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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 23
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OP
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 23 |
My pond needs fertilizing because it is clear all the way to the bottom. I fertilized last year but I never got a bloom. All I got out of it was lime green FA. Over the winter I stocked 10 carp.
This year I have fertilized once and the FA is already coming back. I don't really like the idea of chemicals because I understand it is only a temp fix. Then I read that the carp will only eat FA if they have no other plants to feed on. I feel like the clear water is contributing to the algae formation but I am afraid to fertilize too much because it will promote more FA.
I never knew having a nice pond was so difficult. Anybody have any suggestions??
Thanks
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 6,080 Likes: 1
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 6,080 Likes: 1 |
Have you had your water tested? What is the PH, alkalinity, etc? I'm not a pro but I think I remember reading to get a bloom you need a minimum alkalinity of 40 PPM?
Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New!
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,534 Likes: 841
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,534 Likes: 841 |
I don't really like the idea of chemicals because I understand it is only a temp fix. Then I read that the carp will only eat FA if they have no other plants to feed on. I feel like the clear water is contributing to the algae formation but I am afraid to fertilize too much because it will promote more FA.
I never knew having a nice pond was so difficult. Anybody have any suggestions??
Thanks If it is legal in your state, stock Tilapia at the rate of 40# per surface acre to help control the FA. You will have to use chemicals to whack the FA before stocking the Tilapia or else they will not be able to eat the existing FA AND keep up with the new crop of FA.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,099 Likes: 23
Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
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Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,099 Likes: 23 |
Boatman, I was recently at a GA pond that has gin clear water also. His submerged plant life keeps his fish thriving. I am guessing your pond is in the northern GA mountain pine tree area. You will likely need to add 8 tom/acre of AG Lime to your water and watershed. Pine Trees create acidic soils and the pH will need to be raised to unlock the fertilizer and start a beneficial bloom.
There are also "Liquid Lime" products that are pricey compared to crushed ag lime, but can be perfect if it isn't possible to get a lime spreader truck near your pond.
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