Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water Turbid 3/4 Acre Pond

Hi all,

I've really enjoyed reading some of the posts and gaining some valuable insight, so I decided to jump in and participate. I have a 3/4 acre pond I built 4 years ago. I stocked it 3 years ago with your standard CCF, FHM, LMB, BG, and RESF. My biggest challenge to this point has been the clay turbidity. I've solved most all of my erosion issues, but the turbidity remains. Secchi readings are around 3 inches constantly. I kept a jar of pond water in my house for a week and it didn't clear, so I suspected the clay turbidity.

I recently performed a test using 1/4 teaspoon of alum in a quart mason jar of pond water and it cleared up in less than 4 hours (impressive!). However, recent water tests show very low alkalinity (30-40) despite good PH (7.2), so widespread use of aluminum sulfate has me concerned with PH fluctuations. Do you think the use of ag lime (CaCO3) alone could produce similar, albeit slower and safer, results? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance. I really enjoy the board.

Welcome Derek.

Use the alum and add half as much hydrated lime compared to the alum.

Thanks for the quick reply, Chris. GS Robins is just down the street from where I work, so finding the alum won't be a problem. I do enough fishing to know what a healthy pond is supposed to look like, and unfortunately mine isn't one of them.

Thanks again.

Derek, Give me a call and I will be happy to help you apply the alum properly---I live in Maryland Heights and have all my equipment just gathering dust.

Ps. Ag lime NEVER hurts!