Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pond Boss Fact Check, HSB Article

Thanks for everyone's comments. I now know more than I did yesterday!! THANKS Looks like an oxygen station is going up soon. Ok here is something to think about. The Ph is 8, and alk was 140 (I think) calcium was 40. Pond was treated with lime in the beginning (around 3.5 tons). Water well adds around 60 gpm and will raise the pond level about 1/2 inch per day. ( I think the soil banks are taking some of the water as the level rises in this new pond). This will be 3.5 acres of water when full(based on range finder) for the measurements. And water depth in the two different pools(divided by underwater land bridge 6' water depth) and is 10 foot on one side and 13 foot on the other side. The rest of the pond is 7 to 8 foot. So here is one of my questions. Can I raise two different predators to maximum growth. Overtons Jumper LMB and Overtons stripers will be the stockers. LMB in June and Stripers in Fall. What would you guys do from here? CNBG, RES, FTH and TFS have been stocked and should spawn by June. Where do I go from here?

Tracy, my answer is yes - I am doing it at the present time.
Your HSB will be feed trained but Overton's "jumper" LMB will be strictly on forage.

Managing forage base will be the key -I would heavely stock tilapia for incresed forage - that's not advice - it's sharing experience.
George

Thanks George, In discussion with Todd it was suggested 5lbs of Tilapia along with discussion of not to overpopulate this first season, and such things as crawfish stocking this spring and I will be attempting to locate and stock some grass shrimp as soon as I can get some vegetation to support them. I am thinking these would help with the CNBG and RES.

I never tell Todd what I want - only ask what I need.
I trust his judgement - he NEVER tries to sell extra stuff - only what you ask for.
G/

It is well documented the great state of Texas is large and diverse enough to have a really wide variety of pond habitats, as do many states, if for no other reason, soil conditions. Even in TX one size does not fit all pond owners. The rule is 'It All Depends' and that should be the first thing every pond owner learns.

""I never tell Todd what I want - only ask what I need. I trust his judgement - he NEVER tries to sell extra stuff - only what you ask for.""
It is sad that most all other 'professional' fish farm owners do not adhere to the same philosophy. That is what separates the best fish farms from the mediocre fish farms. Many fish farms have the goal of sales not the highest quality service.

Here is an approximate 10 HSB from a southern pond (but no drought issues and good water quality).

This is one of Todd's fish. About 4 years old.

Looks like I am all in Thanks again for the answers and pointing a guy in the right direction.