Since all of the rain run off my tank has developed a major filamentous algae epidemic. what can I use to get rid of this safely. Will tilapia help control this.

Yes, Tilapia will generally help...but they take time to get the job done.

It is my experience that FA has to be attacked when it first emerges. And then you have to stay on top of it. Once it becomes an infestation, it's generally too late for the current year. Nuking and too many tilapias can help to beat it back IF you start early.

As you nuke it, the dying plants tend to re fertilize the new growth.

what would I use to "nuke" it and will it harm the fish. I am planning to put some tilapia in it this weekend. but if I can get a head start with some mild chemicals that would be a plus.

I recommend Cutrine plus either granuals or as a spray or both. It will definitely knock it down and the copper is chelated so that very little is released to the pond and fish. Use it before the Tilapia are added and you should get good control.

Thanks I'll give a try.

I agree with this. We use Cutrine and it works great. Be careful not to treat to much at one time. The act of killing vegetation causes oxygen to be used up so if you kill to much at once your fish can suffer or you might have a fish kill. Once you've done an initial cutrine treatment, I would stock tilapia. Stocking this early in the year gives them plenty of time to do what they need to before the summer where algae growth is through the roof. Plus they provide great forage to any predators in the lake (they spawn multiple times) so they have a double benefit and are much cheaper than chemicals. They do however die off in the winter months because they can't handle cold temperatures. Still cheaper than chemicals and an annual purchase rather than multiple times a year. If you want to talk to someone about chemical prices, application rates, or information about tilapia give us a call at Pond King Inc. We specialize in this kind of thing. (940) 668-2573

Thanks for the reply Noah, just got back from Pond king, Wife and I enjoyed the drive and your group of folks there. Great place and lots to see and buy. I picked up some tilapia and some shiners. just got them released in my tank and now the waiting game starts. If anyone needs fish stocking supplies I highly recommend Pond King.

Thanks for the good words Paul, customer satisfaction is something we strive for here. Hope those tilapia eat up!