Paul, the people at NC State can definitely help you. There are fairly cheap kits that you can get to keep up with your water chemistry.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/fisheries/ I own several 7 ponds 20-25 miles east of Raleigh ranging from 1-7 acres and I take care of one of them. Maybe I didn't read enough of the thread but why do you run your aeration 2-4 hours per day instead of full time? Full time can do nothing but help, especially in warmer weather.
I did use chemicals in my pond for years but I found that bacteria and colorant works much better and they are more friendly water and animal. They don't work hand in hand...chemicals and natural! Your pond doesn't look bad to me in that photo....maybe some clarity and some color would help. There are tons of brands of bacteria and colorants and I'd think most work fairly well. I was berated last year in this forum for telling what I use...like I was spending a fortune or like I worked for the company....and I named 2 companies and I use others. The pond I really look after is 2.5-3 acres and I spend about $100-150 per month from April through October with colorant and beneficial bacteria. I've bought my products from Agri-Supply in Garner, Tractor Supply in 3 towns inc. Kightdale, Franklinton and Smithfield and from
http://www.organicpond.com/ , a company I found online after looking at several...they are out of Michigan I think? I generally buy 4-6 gallones of their products at a time for the cheaper price and generally apply 1 gal. every 4-6 weeks. I also use Bioverse spheres near my aeration from either of the stores nearby. Now that is high for the gallons treated but it was my first go-to before ever looking it up or this website and I have stuck with 1 - 500,000 sphere dropped at my aeration bubbles for disbursement. I like using either Midnight blue or any blue such at Bayou or Aquablue with the pure black colorant from Organic Pond. Last week i used 1 gallon of Pure Bac., 1 sphere, 1 gallon of Blue Bayou and 1/2 gal. of Pure Black....there pond looks and is in great shape. That color combination make a pleasing and more natural look to the water than all blue which looks artificial. Not only does the pond look good but you're helping the Grass Carp with staying in control of plants. I put my aeration in about 10 years ago and it helps but 4 years ago I went to natural products and the pond has been near perfect and the fishing is great...better than ever! I don't keep up with my time...I just watch the pond conditions. 4-6 weeks is when my treatments generally occur and the first is critical for staying ahead of the game. Best of luck! Chris in Pilot, NC
