The concept of forage ponds to supplement main ponds is becoming an increasingly popular topic on Pond Boss. I have read Forage Pond threads where the forage fish output is captured and transferred via minnow traps, dip netting, seining, draining to a secondary transfer tank, draining directly into main pond, and utilizing a direct piping system into the main pond for BOWs with equalized water levels.
Below are some Bill Cody quotes about parasites from a few of the threads:
"I have discovered that fish parasites will readily invade the forage pond and periodically all fish have to be removed and restocked when a large percent of the fish are infected. Plan for that problem. I periodically drain and treat the remaining water to restart the forage pond. Waterfowl, mostly herons, bring in the parasites."
"Periodic complete draining and restocking minnows will be the best management plan for the forage pond. Undrained ponds dedicated to forage fish over time tend to become laden with fish parasites; primarily black spot and white/yellowgrubs."
I have never heard of anyone giving a salt bath to their FHM or GSH before transferring the fish. I would like to construct my forage ponds for ease of transfer, but I do not want to create a system that transfers parasites to my main pond.
Question: Is the transfer of parasites from a forage pond to a main pond a legitimate concern? If so, what steps should we take to minimize parasite transfer and contamination?
Thanks,
Rod
