Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Golden Algae followup

I wanted to give followup on my posts from last spring about golden algae in my pond here in Wichita Falls, Texas. As I stated, I have not been able to have any fish survive in my pond for over 6 years secondary to (state lab proven) golden algae toxic blooms. I placed barley straw (bagged) in the pond last fall and then stocked with BG, catfish and black crappie (bass in the spring when I noticed the fish survived). All fish survived the winter (usual time we get the kills)and are still doing great. I replaced the bales in Mar. and again in Oct. Several ponds in this area not using the hay lost their fish this past winter - as usual with the blooms. Maybe this is still coincidental, but at least it is promising. If I get by without a bloom this winter - maybe the barley straw is more than a coincidence. Of note - my pond is 1.3 acres, clear, brackish, ph >7 and aerated. Supposedly "Christmas" trees do the same. I would appreciate any comments.

What rate / acre of Barley straw are you using?

JKM,

I was really glad to read your post and especially the good news. I've been wondering how your experiment turned out. There are a lot of mechanisms that aren't well understood about ponds and many people have reported good success with barley straw in combating FA in the past. I don't think its a coincidence at all that you are seeing positive results on the golden algae. I commend your initiative and hope you see continued success in the future.

Thanks for the comments,

I have placed 4 bales/acre (35 lb bales)packed into 4 mesh bags/bale and weighted down in 3-4 feet of water scattered around the pond. I have been careful when I change out the bales (at 6 months) to leave the "old" barley in the pond to completely decompose so I never go without the protective chemicals being released. It takes about 4-6 weeks for the barley to start releasing the nitrogen, phosphorus, protein and calcium that are thought to be protective to prevent the bloom. I know I sound like I own stock in barley; it's just that I've tried about everything to no avail and now am excited with the possibility of having fish again - and just maybe a solution. The reason we are so sensitive about the golden algae in this part of Texas is because it has really been devastating to virtually every lake in this region on the Brazos River chain (Possum Kingdom, etc.)Howard Garrett's site below tells a little bit about various barley studies and results going on in Texas and why:
http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=4
Algae - DirtDoctor.com - Howard Garrett - The Dirt Doctor
Thanks again for the comments...and I'll keep the results posted of my "mini-study". One last comment, the other 2 ponds I talked about last year that did not use barley are still sterile from golden algae.
Jerry

Jerry, is anyone else in the area using barley and/or Xmas trees?

You know, Xmas trees come in various varieties. I wonder if there is a certain type that works the best.

Several other pond owners are watching my outcome. If my fish make it thru this winter (second one in a row), then there will probably be multiple others try it. At this point, there have been so many stockings lost in this area thru the years that most people have given up.
I do not know what "Christmas" trees they are talking about, but a Douglas fir is going in my pond right after Christmas along with the barley that is already in there. I will be stocking trout for the winter--the last 2 times I tried (prior to barley) they survived less than 2 weeks. Prior to the golden algea problem (pre 1998-99)I stocked trout in the winter with no problem. We'll see - I think this will be an interesting winter for this mini-study.
Appreciate the interest...

JKM

Just curious, are you collecting water samples for chemical analysis?

Very interesting post, please keep us updated and good luck this winter!