Ponds
Narrower Topics
Publications
A New Database on Trait-Based Selection of Stormwater Pond Plants
FR416/FOR347 by Gisele P. Nighswander, Mary E. Szoka, Kayla M. Hess, Eban Z. Bean, Gail Hansen de Chapman, and Basil V. Iannone IIIJuly 19, 2019
Farm Ponds in Florida Irrigation Systems
AE143/BUL257 by G. A. Clark, C. D. Stanley, F. Z. Zazueta, and E. E. AlbregtsDecember 2, 2020
Fertilization of Fresh Water Fish Ponds
FA003/FA17 by Craig Watson and Charles E. CichraSeptember 13, 2019This document outlines the principles and practices of fertilizing freshwater fish ponds to enhance their productivity. Fertilization, akin to its use in land-based agriculture, can significantly boost the production of small natural food-consuming fish species such as bluegill and golden shiner by increasing the availability of algae and zooplankton. This process not only supports small fish but also benefits larger predatory fish, like largemouth bass, by improving their food supply. Phosphorus is identified as the most critical nutrient, often supplemented with nitrogen for better results. The document discusses the forms and application methods of fertilizers, emphasizing liquid fertilizers for their rapid effectiveness. Practical guidelines for determining the timing and frequency of fertilization based on water temperature and clarity are provided, alongside techniques for applying both liquid and granular fertilizers efficiently. The document also addresses common challenges suc
Florida-Friendly Plants for Stormwater Pond Shorelines
EP476/ENH1215 by Gail Hansen and Shangchun HuMay 9, 2019
Managing Pestiferous Freshwater Aquatic Midge Emergences from Storm Water Retention Ponds
IN825/ENY-856 by Kenneth T. Gioeli, R. Leroy Creswell, Jeffrey P. Gellermann, Edward A. Skvarch, and Philip G. KoehlerMay 6, 2022A UF/IFAS numbered publication.
Selecting a Method for Sealing Ponds in Florida
WI012/CIR870 by Dorota Z. Haman, Fedro S. Zazueta, Gary A. Clark, Sandra Guzman, and Haimanote BayabilOctober 24, 2022A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.
Stormwater Pond Management: What You Need to Know about Aeration
SS695/SL482 by Samantha T. Howley, Steven P. Hohman, and Alexander J. ReisingerSeptember 1, 2021A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Water==
The Role of Aeration in Pond Management
FA021/FA6 by Michael McGee and Charles CichraJune 6, 2018The goal of most fish farmers is to maximize production and profits while holding labor and management efforts to the minimum. Risk of fish kills, disease outbreaks, poor water quality, and reduced feed conversion often result when efforts to increase production are unsupported by improved management strategies. This document is about aeration. This is a process that offers the most immediate and practical solution to water quality problems encountered at higher stocking and feeding rates. Aeration may be broadly classified into two different applications, emergency aeration and maintenance aeration. First published June, 1991.
The Use of Lime in Fish Ponds
FA028/FA38 by Andy M. Lazur, Charles E. Cichra, and Craig WatsonSeptember 17, 2021Liming is an effective tool in fish production and pond management. However, lime is casually used to describe two different types of materials, used for very different purposes. Agricultural limestone refers to calcite (calcium carbonate) and dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate). The calcium and magnesium components raise the total hardness of water, essential to the health of many aquatic species. The carbonate component raises the total alkalinity and the pH, buffering daily fluctuations in pH, increasing microbial activity in the pond soil, and increasing the availability of phosphorous to phytoplankton. Pond water with total alkalinity less than 20 ppm can benefit from liming. Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) is an inexpensive and effective pond sterilizer, raising the pH quickly and dramatically above tolerable levels for most aquatic organisms. It should be used carefully, avoiding contact to the applicator, and never used in ponds containing desirable fish. This document w
Use of Copper in Freshwater Aquaculture and Farm Ponds
FA008/FA-13 by Craig Watson and Roy P.E. YanongAugust 22, 2017Copper has been used for many years as a chemical tool in freshwater farm ponds and aquaculture operations. It is both an effective algicide and a parasite treatment. The problem with the use of copper is that there is a thin line that separates effective treatment levels from overdoses, which can kill fish. This fact sheet is designed to explain when copper is used, how it is used, and some precautions to take before using it. First published in 1989.
Related IFAS Blog Posts
Water Talk: Plants For Your Pond
Michael D'ImperioJune 26th, 2023Adding plants in and around a community stormwater pond is a great way to boost the ecosystem services provided by your water feature. Emergent plants in a pond’s littoral zone (the shallow shelf-like area between a pond’s bank and deep water) help improve water quality by aiding the pond’s ability to remove nutrients from incoming […]
What’s Lurking in Florida’s Freshwater?
Jackie LebouitzFebruary 24th, 2023In this blog… Introduction Macroinvertebrates Field guide Water quality Experiment Introduction What’s lurking in Florida’s freshwater? Well, many things, to be quite frank. From fish to birds to the occasional river otter, people can expect to find several wonders in the freshwater ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers that Florida has to offer. Now, a […]
Resources for Hiring a Landscape and Pond Professional
Maggie GaughanDecember 6th, 2022It is no secret that it can be difficult hiring a landscape and/or pond professional that meets all of your community’s needs. Luckily, there is a website full of presentations and resources for hiring a landscape and pond professional. This site is intended to provide resources to maintenance professionals, pond committees, HOA members, realtors, or […]
