Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Family member wants to build a pond...

My uncle is on the verge of hiring a guy with a bulldozer to dig his pond. The soil is thick with clay and he's got what seems to be a good spot in his pasture for a pond.

My question may seem pretty simple, but once his 60' * 160' pond is dug, how does the water gain the oxygen to sustain the fish ? Will the rain water automatically be ready for fish or does he need a pump ?

While i'm at it, what do you guys think about a "crappie only pond" ? My uncle doesn't want to bass fish and I doubt that catfish will do well with a crappie-heavy pond.

Thanks for the input...

Don't worry about this. All natural ponds/lakes don't have any aeration but they are suitable for fish.

You better think about hot summers/cold winters when additional aeration could be necessary.

There are a number of things that put dissolved oxygen into ponds. Wind action, photosynthesis of algae and plant life in ponds, etc... So don't stress about that. Aeration is certainly an excellent investment as it can help prevent fish kills when things go wrong. I would make sure at least 1/3 of the pond is 6'-8' deep in your part of the country. If you are drought prone, I'd go for an even deeper maximum depth. The depth with help prevent winter kill and summer stress when water levels may drop.

Do some research on the forum about crappie only ponds. There have been a couple of recent threads on just that topic. The search function should get you there. Also check out the archives for more information on crappies in ponds. In general, managing crappies in ponds is rather difficult and often leads to poor results.

Thanks for the response.

Do any of guys plant vegetation in your pond ? is that a good idea ?

When you refer to vegetation, are you referring to submerged as in underwater vegetation or are you referring to shoreline and emergent vegetation?

Most pond owners do not plant submerged vegetation into their ponds. It generally will show up on its own. However, some do plant specific species that are more desirable in hopes it will establish and out compete less desirable species. There has been much talk about this on the forum, try a forum search and see what you come up with... Many owners will plant shoreline vegetation for aesthetic reasons and much like submerged vegetation, to out compete less desirable vegetation.

Submerged/underwater vegetation to be planted before the pond is filled.

Thanks, CJBS

Where in Oklahoma?

The species most common mentioned as desirable would be corkscrew eel grass. I also like American pondweed.