Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Fertilization I want to fertilize but am unsure of the situation

I wish there was a way to transfer the information from the 'What to do this winter' thread under the 'Water Chemistry' topic. Anyway I want to fertilize because my secchi reading is 34" right now. Last October the alkalinity was 20 ppm so I had 5 tons of ag lime placed with a spreader truck in the pond. I measured the alkalinity 4 days ago and it is still 20 ppm. CaCO3 is 20 ppm, pH is 6.5 and water temp is 54 degrees. Should I fertilize? If so, what type of fertilizer should I use? Where can you get it? How do I need to apply it? Sorry for all of the questions, I just want to be sure I do the right things.

What is your surface acreage? In small ponds, generally less than 5 acres, we typically recommend a feeding program only, no fertilization. A consistent feeding program will help to fertilize your pond indirectly, through fish waste (organic fertilizer) over time. Also with 20ppm alkalinity you will likely have difficulty achieving a bloom predictably and consistently.

Todd, I disagree I jump for joy when we have alkalinity at or above 20 ppm. We get bloom even when less but you have to use more fertilizer. Agree it is easier to fertilize when combined with feeder/waste. Super important to monitor visibility to mantian desired level both for getting results and for not over fertiilizing (fihkill).

Do not start fertilization until constant 60 degree-wait couple more weeks maybe. I think it is easiet to use the water soluble fertilizer. We spent a huge amount of of our money getting bulk fertilizer and our label. We ship out our labelled Trophy grower 10-52-4 max product all over the US if interested and usually beat others price. Liquid will work as well but need to dilute at least 4 to 1 with water or most settles on bottom. Good luck.

Do you have high water inflow/outflow ? How about goals?

I used Greg's Trophy Grower fertilizer over the weekend and will say it is easy to use. I put it in my sprayer and added water and then went around the pond applying it. I look forward to growing some trophies.

Thanks for the input guys. Sorry, I forgot to include the background. Pond built in 2008: 2.5 acre, avg depth 6 ft with deepest water at 28 ft, pond runs pretty clear-secchi reading usually between 24-36", didn't have a good bloom last year but I didn't fertilize, goals are raising a healthy fishery with emphasis on large bass, I will be stocking Tilapia later this spring when Rex heads down this way.

rick no reason to mix in sprayer just throw it in pond. thanks chad for order. It went to ups today.

It's been 4 weeks nice I added fertilizer. I put one 25 lb. Bag that i bought from greg. The first 2 weeks the secchi reading went from 36" to 31". Then one more week and it was at 27". I was thinking this was good so I didn't add anymore fertilizer. Now it's 18". I'm wondering if this will stop. The pond looks awesome and extremely healthy. Just worried that this won't stop.

That is exactly why you go slow on adding the fertilizer. Rain will help and time. If it gets to 12 inchs post and describe exactly what it looks like.

Eric,

What role does rain play in fertilization? I ask because typically I don't get a good bloom going until after a thunderstorm or something. I'm thinking the nitrogen produced by the lightning could be a factor?

Good question. I had in mind that a good rain would add a lot of water and dilute the bloom plus add O2. Did not mean it added fertility.

But it does seem to jump start my blooms for some reason. Anyone else see this?

Visibility today is 12". I hope this stops sometime soon or I may be starting over. Is there anything I can do?

Here's my thoughts off the top of my head, but I'd run them past one of the experts before trying it.

Are you measuring with a secchi disc or eyeballing it?

I don't know how low the visibility can get before it's critical.

If you have an aerator, get it going.

Experts, could he spray cutrine plus or something like that on part of the pond to help stop the bloom?

Would running well water into the pond help at all? I know that it'd have to be a pretty substantial amount.

Esshp, Great questions and i'm interested in the answers!

I'm using a secchi.

that was an awful lot of fert. to put in, 10# per acre, but with a young pond, you should not be near capacity in fish. I saw 2008 but not when it was stocked. I would prepare asap to get rid of some of the bloom. Hopefully the wind and rain will help.
I have identical chemistry as you, stocked in spring and summer 08, I had 7 ft. vis. in mid march with a full pond and I fertilized. Came back last week and it was at 24 with only 2# water soluble in 3/4 acre. I dont think I'll fertilize again, as I feed heavily and also lose water in summer. I will add some dye in winter to prevent excessive FA. I hooked up the higher volume, but noisier air compressor and running 24/7.

10# per acre is what was recommended. How do I prepare to remove an algae bloom?

You don't want to go there. Way to much risk.

I never use the suggested rate. Most ever was 30% of that rate.

GO SLOW

I guess you live and you learn. Funny, when I was broadcasting the stuff I was thinking that it would take a lot more than just 25 lbs. It just seemed like a minimal amount of powder for that much water. Man was I wrong.

Lots of times a pond is just waiting to explode with growth. As soon as the limiting factor is removed it goes wild. One of our ponds will go from 5 feet (water looks like tap water) to 8 inches (thick green pea soup) in a week if not careful.

Did you get a bunch of rain - that should help.

We did get some rain and I'm thinking that is where most of the visibility drop from 18" to 12" came from. I'm not extremely worried yet because the fish seem to love it. They are eating and eating and eating. Do you continue to maintain the bloom thoughout the summer? When do you stop fertilizing? How many lbs. per acres do you use for maintenance to keep the bloom going throughout the year?

Yes but I do not have to use much to keep the bloom going. It changes from green to brown then the vis goes up to around 30 then I add a little fert. to start the process again. Watch , take notes and learn - each pond is different. I stop in Sept. and start back the next March (depending on water temps).

Visibility is back to 15". Seems like it finally maxed out and now going the other way. Whew!

do not fertilize again until it clears to more than 24 inches and then add just a small amount 2 lbs/acre and see what happens.