Goldfish vs grasscarp

[gomezladdams]

I have a pond that was dug in my yard 12 years ago never put fish in it cause it dried out a few times.It about 70' by 30' and about 15' deep.the last few years its holding water better hasnt dried up the lowest ive seen it is down to about 5'but the fall rains fill it back to about 1/2-3/4 before it freezes then snow fill it the rest of the way.

I was wondering how destructive to plants goldfish are,I want them to destroy the submerged grasses and shrubs,growing on the sides,they sell grass carp around here for that but at $25 a piece Im looking for an alternative,Plus Im thinking a few huge comet goldfish would be cool to have.

 

[gomezladdams]

Just realized I should have put this in the outdoor pond section if any mods see this please move it

 

[stingray4540]

Grass carp don't eat all kinds of plant fyi so do a little research into what they will actually eat before you spend the money on them.

 

[gomezladdams]

At this point Im more interested in how much munching the goldfish will do,or is there a better choice?

 

[rottbo]

nad grass carp get way to big for your pond i would go with goldfish they will eat damm near everything just put them ihn and dont feed them they will start with the algae and work their way to other things

 

[guppy]

Is that 70 feet x 30 feet x 15 feet?

 

[toxicfish]

Is your pond filled by a spring or creek or just rain water

 

[gomezladdams]

Yes those measurements are in feet,it fills mostly from snowmelt in the winter.I had it dug about 12years ago after 2 5'x4'x12' deep test holes held water for 3 years.It used to leak worse but I dumped in a few hundred pounds of sodium bentonite over the years when I read that would help plug leaks and it seemed to.The intention was to reroute a stream into it but I dont have that level of disposable income anymore so thats out.
Its been getting pretty weedy mostly grasses on the sides and I wanted to know if anyone thought goldfish would eat the plants?

 

[guppy]

Goldfish will not control the vegetation, very few fish will, especially in an area that gets so cold. Even with grasscarp you would be advised to emplace a couple of bubbler rings to make sure you have a couple of ice free areas during the winter. Check local laws as you might be restricted to triploid (sterile) grasscarp in your area. The only other fish that I can think of offhand that may survive your winters and does a decent job of grass and reed control is also one used in Chinese aquaculture. It is the Wuchang bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) a large fish (up to 80") prized for eating. here is a picture from fish base.

 

[DJ BIG T]

the water lawn mower...lol