Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water gypsum powder

It seems that the gypsum works slower and dissolves slower than the alum. It is less expensive and not as toxic but much more labor intensive due to the amount required. It hopefully will also add ca to my water which was very low. The bass fishing has improved dramatically. I caught over forty today on a green brush hog. The largest being just over three pounds.

Here is another question. It seems that my vertex aerator is pulling up clay from the bottom or at least thats what it looks like. would putting a piece of plywood under the aerator help with this?

Here is another question. It seems that my vertex aerator is pulling up clay from the bottom or at least thats what it looks like. would putting a piece of plywood under the aerator help with this?

I think Bill Cody talked about elevating the aerator off the bottom almost 10" or so...?

It has now been about six months since adding gypsum. The water has remained clear. We had a good rain and the pond turned dark for a day or two but then returned to clear. Best thing i ever did for my pond.

James...something more durable underwater would be better...like a plastic floor pan, 3'x3'..also raise your diffusers 10-20 inches off the base. Diffuser units without a wide, flat base often sink into the substrate over time.

Rubber truck mud flaps are great also, if you frame them...Cheap in almost any auto parts store....they come in 18"x24"...24x30 and 30x36...about $8-$18ea

James where was your PH before you added gypsum? Just wondering why the choice of gypsum for your water chemistry. I personally do not like gypsum for water treatment for large body's of water or well water. It will effect the water permanently. Rarely will it give up the calcium ions that is why it is so safe.

Cheers Don.

I'm diggin that "gypsy barge."

<a href="http://s112.photobucket.com/user/james12_04/media/20140112_090944.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/james12_04/20140112_090944.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140112_090944.jpg"/></a>The fishing is excellent even in january and the fish are very healthy. The water looks much better!

even the shad and baitfish are doing better! this was our best match for what the fish were eating. all of the fish were caught with this lure

Looking great James!!

Nice fish James. Water looks good also.

thanks guys having blue water instead of brown makes me happy!

James,

Where did you get gypsum in bulk? All I can find is 50 lb bags at boat cycle in Henderson, TX.

I ended up using about five tons per acre with the red clay It took about three months to clear the water and a lot of hard work. i get the gypsum from just south of oklahoma city at the quarry there. they deliver it in twenty ton increments for I believe 900? The bulk of the cost is the delivery at 600. If you are closer it would be cheaper or if you could drive up there with a trailer or a truck the cost would be very low. For me the cost has been well worth it since before adding the gypsum my pond looked horrible and it made me sad to look at it.My contact at the mine is tony his phone number is 4056139762 If i can help in any other way let me know

Mr. Holt,
Thank you very much. We added 6tons to our pond late last year. It is much clearer now, not sure if it is the gypsum or the winter we had. He pond has been very green all winter but we can see down about 14 inches now. For some reason we have really fertile water since we built he pond late year. Thanks again. Zach

I think I need to add some more to add some hardness too.

Adding gypsum may be something that has to be done on a regular basis in order to maintain clear water especially in a drought condition. I have just added another ton today. After having clear water now for about eight months it is starting to suspend clay again and Im not sure why? I did the bucket test today and the water in the bucket turned clear very quickly so there must still be gypsum in the water just not enough?

James, if your bucket test water cleared quickly, only mechanical action like wind/wave could be stirring your water up. Any bottom rooters in your lake, like bullhead catfish and common carp?

large numbers of catfish and bullheads also high wave action

Once winds calm and your bass get rid of the fresh spawn of bullheads, your water should clear back up pretty quickly then. I can't think of any harm adding the minerals in the extra gypsum.