Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Georgia Giant Put to the Test?

Gator - Since you don't live near the pond and can not watch or monitor it daily then I don't think you should fertlize because fertilized ponds should be monitored closely in case of dense bloom crashes, overblooming, or other water quality problems due to fertilizer additions that could be missed during your absence.

I am not fully aware of the liming techniques, doses or processes, but if you are going to lime maybe spreading it now when the pond is low will be an esay way to apply it over most of the pond bottom. You should not need too much lime since your pond is quite small.

Adding some lime should help produce a light or moderate phytoplankton bloom which will be somehwat "fertilized" from the manure of the pellet fed fish. The bloom may not be as "rich" or thick as one produced by an inorganic fertilization program, but a moderate or light bloom would I think be beneficial.

If you don't add lime, I am wondering if the extra fish manure due to feeding will cause a filamentous algae problem due to the enhanced fertility (manure) and clear water. Without increased alkalinity (lime) phytoplankton will not develop and clear water will prevail. Clear water plus fertility will either stimulate rooted weeds or bottom growing filamentous algae. Since I don't deal a lot with soft waters and fertility, I am just providing some thoughts but maybe not facts on this.