Carp For Your Pond

Many pond owners will introduce carp into their ponds to help control pond weeds and algae.  Introducing this species of fish to your pond should be done with caution.  If not done properly carp can have a very negative impact on your pond.

Carp have been known to be an invasive species reaching really high population densities.  Certain species of carp like silver carp and bighead carp have become a major problem in Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri rivers.  While carp do consume pond weeds and algae, most of the time the carp will not be able to keep up with the rate at which the plants are growing.  This leads to an abundance of food for the carp to consume and as they are consuming they are also producing more waste.  Carp can also become fairly large and can stir a pond up creating cloudy or murky water.

If you are introducing carp follow these tips:

1. Introduce sterile carp so that the population remains the same.
2. Know that you are probably going to have to use some algaecides and herbicides to help the carp keep up on the weed and algae growth.
3.  Use beneficial pond bacteria to ensure you have enough active bacteria to combat their waste.
4. Stock your pond appropriately.  We recommend 10 carp per acre.

For more information on carp stocking contact Sanco.