Most efficient, Proven, recommended anti-muck? - 01/31/17 06:22 AM
Hi all,
What would you answer to the question of what is the BEST, most effective muck removal method that is NOT mechanical excavation? I am referring to products such as Muck Away, AquaClear, etc. of the countless varieties available. My pond has probably a foot and a half or two of pure thick muck.
I want to always be as eco/bio friendly as possible with this pond, and intend to stock it with trout this April (the temps are all perfect, along with ample of fresh water flow).
The water in this pond is unbelievable CRYSTAL clear. So clear it honestly is hard to understand how water can be so clean. That helps algal growth on the bottom of course too. The water quality is amazing to admire, but darn that muck is anything but pleasing to see, or work with.
If anyone has any well proven products, and hopefully not pummel me as salesman for their own products, it would be VERY appreciated. I am not concerned about price, I would like to see results, knowing Rome was not built in a day, nor is this pond expected to change in any short amount of time. Some improvement this year would be ideal though, if possible.
I am planning on tossing in some "bundles" of barley straw soon, and throughout the year to see if that helps at all. I fear of any residue from them accumulating on the bottom and adding to the muck problem (in my ignorance here).
Colorado DOW will NOT issue a permit for Tilapia, at least on for western Colorado (I'm in Hotchkiss, CO). Otherwise, they were my first choice.
Approximate pond specs:
- 100' x 67' x 8', with wild guess of up to 2' of muck, 6' of water above that.
- Solar powered aerator with phenomenal air output of a single diffuser, but only when direct sunlight is available - approx. 6-8 hours a day.
- Never colder than 45F degrees, never warmer than 55F degrees, according to 2016 records, as the first year monitored.
- pH is always 7.15-7.16
Many more questions will follow soon, as spring approaches.
Thanks A Big 'ole BUNCH for any help on this!
Chuck
What would you answer to the question of what is the BEST, most effective muck removal method that is NOT mechanical excavation? I am referring to products such as Muck Away, AquaClear, etc. of the countless varieties available. My pond has probably a foot and a half or two of pure thick muck.
I want to always be as eco/bio friendly as possible with this pond, and intend to stock it with trout this April (the temps are all perfect, along with ample of fresh water flow).
The water in this pond is unbelievable CRYSTAL clear. So clear it honestly is hard to understand how water can be so clean. That helps algal growth on the bottom of course too. The water quality is amazing to admire, but darn that muck is anything but pleasing to see, or work with.
If anyone has any well proven products, and hopefully not pummel me as salesman for their own products, it would be VERY appreciated. I am not concerned about price, I would like to see results, knowing Rome was not built in a day, nor is this pond expected to change in any short amount of time. Some improvement this year would be ideal though, if possible.
I am planning on tossing in some "bundles" of barley straw soon, and throughout the year to see if that helps at all. I fear of any residue from them accumulating on the bottom and adding to the muck problem (in my ignorance here).
Colorado DOW will NOT issue a permit for Tilapia, at least on for western Colorado (I'm in Hotchkiss, CO). Otherwise, they were my first choice.
Approximate pond specs:
- 100' x 67' x 8', with wild guess of up to 2' of muck, 6' of water above that.
- Solar powered aerator with phenomenal air output of a single diffuser, but only when direct sunlight is available - approx. 6-8 hours a day.
- Never colder than 45F degrees, never warmer than 55F degrees, according to 2016 records, as the first year monitored.
- pH is always 7.15-7.16
Many more questions will follow soon, as spring approaches.
Thanks A Big 'ole BUNCH for any help on this!
Chuck
Description: ALL the willows on the right side of the photo are GONE now. I removed them about a month ago. But what can I do about all the GRASS along the edges???