Originally Posted By: Joey Quarry
There are a lot of issues here and NH3 is definitely a possibility but it does look more like DO.

I would never recommend stocking a pond within 3 months of it being filled. Ammonia is definitely an issue in new ponds, especially when feeding is undertaken. This pond never had a chance to produce beneficial bacteria in equilibrium.

The only way you'll ever know is to either have the water professionally sampled, which can cost 300-1k or start dissecting fish. Until then, it's a guessing game.

I would be extremely curious to know if your fish are eating the unbound soilfloc you saw floating.


Stocking fish into newly filled ponds is a common and safe practice.


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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