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#27259 05/01/07 11:12 AM
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I recently had my water tested. I was told I need to add 25bags of calcium,25 bags of bufferin,and some of the pond dye to keep the alge and rooted plants from taking over. This is a two part ? First part what does the calcium and bufferin do that the Lime will not do? Also if I put the dye in the pond will it keep the photoplakton from blooming? I thought that is what feeds all the small fish. Thank You John

#27260 05/01/07 11:58 AM
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Who gave you the recommendation for treatment?


"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever."
-S. M. Stirling
[Linked Image from i.pinimg.com]
#27261 05/01/07 12:16 PM
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John good for you for questioning any recommendation you don't understand. What were the test results (as opposed to the recommendations)?

Here is a link to lime/alkalinity and what they are and do and one on water quality. What is your visibility and describe your pond/location. Then we can try to answer the questions. Lime (calcium carbonate) is a buffering agent. I question increasing your ponds ability, through calcium and buffering , to produce phyto-plankton (bloom) and then cutting off its ability to do so by adding dye.

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound, with chemical formula CaCO3. Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in agricultural lime.
Calcitic limestone (CaCO3) or dolomitic limestone [CaMg(CO3)2], react with the acidity produced by CO2 and dissolves the limestone and form calcium and magnesium bicarbonate salts: CaCO3 + H2O + CO2 = Ca+2 + 2HCO3 or CaMg(CO3)2 + 2H2O + 2CO2 = Ca+2 + Mg+2 + 4HCO3 .The resultant water has increased alkalinity, pH and hardness.


Interactions of pH, Carbon Dioxide,

Alkalinity and Hardness in Fish Ponds


http://srac.tamu.edu/tmppdfs/13452410-46...207d2fa365192a2


A Fish Farmer's Guide to Understanding Water Quality
http://aquanic.org/publicat/state/il-in/as-503.htm
















#27262 05/01/07 07:45 PM
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Thank you for the response. Kens fish farm tested the water for me. Total alkalinity was 34, ph was 6, total hardness was 34. vizability is 3-4ft. the pond is pretty deep steep sides down to about 24ft deep. It is a brand new pond only about a month old. He also wants me to put 50lbs of hydrated lime on the pond 15lbs per week until the bag is gone. total cost for the treatment is going to be 632$ and a 2 1/2hr ride one way to get the supplies. I donot mind spending the money just want to make sure I understand what I am doing. Ewest thank you for the links I will take the time to read them. John

#27263 05/01/07 09:02 PM
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I would say no to that deal. Your alkalinity is ok but could use a boost. Forget the hydrated lime for that purpose. How big is the pond ?

You can over time add some bagged pelleted lime to help at a fraction of that price. I would not take that advice. Check your PM.
















#27264 05/01/07 09:06 PM
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It seems to me that 34 alk. and hardness is not too bad. I would be inclined to go to Home Depot and get a #50 bag of hydrated lime for about 10-15 bucks and follow Ken's directions applying it. To me it's not worth $600 to get the hardness up at this time. Add some ag lime now or wait til fall. Lots of people use just hydrated lime in spring then fertilize. Monitor the ph with test strips.
I honestly dont follow the logic of getting the water in shape to fertilize, then only add pond dye.


#27265 05/02/07 08:25 AM
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Thanks guys, the pond is 3/4acre. I have already added 1500lbs of agriculture lime. And it has brought my ph up some. I agree I need to bring it up some more. If I bring the ph up say to a seven, that should also bring up my total hardness. And my total Alkalinity. (Yes???) Thanks guys I wish I had found this site before I added my first batch of fish. I think my ph was way low. And killed all of them. I just got my test results back and it came back at 4.05ph prior to my lime application. I know now I should have waited before I put the fish in there, I guess what I get for being impaitient. I will make sure it is right next time.

#27266 05/02/07 08:46 AM
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Don't focus on ph as it changes through out the day. Focus on alkalinity as it changes slowly. It often takes ag lime weeks to start to reflect a difference but it will last a good while. Look at those links I posted on water quality.


















#27267 05/02/07 08:47 AM
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Sorry, I didnt read Ewest's post before posting mine. Pelleted lime would be good and slower acting. If you need a quick bloom, hydrated lime and fertilizer will get you that.


#27268 05/02/07 09:01 AM
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Burger I also use hydrated to kill limited shoreline FA (guys don't try it unless you know how from a prior thread) and to raise conductivity (if needed) a couple days before the shock boat comes. You do have to be careful with it and know what you are doing or you may kill your fish. If you have drained down a pond that has low alkalinity to a small size you can use it in place of rotenone to kill what is left..

















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