Pond Dynamics and Balance

Water Quality Factors

1. Dissolved oxygen

2. Alkalinity

3. Hardness

4. pH

Dissolved Oxygen

1. Action of wind, waves (surface)

2. Photosynthesis from aquatic plants

3. Aerators

Dissolved Oxygen

1. Colder water holds more dissolved oxygen

2. Different species of fish have different D.O. requirements.

3. Dissolved oxygen changes throughout the

day and night

Time of Day

Dis

solv

ed

Oxyg

en

Sunrise Sunset Sunrise

Alkalinity, hardness, and pH

1. These factors depend on conditions of surrounding watershed

2. Should have pH that’s between 6.5 and 9

3. Should have an alkalinity and hardness of at least 20 ppm

These factors can be changed by liming the pond.

They promote the growth of algae and other fish foods.

Pond Food Chain

Nutrients (fertilizer)

Algae and phytoplankton

Small fish eat algae

Big fish eat small fish

Man harvests fish

Pond Balance

Based on maintaining food chain

Nutrients, water quality factors

Prey fish

Predator fish

Regular fish harvest