Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions TO DYE OR NOT TO DYE

Is there is a scientific study that compares water temperature that is dyed vrs undye water. I've read that dye reduces UV, reduces algae, reduces weeds and reflects sun. Of coarse that was from companies that want to sell dye. Seems like it would also reduce water temp. Is there colored dye that will actually reflect the sun?? My pond is so close to being able to support yeararound trout. Some years they make it and some years the water gets too hot. Any insight on pond dye???

I am no expert but I dont think pond dye will help with water temps it might some if its dark enough but not enough to make a real difference. It blocks UV to help plants from growing and colors your water to keep the sun from penatrating into the water to deter plant growth. There are mixed opinons out here about pond dye. Some use it and like some don't like it at all because of the negatives that come with the positives of pond dye. Pond dye pretty much kills your micro food chain which really is needed for the starting stages of your food chain. Someone else here I am sure can explain it better but as far as I know is will not reflect heat.

There is got to be some scientific study out there in regard to water temps and dyes. I just cant seem to find it.

I would not think the dye will have a "direct" affect on the temperature. My gut feeling is that once the sunlight penetrates the surface, and is not reflected, it will generate heat that will be absorbed by the water. In fact, a light brown bottom will reflect more light than the dye, IMO.

Indirectly, the reduction of plant life caused by the dye may increase the temperature. Someone can correct me but I'm pretty sure that photosynthesizing (sp?) plants absorb heat in the process.

Dan