Bit of an update. Ice is off the pond finally. No fish kill, but it wasn't likely. Brand new water, 1-3" fish, no vegetation, plenty of depth. We got up to 5" thick ice, but I kept draining water and breaking up the ice every couple weeks, so snow never built up even with the 50-60" we got. I was very pleased with the color of water.
Visibility is 2-3' and a decent green tint I think. All the suspended clay seems to have settled out. IR thermo says 55F at surface.
Talked to the builder. They've agreed to come back and rebuild the dam when the soil is workable. They will put in two 4x4' anti-seep collars. They will use the track-hoe bucket to properly compact along the length of the pipe and the collars. They wouldn't admit putting the pipe in solely with the dozer was wrong, but they will do it different this time so I'll take that. They didn't want me to rent a mechanical tamper and get in their way. They'll let me tamp the tar out of the soil at the inlet. Weren't interested in a trash guard- said it would plug the pipe faster. I tried to talk them into even Tposts a foot or two out to keep big branches away. They are still claiming that a pallet blocked the 12" dia pipe inlet and some swirling water ate away surrounding soil.. but don't want an anti-vortex on inlet.. nobody in the county I've told their tale believes it.
Been feeding by hand a bit in the evening. They won't come feed at 2pm. They come up around 6pm and eat for 30-45 min. Using Purina Game Fish Chow.. pretty small pellets but they still have to peck it to bits. I enjoy just watching the lil rascals go at it. Already saw a frog in the pond, and plenty of surface bugs.
