Comments on: Aquatic Weed ID: Chara Versus Pondweeds – Pond & Lake Q & A

By: kathiethueme

kathiethueme — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:03:58 +0000

The chara won’t actually smell like a skunk but it will still be pretty bad. Most would probably describe it as a musty odor or rotting debris.

By: Duckweed problem

Duckweed problem — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:46:00 +0000

When you say chara has a skunky smell do you mean that it actually smells like a skunk? my pond deffinitely smells bad but not really like a skunk.

By: rodger chaplain

rodger chaplain — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 11:57:27 +0000

does american pond weed become a problem if left unchecked? my pond is 2 acres, for fishing and has pond weed started. should i spray and remove? thankyou. i love your magazine!

By: thepondguy

thepondguy — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:53:53 +0000

John,

Great comment! Having some chara or pondweeds in a pond is absolutely fine. A lot of it comes down to preference. If a customer swims in the pond and that is the most important activity they do with the pond, usually they want minimal weeds/algae and clear water. If fishing or fish themselves is the most important, then usually weeds/algae aren’t as big as a concern. Like you mention, small coverage of aquatic weeds or algae is not a bad thing. Its natural and will of course provide good cover for fish.

The biggest issue you run into though, is when algae/chara or pondweeds become extremely dense. Since algae/chara and pondweeds inhale and exhale oxygen in the photosynthesis process, when they become dense, it can reap all of the oxygen out of the water. This is another reason why it is very important to have an aeration system running at all times.

Hopefully this helps!

By: John Myers

John Myers — Sat, 09 May 2009 17:54:11 +0000

I have a farm pond, 1/2 acre in size, stocked with Catfish, bream and bass. Over the past few years I have read about chara, and from what i read it provides lots of cover for fish and even provides food sources for some. The amount of chara seems to be the issue … and again, from the sources i have read, if it covers 30-50% of the bottom of the pond, that is actually a good thing

My pond is very clear, and you can see bottom structure and the fish and … it simply looks healthy. I am always trying to learn … so as the expert, what are your thoughts?