I need pond help!

[Decka]

Hello, thanks for checking out the thread!

My friend and I are curious about improving the pond which borders his back yard. This is a natural pond. It resembles the shape of a right triangle, the base on the bottom side and the vertical side is approximately 300 ft, middle measure is 200 ft, and towards the tip measure is 100-50ft. The average depth is probably anywhere between 3 to 6 ft deep depending on where you're measuring.

The pond has been midly abused in the past, although it's not as bad as it used to be. It has taken on it's share of oil, gasoline, pesticide runoff, and other harmful factors throughout the years. People also were raking their leaves into the pond, but that was halted.

There is a thick layer of "sludge" on the bottom. If you dip your canoe oar and touch the bottom, you are sure to see a dark cloud come to the surface. The water is a dark brownish, greenish color.

The pond DOES host wildlife. There are TONS of frogs and turtles. Years ago there were multiple types of fish, however, this year all that we have caught are catfish, and small ones at that. My friend and I were hoping to stock the pond with blue gill and bass, but not until we are somewhat sure they would be able to survive.

I've been told and read that there needs to be aeration in a pond, or movement. The pond is completely still. We've entertained the thought of putting an agitator or fountain in the pond, but we don't have much experience in the field, hence why I'm writing here!

After reading the given information, what are some things that are probably going on in this pond? Is it able to be improved, or savable? What are some logical steps in order to improve? I would appreciate your insight and suggestions! Thank you for your time!

Adam

 

[koikeepr]

Let's backtrack a bit to see how we may be able to help you.

1. Do you know if the pond is spring or stream fed--or is it just holding there due to rain, runoff, etc. Usually you can tell if it's spring fed if the pond always maintains the same water level, even if it's very hot, dry and hasn't rained in a long time.

2. when the fish were there years ago, I'm guessing that someone stocked the pond, correct?

3. Have you ever tested the water with a simple pond test kit to see what's going on with water parameters?

The good news is that if frogs, catfish and turtles inhabit it, that's a good sign. There's usually little you can do about sludge in a natural situation. You can aerate it, but be prepared for sticker shock on aeration for a pond of that size. How much are you willing to spend?

 

[Decka]

1. Do you know if the pond is spring or stream fed--or is it just holding there due to rain, runoff, etc. Usually you can tell if it's spring fed if the pond always maintains the same water level, even if it's very hot, dry and hasn't rained in a long time.

I think it's just holding there. The level goes up and down, depending on the weather.

2. when the fish were there years ago, I'm guessing that someone stocked the pond, correct?

I don't know the history for certain, but i do remember hearing of a family across the way stocking some bass years ago.

3. Have you ever tested the water with a simple pond test kit to see what's going on with water parameters?

No I haven't. What kind of test should I do? And where is a good place to get testing equipment?