Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Hello from north Texas!

Hi everyone! I am building a home here in north Texas and am about to be the first time owner of a newly constructed pond. Here are the specs, before I start asking questions.

1.5 acres
15 ft deep
Spring fed and 8 acres runoff
Windy location
Cows on land
Not for swimming
No aeration or feeding planned
Planning on LMB, BG and as many FHM as I can shove in there 😬


Anyways. I have money in the budget for pre-constructed fish habitat (mossback builds 3 different ones for different size fish and depths)
My questions:
If money is no object, is it worth going with this synthetic habitat in order to reduce pond muck and stuff from using real wood and things like that. I have lots of mesquite trees I’d love to throw in the pond if it would help. But will that cause problems for me in the future? I do like the idea of less snags on the synthetic stuff, but not if organic is healthier for the fish.
Next, how much habitat do I need? Half the pond? The whole pond ? Just around the edges?
I’m excited to be here and thank you in advance for your help.

Where in North Texas? Lots of difference in Wichita Falls and Amarillo.

Welcome to the forum.

There is a lot of discussion in the structure and cover archives.

One advantage to the plastics is they last a long time by not breaking down as quickly.

Welcome to the forum doc. You will get lots of answers here for not only about habitat but every aspect of your pond. Definitely the plastic stuff will last a lot longer. I use whatever is free. I do know that some natural stuff last longer than other natural stuff. Cedar seems to last a long time. Don't know about mesquite. As for % I think 20% surface area is what I see the experts say. Good Luck with your pond.

Remember there are other habitat features to plan for as well. Your fish will appreciate a shallow gently sloped area covered with gravel. Come breeding season they'll make their nests there.

Your fatheads lay eggs on the underside of anything. Cedar shingles pounded into the sides of the pond work great. This doesn't need to last. Once you put in the LMB they'll all be eaten.

Consider adding a snail eating critter or two. Usually red eared sunfish. Crayfish help too. Snails are a vector for parasites so fewer is better.

You are gonna have a blast getting the pond going.

Oh, and the Pond Boss Magazine is worth getting.

Im in the west DFW area

Not sure about Mesquite. I don't have any of them. I learned the hard way about oaks. The tannins killed everything in a pond for me. I use cedars and, according to Lusk, they last about 4 years.

You can ask Lusk. He has a Facebook program on Wednesday nights.
Or test it yourself. Get a bucket of pond water, add 5 or 6 minnows and a piece of fresh mesquite. See what happens.

Cut some and let them sit and dry if concerned. The archive is full of ideas to consider before any purchase.

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