Hi all, new member and first post. I have a small farm pond in central Florida, now (with dry weather) only about 1/3 acre. It had a very healthy population of bluegill and a few nice bass, but was getting filled with weeds. We decided that it should be dug out deeper, so brought in a guy with a track hoe and he dug it out to about 4-5 feet all over. Big problem! He hit an area of clay and the water turned very muddy with suspended clay particles. The fish began to die off; not sure how many we have left except for mosquito fish.

We took a couple of sample jars. Added Epsom salts to one jar and the water began to clear, with the clay particles dropping to the bottom. The other jar shows no sign of settling.

I've been reading about alum, gypsum, and even hay as a remedy, but at this point don't know which way to go. I haven't tested it but am guessing the water is fairly hard. Looking for suggestions. Can you help a newbie out? Thanks in advance.

James