Budster, careful need to distinguish between alkalinity and hardness. Total hardness, which is concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium in freshwater, needs to be at least 20ppm for HSB stocking. Alkalinity is buffering capacity, measured in concentration of carbonate and bicarbonates, also needs to be at least 20ppm for good results also IMO.
I support George's recommendation of 100 HSBs in 1/2 acre. This provides enough fish for CNBG pressure and allows room for you to remove slow growers and buffer for you to lose some fish to natural causes over time.
I am not a fan of the liquid lime used in ponds. I took chemistry and all in college, but still need someone to explain how tons of crude calcium carbonate (lime) can somehow be equal in effectiveness to a small number of gallons of liquid lime. Crude powdered ag lime can raise hardness also, but I would have very little faith in using liquid lime to raise hardness.
I have some HSBs in my aquarium that avg about 1 lb in size that will easily gulp a 3" bluegill. HSBs can have more potential impact on bluegill populations than many realize.
Last edited by overtonfisheries; 06/27/12 06:16 AM.
