Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water Iron colored water

Hey Folks, I don't think I have a real problem with the water clarity of my pond, I'm just curious if this is common and if it's easy/recommended to clear up.

My pond has a rust color to the water. If I fill up a white 5 gallon bucket I can barely see to the bottom. There aren't a lot of visible suspended particles that are blocking the view, the water itself seems to be dyed.

Also, I have a chunck of concrete that is sometimes submerged under the pond water. It is stained slightly red, which leads me to beleive I have "hard water," laden with iron.

Any ideas/thoughts?

Thanks!

I can't help but wonder if what you are having trouble with are tannins from leaves/trees in your watershed. I've seen reddish brown water in small ponds in the area full of leaves that turn a reddish brown and I'm almost certain it's a result of leaves in the water.

Just a thought.

Hey birddog, you may be right. The pond has sat for the last 50 years without much maintenance and there are certainly lots of trees along the stream that feed the pond.

With this diagnosis what can I do to clarify? I know from brewing that tannins are hard to remove once they dye the water. I wonder if a a clarifier such has gypsum or irish moss could help.

Anyone know?