Cecil,
The pH is in line with what the soil sample results showed.
Some more stuff to add to the previous post. With a pH=8 and the readings for alkalinity and hardness I guess the pond doesn't need any lime. (Even the soil sample recommendations stated no lime needed.)
The DO reading leads me to believe the diffusers are doing the job. In a month or so, they will go silent for the winter.
Turbidity is the one parameter I'd like to get more control over, if possible. I say this as it effects algae growth. It seems after every rainstorm, the turbidity of the pond changes. A similar event occured this past spring. The pond had a nice blue-green tint to the water but after a spring rain, the water turned a dark color yet was very clear. I think the secchi disc reading was around 39". With the water this clear, algae growth benefits. Today in the shallow areas of the pond I noticed large masses growing. It has the appearance of green cotton candy. Hopefully the pending drop in water temps will help control the growth leading into winter.
On the brighter side of things, the small stone dam is finished. The additional water it holds back gives the pond a nice full look. A side benefit is the trickling sound you get as water rolls off into the rip rap lined outlet. Nice place to set the lounge chair.
The rip rap shoreline is a crayfish magnet. Last night I counted 18, 1-2", mud bugs hunkered down in between the crevices in the rocks.
The muskrat problem I had during the summer has been addressed. I'm sure in time others will move in.
I've managed to get a few of the BGs and a good number of FH minnows to take pellets. I'll continue to feed till surface water temps hit about 50 degrees which I suspect will be in October. Some 8" BG by next summer would be nice.
Now if that isn't enough, the BG pond has tossed me a curve. The other day, I noticed a number of 1" BG and 2.5" bass swimming around. No doubt the BG I stocked contained some females but the bass have me stumped. There are six 10" bass in the pond that I know of but I don't think they are of spawning size/age. Can someone correct me on this. Because an intermittent stream feeds this pond, its difficult to regulate what critters flow in and out. I found a 5" golden shiner flopping around in the rip rap lined outlet the other day. Not sure if he was inbound or on a departing flight.
Based on the presence of baby BG and bass what actions, if any, should I take now to keep the goal of a pond filled with big BG on target?
Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks for reading.
Russ
