Update time:
I just tested Gator�s water, and here are the results: (0.058419 grains per US gallon = 1 ppm)
pH = 7.0
Total Hardness= 17
Total Alkalinity= 17
Total Ammonia= 1.2 ppm
I am going to give my recommendations on this, and then I would like a weigh-in from others who are a lot more experienced in treating water quality. Also I believe Bruce is the HSB specialist, so I would like his opinion on what the quality must be to raise the HSB (as Meadowlark plans to do with his GG). As a general rule we have always stuck with 51 as the minimum total hardness for the hybrid stripes, so I would like other opinions please.
First and foremost the ammonia situation needs to be addressed. I have found microblift to be very effective on ammonia, but Cody or someone else might need to comment here. Gator did not state how deep the sample was taken from. We need to get him below .8 ppm before stocking. He also did not state how long it had been since he killed off the pond. This could also be affecting the levels (organic decay?).
As for the Hardness and Alkalinity we would normally suggest Cal-Plus and bufferin to raise these levels, but I am admittedly on the fence on this subject since being a part of this forum. If others here say to go with the ag lime, then let�s do it. In fact we do recommend doing this on new ponds (it is even in our catalog). The main thing is the end result of getting these numbers up for Gator.
Question to the forum-
We have always used the hydrated lime @ 25 lbs per acre per week to raise really low pH levels prior to stocking. Gator does not have a pH problem from what I see, but my question is in regards to dolomite lime with the high ammonia. Does the rule still apply not to lime at all until ammonia is fixed? It stands to reason that this would be the case, but again this is not my area of expertise so any comments based on experience would be appreciated.
Thanks guys,
Deb
