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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37
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OP
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37 |
I have a 3 acre pond being built that is spring fed by headwaters and groundwater. I’m curious as to whether I even need aeration. The pond will be in the woods collecting leaves and other organic debris. I expect with the amount of flow through in the pond that the water will be replaced every 3-5 days. What are the general thoughts about needing aeration with the conditions set forth? Thanks! Heppy
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220 |
I think the best way to determine that will be to get a DO meter and measure your oxygen levels. Bacteria need oxygen to do their job of consuming detritus and oxygen reduces the chances of having algae issues. If you're going to be completely replacing water every three or four days you will most likely have ample oxygen levels.
.10 surface acre pond, 10.5 foot deep. SW LA. The epitome of a mutt pond. BG, LMB, GSF, RES, BH, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish, Gambusia,Mud Minnows, Crappie, and now shiners!!...I subscribe!!
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 212 Likes: 5
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 212 Likes: 5 |
Heppy, if you are going to go through with the aggressive stocking plan from your other post, on a pond that is yet to be completed, you will definitely need aeration. Putting in that amount of fish and food, while the pond is cycling, I expect your ammonia levels to spike also.
I would be interested to know the construction details on a 3 acre pond with an inlet and ground water that replenishes every 3-5 days.
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37 |
Joey Quarry, I will be following the stocking thread in the other post. I’m only guesstimating the 3-5 days. I will know for sure only when the 10” pipe is closed..There are headwater springs and 2 direct springs in addition to groundwater that will feed the pond. The 3 acre pond will be approximately 15 feet deep at the dam. Since it is a flow through pond I am curious as to why you think the nitrogen levels will spike? What construction details interest you? I’m more than happy to provide them. Thanks! Heppy
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 212 Likes: 5
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 212 Likes: 5 |
If you have 500-1,000 gallons per minute flowing through your pond, maybe it will, maybe it won't? I am curious how you keep that much water at bay while you construct the pond? I have a spring fed quarry with nowhere near that flow and it was abandoned because they couldn't keep up with the water.
Most new ponds "cycle" for 3 weeks to a few months. During this time, all the dead fish, fish food and any other organic matter decay and produce ammonia. Depending upon numerous variables, this will be a ratio of ionized and un-ionized. Un-inonized (NH3) is toxic to fish.
Eventually, nitrosomonas form and feed on the ammonia and oxygen which will decrease DO levels and increase nitrite levels. Nitrites are also dangerous to fish but eventually nitrobacter will form in equilibrium and convert nitrites to nitrAtes.
To be safe, you shouldn't stock your pond with anything more than bait fish until water samples show the pond has cycled through this process.
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37
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OP
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37 |
Joey Quarry, We are working in dirt here, more specifically clay. The flow is diverted around the dam until the construction drain is covered by the core and dam. I may have overestimated the amount of water flowing into the area because I don’t think that there is anywhere near 500-1000 gpm. There are 3 different water entry points not including the subsurface ground water. The pond will be surrounded by woods above the dam once it’s complete. Baitfish are doing great with reproduction in the main feeder spring at this point. I appreciate you taking the time to ask questions. Thanks! Heppy
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37
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OP
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37 |
Mike Whatley, I just saw your response I must have missed it. Where do you locate a DO meter? Thank you for giving your thoughts. I’m sorry for the untimely response. Thank you Heppy
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220 |
You should be able to locate one online. Amazon probably has a couple.
.10 surface acre pond, 10.5 foot deep. SW LA. The epitome of a mutt pond. BG, LMB, GSF, RES, BH, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish, Gambusia,Mud Minnows, Crappie, and now shiners!!...I subscribe!!
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 355 Likes: 37
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Joined: Oct 2016
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