I have a new 6 acre lake and I put 85 lbs of 0-45-0 then waited a week and added 15 lbs of 0-45-0. I still have no bloom. Water is clear with a brown tint to it.
ABC6 welcome to the PB forum . What is the alkalinity and the water temp. Unless the alkalinity is high enough and also the water temp. you will not see the bloom you want. Our bloom starts around May of each year. Read about it here :
http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1428.htm http://msucares.com/wildfish/fisheries/farmpond/management/fertilization.html
I put 8 tons on lime in pond this past fall when the pond was dry. I don't know the water temp. but I would think it would be warm enough, the pond is not real deep. It has alot of 3-6 foot water. What do I need to do to try to get a bloom? The water now is clear with a brown tint to it, this brown tint is from the run off from surrounding area that does not have established grass. Would it hurt for me to put 250 lbs of 20-20-5 in the pond? Also I have a algae growing and floating in the pond. It appears to be growning around existing structure such as trees, tops, and etc. What should I do? I don't want it to become a problem? Does the fertilizer effect it in any way?
If you already have unwanted algae, I would definitely hold off on any more fertilization. You have already put out above the upper limit per acre of triple superphosphate. The suspended particles could be slowing down the bloom. I would just be patient. In the meantime have alkalinity, hardness and ph checked. I'm afraid that floating algae may take off on you. Watch it closely. I wouldnt worry too much right now about a bloom. Your new pond will have sufficient critters in it for the fish. What has been your stocking numbers and types?
PS..Union happens to be my birth place, and moved to Philly shortly after. My mom grew up in Union, and my sister's husband is from there.
What can I do if the Algae does really start to spread? I stocked pond 2500 bream (80% coppernose and 20% redear) and 250 catfish on March 3, 2006. Will add 250 F-1 Bass in June. I ordered fish for 5 acres and when they were delivered the man (Suttle Fish Farm) advised it was at least 6 acres. No really worried about the 1 acre difference, the pond will not be fished heavily. What is your recommendations on fertilizer rates.
Is there a way I can test Alkalinity, hardness and PH of water? What should be norm for these?
I have tried to do things right and have invested alot of time and money into this pond.
Any assistance or advise would be appreciated.
Ewest is close to your area, and knows the ropes, hopefully he will follow up with advise, and you can bet it'll be right on. With that size pond and investment you may want to hire a pro. Maybe Suttle's can suggest one. Good luck. Keep us posted.
ABC6 :
Here is the link to the MSU pond manual and it covers the questions and more. BM has good advice -- you may want to get a pro to look at the pond as it takes an on site inspection to really see what is needed.
http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1428.pdf
Might want to consider retention rate of your pond. Meaning a high water flow might keep a bloom from occurring.