Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Pond Renovation in OHio

Hi all, I am new. I have a three acre pond that actually is a holding pond for the 18 acre lake next door. Hence I get all the run off from the 100's of farm acres to the west. My pond requires a huge amount of chemicals and labor to keep the FA and Duckweed off. At this point I would like to reduce the costs, or the size of the pond to control the algae situation. Its not manageable for me.

Ideas?

Have you stocked Tilapia? Do you dye the water early in the Spring?
Best to treat early in the year before it takes off....

If your 3 acre pond truly has a watershed feeding it that consists of 100's of acres of farm land - you're never going to get the upper hand on excess nutrients in the water.

Is the 18 acre lake private or public? If public you should be able to work with the DNR (another other groups) to look into watershed improvements further up stream from your pond.

How many streams/creeks feed your pond? You'll want to concentrate on slowing down their flow and providing buffer areas for the nutrients to be consumed before reaching your pond.

You can redirect the nutrients from FA and duckweed to more desirable plants like bullrush, coon tail, arrowhead, smartweed, etc.

I have dyed the water a few weeks ago. I have not stocked Tilapia because the drain from my pond is wide open...I could fence it. How many would I need for a pond my size?

There are two streams into my pond, but from ag run off. The 18 acre lake is private unused land.

It does have some small springs in the 18' deep area. Would it be best to make it smaller, so water runs through faster? I have no real love for this pond.