I know the experts here are continually responding to people with problems and I have also benefited greatly from the info, I thought I would post good news. Despite a summer of record heat, low precipitation and a recent storm that completely covered the pond surface with golfball size hail, my trout have grown from 5" in May to a current size of 9". I had a hard time believing I did not have some fish kill and even surveyed the entire pond bottom and have still not seen a dead fish. In today's society of fast pace and high stress, my pond is my refuge, a place of peace and reflection, my two boys learn about ecosystems and nature. I come home from work, sit on the deck and smile. That is what it's all about for me. I would like to thank the people here who continue to help others experience the same. Wood.

your two boys are lucky to have a dad like you. when they grow up, they'll remember the time you spent with them and teaching them. enjoy.

Perhaps it is time to get a new posting section to contain 'Success' stories... good news stories are so often far between.

Good stuff Wood!

I know the feeling. Our new pond is not quite full yet but with it now our getaway home in the catskill mountains of New York is almost complete.
Photos here: http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=n8oli27.76qyunbb&x=0&y=yuexxc

Looking foward to this weekend as we are getting Fatheads and Blue Gills stocked. Will also start the "finishing touches" around the pond. Seeding shore line. Running power out to the pond for the airator and lights. All kinds of good healthy ways to get my hands dirty and forget about the rat race of the high tech job that I have.

We are going to have a great view from the deck. The Deer have already made it a favorite watering hole and the frogs have moved in as well. I'm probably th only person on the East coast happy with all the reain we had in July. It is amazing even my pond builder how fast it has filled up.

My whole family loves to come up an just chill out at this place.

Good idea to post success stories - from the posts you think nothing but trouble - maybe discouraging new ponders.

We are fortunate in our area - lots of ponds and lakes. I have heard of only one fish kill - too much chem application for agea control.
Some big LMB ponds, some LMB-gils-catfish, and some unmanaged stunted bass I'm told.

Thanks Wood, I get to watch my friends 10 year old boy catch his first fish this weekend. That is what it is all about!

i like the idea of success stories topic. good idea. also, any marketeers out there? i think WOOD just came up with a new bumper sticker slogan or a t shirt..."My Pond is my Refuge." i think it would sell WOOD, better get the rights on it!!!!

another success story. my pond is 1 year old, had my nephews over the other day (unfortunately, my wife and I have no kids yet, unless a 7 pound Yorkie counts, my CPA says he doesn't...dang him!!)..anyway, my nephews cought over 50 cat/bluegill/bass a piece!! they had a blast, and for the first time ever got to experience what everyone ought to long for ...."FISH THUMB"!! ah, what a great feeling. Life is good, with fish thumb!!