What are some problems that can contribute to reduced water quality in my pond?
Farm ponds are typically small with little water exchange. In this scenario, care must be taken not to overfeed, which can then cause water quality problems. Algal blooms are a double edged sword: Positive – They maintain dissolved oxygen levels and reduce the amount of light hitting the bottom of the pond, limiting aquatic weed growth. Negative – They can cause dissolved oxygen problems if and when the bloom crashes, which can cause massive mortality due to oxygen stress. The best strategy is to monitor feeding closely so as not to introduce excessive nutrients into the system and try to prevent excessive aquatic weed growth.