[Greenbuilding] Algae eating critters

[Sacie Lambertson]

We had a pond algae and grass problem from the get go.  Taking the 
seller's advice we gave five 10" grass carp a new home, and 
eliminated the problem by the end of the first summer.   A few years 
later, maybe five, we also had a nearly 'dead' pond.  We sought the 
advice of the local State fish man who subsequently tried various 
interesting methods to retrieve the now 20 pound carp.  Once 
successfully captured  we ate them all.  They were delicious.  He did 
not recommend we try carp again, but after three summers and many 
many hours of pond wading to pull out algae and grasses, we put in 
two carp.    We once again have a beautiful pond and I'm kicking 
myself for not dumping in just one.  Before the second batch of carp 
I did a lot of reading about alternatives, all of which are chemical 
and not acceptable, nor is the hours and hours of handwork.  What's one to do?

Mussels?  I would think these critter would make swimming about 
impossible.  That and fishing is how we use our pond, mostly the 
former.   Sacie