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Joined: Jan 2019
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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.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,051 Likes: 277 |
Where in North Texas? Lots of difference in Wichita Falls and Amarillo.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
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.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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Joined: Dec 2015
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 157 |
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.
Nothing like seeing your bobber bobbing. 1 acre pond with LMB BG GSF BH CC and whatever else I can find Not after trophies I just like catching and eating fish Buddy R Hill
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Joined: Nov 2016
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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.
Last edited by Vortex 4; 01/28/19 12:15 PM.
4 acre pond 32 ft deep within East Texas (Livingston) timber ranch. Filled (to the top of an almost finished dam) by Hurricane Harvey 9/17. Stocked with FHM, CNBG, RES 10/17. Added 35lbs RSC 3/18. 400 N LMB fingerlings 6/18
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Joined: Jan 2019
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,051 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,051 Likes: 277 |
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.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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