Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water Winner by TKO over Clay....Rainman!

Everyone,

Just wanted to throw out some kudos to Rainman for helping me rid my pond of suspended clay particles over the weekend. After 600lbs. of Alum and 300lbs. of hydrated lime, the fight was called. By the time we were done, I already had around three feet of visibility, compared to the 3-4 inches I had prior. It's a great feeling to visually confirm that the BG and LMB are spawning successfully.

I took some "before" pics yesterday morning and tonight I plan to take some "after" pics. I'll post them soon.

Thanks again, Rainman! You're the best!

Derek,

That's awesome! Rex is becomming the authority on clearing ponds. How large is your pond? Did you use hydrated lime as a preventative measure for the pH shift or did you actually get some water chemistry profiles done that suggested using it? The reason I ask is because, in general, our water around is here is fairly well buffered.

How long did it take you all to do your pond? Can't wait to see the photos. I hope the treatment sticks.

Hi Shawn,

The pond is approximately .75 acres, maybe a tad over. We used hydrated lime as a buffer. The only chemistry profiles done were by me using the most expensive pool test kit I could find locally. Here are some stats:

PH = 7.2 before/6.7 this evening
Total alkalinity = 30-35ppm before/10-15ppm this evening

The PH isn't as accurate as I would have liked, but my reading a couple of weeks ago was earlier in the day, which could be the reason for the difference. The fish have been unusually shy since the treatment. The CC finally took feed tonight, so I know Rex didn't kill them all! LOL

It took us around six hours for the entire treatment. I did lose about 30-40 fry from what I can tell, but I'm guessing they don't take the stress as good as more mature fish.

The wind was stirring things up a bit today, viz was only about a foot. I'll take the pics once it settles again.

Derek, what's the latest on your pond?

I was gone all weekend, but we had LOTS of rain last night, so I'm sure it'll take a few days to settle.

I have a big problem. I drained my 105 acre lake and killed all the fish and restocked in 2006. The lake is old - 90 years with lots of silt and clay. It is constantly muddy and clears up in the fall once the rains come and flood the shallow areas that have grass growing. Problem is the fish are white and look unhealthy and only really get 2-3 months of good fishing in until spring winds kick up and stir up again and suspend clay particles. Now that the lake is low, should I consider lining the entire shallow (10 acres) with crushed limestone or gypsum rock to help settle year round? I need to act quickly as I have time with this heat and drought to get equipment in the lake bed.

Sorry we missed your post ameyer! WELCOME to the forum!

Adding the limestone will never hurt! It could provide good bedding for some fish too. Have you had your water tested for PH and Alkalinity? I would suggest contacting our beloved leader, Bob Lusk, for an evaluation. Whatever he charges for accurate needs and services is bound to be cheaper than covering 10 acres in rock and maybe not helping or even hurting things.

First take a sample of the water in a jar and set it on the shelf for a week. If it clears then your problem is physical agitation such as wind/rain/erosion. If it does not clear then your problem is water chemistry and you can consider adding gypsum in bulk. You should also consider a water test for total hardness...if less than 50ppm then gypsum is a good agent for clearing water, if more than 50ppm then gypsum is hit or miss. We will test your water at no charge. We supply gypsum in bulk and spread the product as well. Please PM if interested. Hope this helps.