Hi all, we have a concrete pond about 60 ft x 30 ft hourglass shape and 6 feet deep which is used for pasture irrigation and drinking water for horses in the pasture. Around the pond is a large pine tree and a pepper tree (previous owner's brilliant idea) which contribute some of their unwanted needles/leaves/seeds to the pond. Making their home in the pond are are some goldfish type fish and tadpole/minnow looking things.
Sediment (greyish silt-like consistency) has built up on the bottom and is threatening to cover the screened outlets to the irrigation pipes.. The water also has a rather greenish murky look.
My number one priority is getting rid of the stuff on the bottom and second is making the water clearer. I understand that some type of muck pellets combined with aeration would be the way to go (right?) and I've been trying to understand aeration sizing and timing but it's making my head spin, as is the choices and claims of the different de-mucking stuff.
So, I'm turning to all you knowledgable pond people for recommendations on an aeration system, preferably under $400, how long to run it, and which muck stuff to use that will work and be safe for horses and grass, or any other advice, or referral to a reputable and reasonably priced dealer. The pond is in California if that makes a difference.
Thanks for any help!
