Duckweed

Hi,

Our pond has suddenly developed a carpet of duckweed. Which multiplies right in front of our eyes.

Other than blocking the view of my beautiful babies, does duckweed do any harm to fish ponds? And does anyone have any ideas on how to get rid of it, or at least slow it down?

Because whilst I don't dislike sitting in the pond and grabbing it out, I can't really do that daily!

Thanks,
Ghost

Ghost

to my knowledge, duckweed doesn't hurt the pond and the fish will even eat it. It is natural down here in Florida and named such because ducks feed on it. It will help provide coverage also but I know it can get out of hand. Netting it out will thin it but short of poisoning your fish also, I don't know that you will get completely rid of it. Down here it grows explosively in the summer and slows down greatly in the winter. Hope this helps...

Cashb
I was thinking about getting some Duckweed. Should I be concerned? Since this is something large Koi will eat and it provides oxygen, I thought they might keep it under control. I have a 22" Koi that eats everything she can get in her mouth in the way of plants.

Dr Dave, I personally like duckweed in a pond... and with Koi that large I bet they would knock it back before it would overwhelm. Heck, you might even need to "fence" some off to keep it. I am sure it would be a tasty treat for them. But I'd have to hide if it replicated your experience with the mosquito fish!!

Well if I can find some locally, I'll try it. How does it do in mild winters? We get below freezing a couple times a year. Our "killing frost" was last year, so I'm hopeing we are good for 10 years or more.

It seems to disappear somewhat but then rebounds by itself in the spring. And I'm in the West Palm Beach area so it stays pretty warm here...

Dr. Dave, do you have pics of your 22" koi?

Here she is:

duckweed the stuff is tuff. I lives through or -30+ winters and comes screaming back in spring. T keep it in all 3 of my ponds, My koi are not plant eaters Lucky me. But they do eat this stuff some. If it gets to be too heavy of a cover I scoop it out and it goes in the compost pile. Comes right back. Keeps the water clear and cool. Its ++++++ out weigh its _ _ _ in this ponders garden. For what its worth

I went out and bought some from an aquarium supply store not knowing what it was. I just thought it was pretty. My goldfish ate it all in about two weeks. I had a bunch of it, too. Covered about a third of my little pond. Oh well. It was pretty while it lasted.....I wish I would've saved some...