These are some of the most common questions we get, and some short answers, with links to more detailed discussions.
How do I get rid of lake weeds?
This is a question we hear a lot. A better question would be: ” How can I prevent lake weeds?” You can get rid of lake weeds by using herbicides made and labeled for the task. They will come with directions. First determine what specific weed is giving you problems, and then get the best product. You can also use mechanical methods like cutting and harvesting, and biological methods like plant eating fish. For the best way to deal with lake weeds see the next question. Follow up is essential!
How do I prevent lake weeds?
This is the right question. If you have lake weeds covering more than about 25% of your pond or lake, you are probably doing something wrong, or not doing something you should be doing. In roughly 90% of the cases we have seen, the problem is poor fertility. This is the recomended sequence to solve this problem: Check the pH of your pond or lake, if it is between 8.6, and 6.8, you can proceed with the second step, which is to take a secchi depth reading. If this reveals water clarity to a depth of more than about 20 inches, fertilizer is needed. The added fertility will cause an “algae bloom”, which will tint the water and prevent light from reaching the bottom of the pond or lake where lake weeds start. Follow the advice found on these pages: How Can I Keep Lake Weeds From Taking Over My Pond?
How do I get rid of pond algae?
Like the lake weed question above, this is the wrong question, because it mean the problem already exists when it could have been prevented in most cases. To get rid of pond algae, or pond scum as it is commonly called, you can remove it manually by skimming it from the surface. This can be done in a variety of ways such as pulling a long float behind a boat, hand skimming, or using a rake made for the purpose. You can also use chemical algae treatment which will kill the pond algae, and allow it to drop to the bottom. Products like copper sulfate, and copper derivitives in liquid forms can be used, as well as diquat, and a few other herbicides. When using these treatments, follow the label directions to a T, and remember to do the treatment on no more than half the area if the majority of the reservoir is coverd with pond scum. These chemicals will not kill fish if used in the proper manner, but the decaying pond algae can rob the water of oxygen, and kill fish if too much is done at one time. Follow up is essential! See: How Can I Prevent Pond Algae?
How can I prevent pond algae?
This is the right question for pond algae problems. The cause of pond algae problems is the same as the problem with lake weeds. In spite of the fact that you first notice pond scum at the top of the water profile, it starts at the bottom of the lake or pond, just like lake weeds. The preventive treatment is the same as that done for lake weeds. See more on this subject at: How Can I Prevent Pond Algae?
How can I make my pond water clear?
This depends on what is clouding the water. If your water has a green tint, or is becoming soupy, you need to find a way to cut down on the nutrients comming into your pond. This can often be done with a vegitation buffer in and near the intake. In other words, plant something that will absorb nutrienta and filter the water as it comes into your pond or lake. If the problem is severe, other actions may need to be taken. If you are trying to clear your water of dirt particles or other sediments in the water, a flocking compound like alum may be needed to attract the sediments and drop them to the bottom. This should only be done only after the cause of the dirty water is solved. The solution is usually vegetation to prevent particles from being carried into the pond, although in some cases, it can be certain types of fish which stir up mud. In such cases it may be necessary to eleminate thse before proceeding. See also: How Can I Clear The Water In My Muddy Pond?
How can I increase fish size and production?
To be such a common question, this one is pretty easy. To increase fish production, you need to make sure they are well fed. If this is a small fish pond for catfish, feeding may be the answer. For almost all other cases, the same answer for pond scum, and lake weed problems works here as well. Fertility will increase phytoplankton production, and this provides food for microscopic insect life, which are then eaten by larger insects, which feed small fish, which are then eaten by larger fish. See also: How Can I Increase Fish Production?
Why should I fertilize my pond?
To increase fish production, and decrease lake weeds and pond scum.
How do I fertilize my pond?
There are a number of methods, from spreading the fertilizer on the surface of the water, to allowing it to gradually melt out of a bucket with holes. It can also be done using liquid fertilizer, but this should be mixed with the proper amount of water before application to keep the heavier liquid fertilizer form sinking to the bottom. See also: Lake Fertilization
What is a secchi disk?
A secchi disk is an 8 inch round disk painted black and white in four alternating sections. It is used to determine the depth to which sunlight can penetrate water. A secchi depth of 18 to 24 inches is considered optimum for the prevention of lake weeds, pond scum, and the food chain. See also: Lake Management Lake Depth Secchi Disk
How do I use a secchi disk?
The disk should be attached to a string or a pole, and lowered into the water until it is no longer visible. This is the secchi depth. Measure the length that the string or pole penetrated the water. If it is more than 24″ the pond or lake needs fertilizer. If it is less than 10, fertility should be decreased. See also:Lake Management Lake Depth Secchi Disk
Can barley straw kill algae?
No, barley straw will not kill algae, but it will help to prevent it. There are a few problems with this method, since it prevents algae indescriminatley, and you must have some types of algae for fish production, and lake weed prevention. Barley Straw Pond Algae Control: How To
