I finally got some spring flow numbers for my 2.5 acre pond. We measured about 60 gpm at the discharge of the pond at this time of the year. In the heat of summer it drops considerably due to evaporation and some lesser flow into the pond. If I assume the average depth is 4 ft then I can assume the pond holds about 3.24 million gallons. By my calculations then the pond would turnover about every 37.5 days. So ever 5 days would result in about 15% turnover. Big rains, however, would increase that. Hot weather could reduce that. I have no idea of any flow pattern so I don't know whether water away from a straight line between the entrance stream and discharge but I am confident that much of the water remains much longer in the pond.
I am very much in need of a solution for my milfoil/coontail problem and I am very interested in recommendations from you experts. Is my best (long term cost effective) solution to use one of the longer contact type herbicide or the quicker contact type? Which type? Is it a DIY thing or will I have to contract some help? Looking at the prices of some of the chemicals I'd hate to screw it up.
Kelly Duffie, I am attaching a Google Earth pic of the pond. The coordinates are at the top of it. It is located around 8 miles SW of Tylertown, MS. As far as which plants I want to remain, I am pretty ignorant of what I need. I spray the lily pads fairly frequently with Rodeo or 2-4-D but by midsummer, I am for the most part unable to fish it because the growth is so intense. I guess I am saying I like to have some for fish cover, but way fewer than I have now. When I spray I try to maintain some lanes to allow small boat passage with trolling motor but that pretty much fills in. I have several dead tall trees right at the water edge and wonder if it makes sense to drop one or both into the water for fish cover but am concerned as to whether this is a good idea.
Kelly and DN, I hope I find those CC. I don't know whether they feed any on the plants but I have yet to see any since that last release of 600. The weeds were heavy then, but I couldn't get a bait near the bottom but I have seen none (ever) at the feeder. Maybe after we get the plants under control they'll show up.
I'd also be interested in getting your thoughts on dye to reduce clarity and light. Any other options? Thanks again for all the help.
