Test the hardwoods before you put them in. Cut a chunk and put it in pond water. OK, get some pond water from a neighbor. See if it changes the water any.

Here's the deal. I had all of the oaks that we pushed down put into the bowl of my new water hole. It rained and the water turned black. I stocked and the tannic acid from the oaks killed everything. I tried using chlorine and other treatments. Nothing worked so I bought a pump and pumped it dry. Then I waited through a Texas summer for everything to dry properly.

On the other hand, I just wouldn't do it. It set me back 2 years on my stocking.

No way I would have steep sides. It's too dangerous for children and other living things.

Last edited by Dave Davidson1; 03/27/09 09:50 PM.
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 Grandpa