THE WHITE AMUR

The White Amur/Grass Carp:

The White Amur is an herbivorous, freshwater fish that is native to North Vietnam.  It was introduced to the United States in 1963 to be used for aquatic weed control.  Amurs have an elongate, thick body.  The lateral line contains 40-42 scales.  The body is green to yellow-brown with a white belly.  They also have broad pharyngeal teeth.  The White Amur grows rapidly and can eat up to 3 times its body weight in one day. 

The White Amur is now considered to be an invasive species in the United States due to the sometimes detrimental effects it can have on ecosystems.  The Amur was introduced to eat aquatic vegetation, and that is just what it does.  It will eat all of the vegetation in a body of water.  If your goal is to achieve a pond that has absolutely no plants, such as a pond just for swimming, the Amur will keep the pond free of weeds.  However, if you desire to have a pond that is a balanced, healthy ecosystem that supports the growth of other fish species, the Amur should not be stocked in your pond.

A balanced ecosystem will contain 15-20% vegetation that will be a habitat for fish and other organisms.  The Amur will not support this balance.  The only fish that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends to be stocked are largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and redear sunfish. 

Lyngbya

Lyngbya is a filamentous blue-green (cyanobacteria) algae.  It is composed of single cells that are covered by a sheath.  There are over 60 species of Lyngbya that occupy fresh, brackish, and marine waters.  They thrive in warm water with abundant nutrients.  Lyngbya forms large, brown or green colored mats that float to surface and are slimy and emit a foul odor.  The dense mat structure does not allow oxygen in so anaerobic bacteria (sulfur producing) can thrive which causes the odor. 

Some species of Lyngbya produce volatile organic compounds that can cause a bad taste in fish and water.  Lyngbya can also cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.  Contact dermatitis or Swimmer’s Itch has been reported in some warmer climates due to Lyngbya. 

     

American Elodea:

American Elodea is native to North America where it is an important plant for aquatic ecosystems.  It is also used as aquarium vegetation.  Elodea is entirely submerged except for the small white flowers that break the surface.  It can be identified by having 3 leaves per whirl on the stems.  Elodea does not heavily rely on seed production to reproduce.  In the fall, stalks detach from the parent plant, float away, root, and form a new plant.  This reproduction behavior allows these plants to form dense mats that are beneficial for fish habitats but deter recreational activities such as boating and swimming.  Elodea can be treated with Reward/Hydrothol. 

"Spring Clean" your Watergarden:

Cleaning out your watergarden is an important step to take after the winter to ensure that your pond will look beautiful all summer long.  Cleaning will ensure that muck and debris build up are removed.   This will prevent algal blooms due to excess nutrients from decaying matter in the pond.  AQUA DOC offers a Spring Cleaning Program as a part of the Full Season Watergarden Maintenance Program.  This Spring Cleaning Program consists of:

1.       Removing the net from pond and disposing of leaves and material buildup.

2.       Draining the water and removing the fish.

3.       Shop-Vac and Power washing the pond interior.

4.       Reconnecting any pumps that were removed for the winter.

5.       Cleaning filter media and debris.

6.       Checking for leaks.

7.       Resetting stones and plants that may have moved.

8.       Filling with clean water.

9.       Returning fish to pond.

10.   Adding a dechlorinator to the water.  

AQUA DOC’s Spring Cleaning Program is a great way to jump start any watergarden maintenance program so that your pond will be clean and healthy all year!

Oscillatoria

Oscillatoria is a genus of filamentous algae that contains more than 70 species.  It can occupy diverse habitats such as hot springs, marine habitats, and temperate, tropical, and polar lakes and ponds.  Oscillatoria is a deep blue-green or brown color.  It first forms dense, slimy, benthic (bottom) mats on mud or rocks.  Sometimes these mats detach and float to the surface.  Like other filamentous algal genera, oscillatoria reproduces by fragmentation.

Oscillatoria is so named due to the slow “oscillations” or rhythmic movements of the colonies.  It is thought that oscillatoria can move using a mucilage sheath and sliding back and forth against other cells to propel themselves.  They could also expel the mucilage from one end of the cell in order to propel themselves in the opposite direction.  These colonies can move to orient with sunlight or with nutrient rich pockets of water. 

