jpsdad (and others),
In general, is fry survival low in clear water due to lack of sufficient food sources or due to predation? (Or more likely some combination of both.)
Will the Golden Shiners eat FHM fry? (Especially if the pond has low productivity and is not producing much in the way of alternative food sources for the GSH?)
Either way, the advice to naturally fertilize should work to mitigate a multitude of problems. Any downsides at this point in the life of cb100's pond for trying to induce several algal blooms a year? (Assuming the pond DO is sustained far from the crash level for the RBT.)
It is mostly lack of sufficient food ... but also a combination ... I think.
Yes, adult minnows of both minnow species will eat fry.
The organic route has several advantages but the slower availability of nutrients lends to a smoother and more modest bloom (buildup and dissipation more like a hill as opposed to a mountain). The rates I recommended are very low and not likely to cause an excessive bloom. These fertilizers can be safely added for the initial treatment up to 300 lbs per acre for fry production. Follow ups are usually restricted to no more than 50 lbs/acre as needed but no more frequently than weekly and only when needed. These heavier doses are to maximize fry and fingerling production in hatchery ponds. Aeration generally isn't needed at these rates.
