Good afternoon-I've been an on again and off again lurker for several years, and have decided that it's long past time to come onboard.
I'm the proud owner of 2/3 of one 2 acre pond, about 1/5 of another 2+ acre pond, and full owner of another .7 acre pond here in Douglas County, Kansas, plus 4 more at my wife's farm in NC Kansas near the Kansas-Nebraska state line.
This site has helped me get more comfortable with managing the ponds, and already today has given me guidance on building a system to aerate the pond closest to our house here at our home place. Great information!
Last year I purchased a used Koender Windmill for our small pond, and it made a huge difference in the quality of the water. In fact, I did not have to use any chemicals to control that pond. If that trend continues, the windmill will pay for itself in 4-5 years.
I'm currently trying to get additional information on beneficial bacteria to treat the fiberous algae that we get a couple times a year on our big pond. From my research, I've determined that I'll never again use a shock chemical to kill it off, as I now understand that that will also kill off good bacteria. I'm now using the liquid bacteria that I can get at our local farm stores.
Although it's hardly scientific, I have also had excellent results by simply using Rid-X (septic tank treatment) mixed in warm water and then poured directly onto and around the algae mat. Within a short time, it also works well. Has anyone else tried using Rid-X?
