drive down to VA and take as much as you want!

 

[vaaccess]

Do you know what type of plants are growing. In the one picture it almost looks like Parrot's Feather, but I can't see all enough to say for sure.

Yes, I believe they are parrot feather.

Last year I took Hyacinths from our ornamental pond when it was over-crowded and put them in the big pond...They were spreading pretty well. I figured they had a chance to block the sun and displace at least some of the plants that are growing under the surface. Next year I plan to do that again, but will put plants out there at the beginning of the season instead of waiting.

I know another option is to drain the pond, spray all the grass to kill EVERYTHING, and then let it fill up and start over. I'd honestly like to avoid that nuclear option just because of the cost, expense, and likely STENCH of doing that.

 

[vaaccess]

Wow.

 

[vaaccess]

I put another 6 grass carp in about a month ago. I hope they survive and do a good job.
That said, I feel like I need to do something to help. It’s just crazy in there.

herbicide?

manually pull them? (How?)

Other ideas?

I was considering getting chest waders and getting in there myself. But have also seen rakes you can use from the shore...

 

[sissy]

good gosh you could sell that stuff and make mega bucks with all you have growing.I know I can't keep it because koi eat it before it has a chance to grow .

 

[j.w]

This photo you posted below looks like Azolla. I love that stuff! Had it in my pond once but when I added Duckweed the Azolla all disappeard.