Good luck with your cage experiment AP.
While this subject has resurfaced, I thought I'd offer an update to Bill Cody about my attempt with cage raising fish. Bill I'm sorry to report that my cages are still on terra firma. This year has been an absolute disaster, for both of my ponds, concerning algae. The small pond where I wanted to deploy these cages is 90% covered with algae. The only openings I have are created by the diffusers. Secchi disk readings are 3-4 feet.
10 days ago, heavy rains cleared the pond but within 2-3 days, the algae was back with a vengeance. Its has never been this bad in previous years. I've tried manual removal with limited success. The local forecast is for rain the next few days. If the pond clears from this, I'm going to give pond dye a try.
Would a water analysis offer any assistance? What would I check for......excessive nitrates??
One reason I mention a water analysis is due to Bob's comment here:
http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=164077#Post164077 "Believe it or not, fresh rainwater in abundance de-stabilizes a pond's biology."
Russ
