Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations stocking fish and other stuff.

hello
i recently completed my pond projected approx 3 acres. it is now full. i live in southern mississippi. the intended use of pond is entertainment for family and friends. would like to have bass and blue gills, however would be open to other species. tiaplia? i have heard of some trout in the south, what are issues surrounding them i do not know. open for suggestions. i would like to grow some large fish. i briefly read some forum about putting some type of minnows in asap before other fish, is this true the area i live in. is this best? are is there another formula that would work. i have yet to lime but intend to put in 6tons next week. the water is murky and i assume it will be more after i put in lime. will i need to wait for the water to clear up before i place fish? also when we decide what fish, how many of each is adaquate.

Do you know what your alkalinity levels are now? We usually lime at rate of six tons per acre which will keep the alkalinity high enough for 3-5 years (every pond is different). So at three acres I would recommend 18 tons. A semi can carry around 24 tons of lime so you might as well get a full truck load which will save on cost. Most hauling guys will charge more per ton if they have to haul a partial load. You can use the extra lime for your garden, etc. or you can put it all in the lake. The more lime you add the longer you can go before having to lime again. Also, how to you plan on spreading the lime? On the minnows, you are referring to fathead minnoiws. You can stock them now or stock them with the bluegill, etc. Main thing you want to do is stock the forage species (fathead minnows, bluegill) before you stock the predators (bass). Got to go shock a lake but I will go over stocking options when I get back to office and hopefully some other pros will chime in.

As far as i am denoted that pond is entertainment for family and friends.i have yet to lime but intend to put in 6tons next week. the water is murky and i assume it will be more after i put in lime. You can stock them now or stock them with the bluegill, etc. Main thing you want to do is stock the forage species (fathead minnows, bluegill) before you stock the predators (bass).stoking fish and other stuff are very important .