The 20 yr old HSB referenced above lived in an unaerated pond with blue pond dye until a summer algae bloom fish kill eliminated them. Remember this was in NW Ohio. A Missouri pond depending on its conditions and water quality could be different. They are not that expensive, try some 20-50 in 2 acres and see how they survive in your pond. Heavy algae blooms and cloudy water could cause stresses to the point of deaths in hot summers. Feeding them high protein pellets 3 to 6 times a week helps improve their growth rates. I don't suggest you use cheaper catfish food for the HSB since they grow best and stay healthiest on 40%+ protein pellets sush as Purina Aquamax carnivore size 600.
A windmill aerator is better than no aerator but don't expect it to mix a big portion of the pond - maybe only 0.5 - 1 ac depending of average windspeed.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 07/23/12 07:52 PM.
