For a future pond i plan on building, roughly 3-5 acres, with BG, LMB, and RE, and TS for the LMB i have a couple of questions.

What, if any should i get some type of clams or mussels for the RE? I know they provide them extra food that other fish will not eat, but i am concerned about the larvae stage that can be parasites for fish.


As far as crayfish go, is it possible to have them establish a actual population and sustain that population with the LMB? I have heard of people having problems with crayfish muddying a pond, if they are none burrowing type, do i still have that worry?

Any other things i should look into to help create a food web?

I'd just concentrate on building habitat for crayfish and stocking papershell crayfish in the pond. Food chain starts with phytoplankton. Shoot for a water clarity of 18"-36" due to a phytoplankton bloom. Look in the archives for cover/structure ideas for the fish.