Hydrodictyon

Hydrodictyon is a type of filamentous algae that forms in clean, eutrophic water.  This genus is also known as water net because it forms colonies that resemble netlike hollow sacks.  These colonies can grow to be 4-6 centimeters wide and 1 meter long.  The cells form large pentagonal or hexagonal mesh.  Because hydrodictyon reproduces very rapidly by biflagellated zoospores, it can take over a pond very quickly.  The large mats will cover the water’s surface and can block sunlight from penetrating the pond to reach other plants and organisms below the surface.  The best method of treatment for this algae is hydrothol or copper sulfate. 

American Pondweed

American Pondweed is an aquatic plant that has floating leaves as well as few submerged leaves.  These leaves are elliptical or oval in shape and are 4-7” long and 1-2” wide.  This is a perennial plant that has fruits that above the water and are a dark red or brown color.  American Pondweed can form dense mats which can block sunlight from entering the pond.

This plant can be removed by raking but it will reestablish from remaining roots and seeds.  American Pondweed can be treated using chelated or compound copper formulas, Reward and Cide Kick II, or dipotassium salts of endothall. 

     

Bluegill

Bluegill are native to North America from Quebec to northern Mexico.  They range in size from 6-8 inches and .25 to .50 pounds.  They are in the sunfish family and are sometimes referred to as a bream, brim, or copper nose.  The Bluegill is the state fish of Illinois.

The Bluegill is known for being a popular game fish that is common and easy to fish.  They can be caught with live bait, flies, corn, and spinners.  Often times they bite at brightly colored bait at dawn and dusk.  In a lake or pond, they seek underwater vegetation for shelter.

Some male Bluegill will assume the coloration of a female so that nest guarding males will not be aggressive toward them. 

        

The Redear Sunfish

The Redear Sunfish, also known as the shellcracker or cherry gill, is one of the most popular fish to be stocked in Ohio lakes and ponds.  They are native to the Southeastern United States but due to their reputation as a good sporting fish, they are now stocked all over North America.  They are strong fighters but they prefer natural bait such as worms, crickets, and grubs.

The Redear Sunfish is called the shellcracker because it prefers to consume snails.  It has recently been used as a method of biological control to manage the invasive species, quagga mussels.  They have hard moveable plates in their throat which grants them the ability to crush mollusk exoskeletons.  This mollusk feeding niche allows for the Redear Sunfish to have little competition between other fish species allowing it to survive during food shortages. 

This sunfish is dark colored dorsally and yellow-green ventrically.  Adults can reach 20-24cm.  The world record Redear Sunfish is 5 pounds, 3 ounces.  

Restocking a Winterkill Pond

A winter fish kill can occur in any pond.  Even if an aerator or heater is in place, fish still experience different levels of shock throughout the winter.  Snow can pile up on top of the ice which will reduce sunlight penetration and cause oxygen levels to decline.  An aerator will add some oxygen to the water, but it will not do any good if all of the oxygen is used up by the organisms and fish in the pond.  A heater will attempt to keep the water temperature up, but changing water temperatures from warm to cold to warm will send the fish into shock, causing them to die.  If you see many dead fish in your pond, you should first assess whether a total fish kill or a partial fish kill has occurred.

The first step is to try to catch some fish, especially bluegills.  Also, try to record the species and sizes of the fish that have died.  This should be done in the early spring.  If you have been fishing for hours and have not caught anything, a total fish kill has likely occurred.  If few bluegills are caught, but no bass, a partial kill has occurred. 

If some bluegills survived, they may not need re-stocked.  Bluegills produce large numbers of offspring and will easily rebound.  In a partial kill, bass, catfish, and grass carp are often the species that require re-stocking. 

