StartSmart case study – Vaugn Ranch, Batesville, Texas

Algae Control with StartSmart and EcoSocks  

Background

Vaughn Ranch is located near Batesville, TX, midway between San Antonio and the Mexico border.  There are three ponds at this site:  2 smaller ponds of about 1/4 acre each, and one larger pond of about 3 acres.  These ponds have had significant algae and weed problems over the years. Vaughn Ranch is primarily used for deer hunting.  The owner, Harrison Vaughn, also stocked the ponds with bass, catfish, and perch for fishing.  Unfortunately, algae, odor, and weed problems have really detracted from the fishing enjoyment.  To solve these problems, StartSmart use was initiated in February 2013.

Treatment Program

On February 10, 2013, two StartSmart  were dosed to each of the small, 1/4 acre ponds, and 10 StartSmart  were dosed to the 3-acre pond.  For the small ponds, the EcoSocks were placed at the opposite banks, and the PondPerfect Concentrate was applied around the pond periphery.

A second dose was performed on March 12 (one month later).  This time, one StartSmart  was applied to each of the 1/4 acre ponds, while ten more StartSmart  were applied to the large pond.

Results

The algae blooms have been dramatically reduced in all three ponds in just one month of treatment.  Even the thick, surface algae which previously covered the large pond is dramatically reduced, and what remains has turned brown and is sinking.  Originally, the owner planned to use StartSmart  at a problem solving dose for perhaps 4 to 6 months, but in just one treatment, Harrison Vaughn was able to switch to maintenance dose (one half of the problem solving dose).  The algae and weed problems have been dramatically improved, and the ponds are now in great shape for fishing.

Harrison Vaughn, Owner, Vaughn Ranch

“In February, 2013, I started algae treatment in my 3 ponds in South Texas with StartSmart. This product has exceeded our expectations! Just one month later we have dramatically reduced algae. We look forward to great fishing thanks to StartSmart  for years to come.”