Thanks Cecil. I like that approach: I'll experiment with some larger trout, due both to hardiness and the fact that smaller trout could end up as dinner for my larger LMB. Let me also say again that the 71* degree water temp was throughout, from surface down 16' feet due to the August water level and higher air temps, plus 5 previous months of 24/7 aeration. I think that I could keep my deeper water in the 60's pretty easy with selective-depth aeration, if I knew exactly what that adds up to. So, at what depths would be a good start to try and keep cooler water down below while aerating enough to keep the upper region from stratifying and causing turn-over? For example, maybe test a small amount of aeration down deep with a larger amount being placed at an 8' depth? I have a large population of BG, LMB and CC, so I think I really do need to keep aerating down deep to some degree to keep the nasty water mixed up and moving, ya think?
I'll start testing this summer and keep temperature records for the project. I have an unusually deep pond for it's size, and if I can use that to my advantage for diversity, I'd like that. I'll also start hunting down some browns.
And yes. I will have well water diverted by next Spring/Summer. It's only 5-gpm, but 24/7 should help a little. I really want the trout for pets, though at some point I won't swear they won't end up on our dinner plates.
