Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Creating habitat Creating Smallmouth Beds

Hello boys;

Couple of updates I feel compelled to share:

Erosion mat down on steep slopes - sowed red winter wheat, fescue, rye, and oats. Not a drop of rain for 10 days, and saw a very few fescue/rye blades popping and a little better amount of oats. Just received about 2" of precip over the past five days - I'm holding out for some warmer days to get the soil temps in the mid 60's...we'll see.

Sourcing and pricing rock currently for smallmouth beds and general structure. I've been VERY impressed with Theo and Brettski's plans - they've served as a standard I hope to achieve. Looking at the following:

1-3" River Rock for the bed [5 tons]
4-8" Granite Cobbles for the bed "ring" [5 tons]
8"+ Granite Boulders for general structure/piles [4 tons]

Question for the sages: I have a source for limestone - can get it nearly free with the exception of a delivery fee which has it's evident advantages $$ wise. I think I know that Granite would last FAR longer than Limestone - based on the physical properties....so my struggle now is:

1. How long would anyone guess Limestone would hold up VS. Granite?

2. Would anyone harbor reservations about how Limestone could affect the PH balance if one dumps 15-20 tons into a pond?

3. Any other issues I should consider when choosing Granite vs. Limestone?

Another update: Have 400 YOY Condello BG, 400 4-6" YP, 50 6" Condello HSB, 600 FH & GS that have already dropped eggs once I think.

That's plenty to digest - as ever, I appreciate your feedback in advance! Thanks guys.

TJ