There are only four recreational species that survive well in ponds and small lakes.  These are largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.  If other species are stocked they could greatly disrupt the established fish communities.  Fish should be stocked in the spring or the fall when the water temperature is less than 60 F and preferably around 50 F.  Fathead minnows can be stocked in the spring and be allowed to spawn naturally.  The large amount of minnow prey will greatly enhance the survival rate and growth of the other stocked fish.  Predators will be able to prey on the minnows instead of the other stocked fish fry. 

AQUA DOC provides four different fish stocking programs to meet your pond’s individual needs.  Call us today to set up your free consultation! 



Largemouth Bass



Bluegill

Channel Catfish

Redear Sunfish

The Toledo Home Improvement and Garden Show

Come visit AQUA DOC in Toledo!

Seagate Convention Center
Toledo, OH

Friday March 11       4 pm-9 pm
Saturday March 12   10 am-9 pm
Sunday March 13     10 am-9 pm

Booth #214

How can a fountain benefit my pond?

Not only can a floating fountain add beauty to your pond, it can also help to aerate the water, increase oxygen levels, and deter the establishment of aquatic weeds and algae.  The more water moves, the more oxygen it contains which helps keep the ecosystem healthy.   A lake or pond that experiences little movement will result in thermal stratification (different temperature layers).  At the bottom of a lake or pond, it is very cold and oxygen depleting bacteria can grow and absorb all of the oxygen from the environment.  This puts stress on fish and other aquatic organisms.  A fountain can help to stir up these layers to prevent stratification.

AQUA DOC carries many types of fountains from Aquamaster, Kasco, Aqua Control, and Otterbein.  Each of these brands offers a variety of spray patters that can keep your lake or pond healthy and beautiful. 

The Aquamaster fountain system is our top selling brand.  Aquamaster offers a wide variety of spray patterns.  All of their nozzles are interchangeable (except Captiva) which allows you to customize your fountain whenever you want.  These fountains create beautiful scenes while improving water quality.  Aquamaster fountains are built for performance and longevity, while being energy efficient.  Aquamaster fountains, 1-5 HP, have many great features such as:

·         High efficiency stainless steel impeller system.

·         Interchangeable nozzles.

·         Optional Night Glow Lighting systems.

·         Stainless steel motor housing.

·         Exclusive underwater cable disconnect.

·         Provides maximum circulation and aeration.

·         AquaLock connectors.

AQUA DOC offers a free consultation to come and measure your pond and recommend the appropriate horsepower and size needed.



Turnberry





Crystal Geyser



Applying Aquatic Herbicides: Yourself or Pay Someone?

In Ohio, a pond owner has the option to apply algaecides and herbicides to their pond themselves or to hire a licensed applicator.  In most other states, a licensed applicator must be hired for aquatic vegetation treatments.  A professional licensed applicator should be contacted if:

·         The pond owner does not feel comfortable handling chemicals.

o   A licensed applicator knows how to safely handle chemicals and must renew their license every 3 years in Ohio.

·         The pond owner needs to be able to properly identify aquatic plants and algae because herbicides and algaecides are very species specific and selective.

o   A licensed applicator is trained in species identification and can ensure that the correct product is used, in the appropriate amounts.

·         Pond owners usually under-estimate the volume of their pond which leads to incorrect surface acre measurements and incorrect product usage.

o   A licensed applicator is able to accurately measure the pond’s volume and calculate the proper amount of product to be used.

So, ask yourself these questions:

·         Am I willing to take the time to read product labels, making sure to pay close attention to warnings, safety instructions, and restrictions?

·         Am I able to correctly identify the plants causing the problem?

·         Can I accurately calculate the amount of product required to do the job?

·         Do I have the proper application and safety equipment to apply the herbicide?

·         Do I really feel comfortable handling chemicals?

If the answer is “no” to any of these questions, licensed applicators should be contacted.  AQUA DOC will send a licensed applicator to your home or business to assess your lake or ponds needs to properly determine the best maintenance program. 

Lynch, Bill (2010). Applying Aquatic Herbicides: Yourself or Pay Someone? Columbus, OH: OSU Natural Resources.

