what kind of fish should I use in my pond?

Question

I have a large man made pond about 1/2 an acre or a little more in Pensylvania. There are mostly bluegill, carpi and some bass in it all ready. We are having big problem with the grass growth in the pond which is really deep towards the center. What are the best kind of fish to introduce to help control the grass and where can I get them?

Answer 1

I too live in PA I hate to say it since carp tend to take over but grass carp are very good for riding this problem. You can buy only males or only females to keep the number in check. Koi are another good resource, however you will need to get them big enough that the bass will not eat them.

Pymatuming is a good source, however they have recently cleared most of the carp out of the lake at the hatchery. (If you only knew where these fish went!) You can still fish out a few and put them into your pond. These are not really "grass carp" but they will work. They will also muddy up the water.

They do make a chemical for lake and pond weed control which is worth looking into if you have a serious problem.

Grassy area are needed for the fish, so eliminating all the grass really isn't a good thing to do. Pond tinters can and do inhibit fast growth of algae and weeds. Pond tints like Eco fix rid a pond of algae dead algae and weeds. Remember you have an ecosystem here. Many small fry water fleas water scorpions etc live off other items found in the algae and around the grassy areas.

Answer 2

Go to Lake Pymatomee ( think thats how you spell it - pronounced - Pie - ma - too - mee) and get a few of the large carp that live there. Bring a very big, strong net and also an ice chest with water. If you haven't been there already...when you get there...you will know how to get the fish. It will be easy.

Answer 3

Triploid carp would be the best bet. You can usually get them from a fisheries supply house or breeder. Your local co-op may carry them or if not at least be able to order them. You can try a google search for them as well. This variety will not breed on you and over populate the pond. They get vry large but never really lose their appetite for grasses or algae.

MM

Answer 4

Get some Koi. You can find them at pet stores and wal-mart. They are hardy fish that grow real fast and do great in ponds. They are real pretty too.

Answer 5

I would sagest grass carp and i listed some links you can check out that might help you with some info.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

you dont always need fish
you could also get some frogs or turtles ands other stuff
as for your grass problem cant help you there

Answer 7

koi easy to take care of and there fresh water fish

Answer 8

grass karp. you may have to look on the internet.