Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water Clear water a problem for sealing?

My clay lined pond was completed late last fall and has filled to four feet from snow melt and hose running from a well. The water is crystal clear. Would it not help the sealing process if the water contained suspended clay? Perhaps adding a few carp to keep things stirred up would help. Once the pond fills the carp could be removed. Any thoughts!

Greetings and felicitations, bill.

I must mention that you are the first PM who I can remember wondering if 1) he should have more suspended clay and 2) he should stock common carp (although #2 is a choice many, notably Europeans, might be completely comfortable with).

Do you have reason to suspect that the pond is leaking?

Even if that is they case, leak sealing through random distribution of the best clay (bentonite) is pretty iffy at sealing leaks. I think the risk of a reproducing population of carp would be higher.

It seems like you have a clay lined pond and you are asking if having suspended clay in the water will help make sure the pond stays sealed or seals up...

If your pond is not leaking and was lined properly I think you are good to go. I would not stock common carp unless you want a permanently muddy mess. Now if you are into fishing with bollies and not buzz baits, go for it.

Thanks for the sanity check! When you have spent several hours a day for 5 years digging a pond you need to do more than watch it fill. Guess I will build some structure and haul in some spawning gravel.

You're a very blessed man Bill. Crystal clear water in an exposed clay lined pond is rare indeed, even if the water was introduced slowly. Probably more common if the clay was covered with a layer of topsoil. I would venture to guess the water content in the clay was ideal for compaction. plant a fast growing cover crop in any exposed areas, even below the water line for both erosion and turbidity prevention.

Rainman is right, definitely lucky... Keep erosion from happening and you are set to have a great little pond.