[Greenbuilding] Algae eating critters

[YankeePerm at aol.com]

Mussels would not affect swimming.   They are very efficient filter systems 
that convert suspended life forms into living tissue and eject the manure in a 
relatively stable form into the mud.   Thus the fertility of the water itself 
is reduced, so the algal bloom is limited by how many swimmers pee in the 
water and of course by what is in runoff.   Snails are good, certain species, if 
there are surfaces for them to use.   They do the same for filamentous algae.   
If you can legally stock with grass carp, though, there is no reason to go 
further.  They are tastier than the mussels, in my opinion.   The relevant 
species of snails are too small for culinary purposes, in my view, but good food 
for catfish.   A few catfish would make a small improvement to the pond, and 
would convert additional biomass to people food.   Native species are always 
best, when dealing with catfish.   Warmer climate species are not as tasty, though 
they are the types cultivated for market.   Cold water species are much 
better eating but smaller and not very lively on a hook and line.   Crawfish are 
another type of animal to introduce.   They eat the detritus at the bottom, 
again incorporating their manure in relatively stable forms.   They serve the 
function earthworms do on land above the water table.   And they are extremely 
good eating, best of all of the above in my opinion.   Finally, if you are in an 
area where the water never gets below 40° F at the surface, you may be able to 
grow one species or another of Tilapia.   These definitely require legal 
permission, as they breed prolifically.   In Florida where I live, only blue 
tilapia (T. aurea) may be legally introduced to natural waters or where they can 
escape into natural waters.   Tilapia need to be netted also, but a drag net is 
simple and inexpensive, requiring only two people who like to go wading.   In 
a small pond, tilapia will over populate and stunt out, but if you have 
catfish, also, they will eat the small tilapia.   All these species tolerate 
relatively low oxygen levels. (Many species of mussel require moving water with high 
O2.   You have to get the right species for still water.) Catfish will also 
eat crawfish, and they are fairly versatile about breeding arrangements.   Since 
your pond will not fill up with algae (most of which, in freshwater, is also 
edible) unless you have excessive dissolved nutrient, removing items produced 
by a food chain based on the algae removes the offending nutrient and turns it 
into food for you.    

For Mother Earth


Dan Hemenway

In a message dated 6/13/07 3:16:47 PM, sacie.lambertson at gmail.com writes:


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





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