       

Bladderwart: A Carnivorous Aquatic Plant

Bladderwart is a carnivorous aquatic plant that is an annual.  It lacks roots and has yellow flowers with stems that grow above the surface.  Under the water, the petioles (leaf stems) form small “bladders” that are filled with air to help the plant float at the surface.  Because this plant often grows where there are low nutrient levels, the bladders also will trap and absorb nutrients from aquatic microorganisms.  Also, bladderwart reproduces through stem fragmentation so it is able to spread quickly and can be difficult to control.

Bladderwart can be treated using a diquat herbicide.  The herbicide used should be a systemic, contact herbicide that will be absorbed into the entire plant. 



Bladders



Aquathol K: Liquid Herbicide

Aquathol K is an aquatic herbicide that is comprised of 40.3% endothal-potassium and is very site specific.  It is a contact herbicide with little dispersion from the treatment area.  It can also be used in turbid (muddy) waters because it does not bind to suspended sediment, unlike Reward herbicide.  It should be used to remove nuisance plants so that the aquatic habitat can be restored.  It can also make recreational activities more enjoyable by removing excess plants in swimming, boating, and fishing areas. 

Aquathol K can be used to control Hydrilla, Eurasian Water Milfoil, Curly Pondweed, and most other submersed aquatic plants.  It should be applied at a rate of 2 gallons per surface acre after the plants have grown to the surface of the water.  This herbicide has a wide margin of tolerance for fish and other aquatic species. 



Curly Leaf Pondweed



Revive and Ultra Clear: Eliminating Pond "Muck" Biologically

                  

Bacteria occur naturally in all bodies of water.  They function to digest decaying organic matter that collects at the bottom of lakes and ponds such as leaves, plants, and other organisms that were once living.  Adding bacteria to your pond allows for twice as much consumption of sediments which can prevent the build-up of “muck” and the bad odor resulting from decay. 

Revive and Ultra Clear Clarifier are biological water clarifiers containing enzymes and bacteria that are formulated to lower the nutrient levels in sediments.  They will enhance water quality by using up the excess nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, and nitrates.  By reducing these nutrients, Revive and Ultra Clear Clarifier will also prevent algal blooms and the abundance of other aquatic plants. 

These are safe for use on any aquatic environment and can be used in combination with algaecides and herbicides.  Revive should be applied at a rate of 3 pounds per acre foot.  To ensure its function it can be re-applied every 2-4 weeks at a rate of 2 pounds per acre foot.  Ultra Clear Clarifier can be applied according to label instructions every seven days. These products pose no threat or limitations to humans, pets, fish, or wildlife.

Water Lily Control

Water lilies can add beauty to a small pond or ornamental water feature.  They can provide a habitat and shelter for fish and other wildlife.  They also shade the bottom of the pond preventing the growth of algae.  Because water lilies are a hardy plant, they can take over a body of water in only a few years.  They can then deter fishing and be unpleasing to the eye. 

Water lilies can be manually removed with a rake but they will come back because they grow from a bulb.  The most effective method of eradicating lilies is to use glyphosate and a surfactant herbicide.  These products will be absorbed into the plants roots and into the bulb, preventing their re-growth.  When lilies are being sprayed, they should be done in portions.  This is because the lilies shade the water and keep the water temperature and light levels down, if they are all removed at once, the water will rapidly warm up and excess light can cause algal blooms. 

     

Planktonic Algae

Planktonic  algae are microscopic algae that are an important part of the food chain for other micro- and macroorganisms as well as freshly-hatched fish fry.  Sometimes, planktonic algae can bloom to nuisance levels which can cause oxygen depletion and fish kills. 

Planktonic algae are free floating plants that are suspended in the top layers of the water where they can photosynthesize.  They are composed of green algae, blue-green algae, diatoms, and euglenas.  Because of this composition, some planktonic algae can be toxic to animals and cause a bad taste and odor in the water. 

Planktonic algae blooms are caused by excess nutrients in the water from runoff water sources from septic systems, lawn fertilizers, and goose excrement. 

  These algae blooms can be treated using Copper Sulfate. Planktonic algae have a high reproductive rate and re-blooms can occur.  Because of this, several treatments may be needed throughout the season.