1. Tables use massively different Alum sample amounts to determine what should be used to clear the pond. 2. Table application rates at their lowest level are the same (30 pounds per acre), then they are significantly different butstill follow a doubling pattern (.2 = 1, .4 = 2, etc...) between the two tables and match the application amount per acre.
The table that EWest linked to on this thread: 0.2 grams in 5 gallon bucket = 30 pounds per acre 0.3 grams in 5 gallon bucket = 45.5 pounds per acre 0.4 grams in 5 gallon bucket = 60.5 pounds per acre 0.5 grams in 5 gallon bucket = 75.5 pounds per acre
The table that David U linked to on this tread: 1 tablespoon in 1 gallon bucket = 30 pounds per acre 2 tablespoons in 1 gallon bucket = 60 pounds per acre 3 tablespoons in 1 gallon bucket = 90 pounds per acre 4 tablespoons in 1 gallon bucket = 120 pounds per acre
My pond can fluctuate between severe (chocolate milk) and mild turbidity (tea colored), depending on the rate of inflow. Right now it is sitting in the "mild" area because the water has a light brownish tint.
The Southern Regional Aquaculture Center table (which uses a 0.X grams for the test buckets) IMO is basically useless. Given that I have a "mild" level of turbidity right now and their max bucket test of 0.5 grams for a 5 gallon container did nothing in my testing (used 1 gallon container @ 0.1 grams). I had to move up to at least a 1-1.2 gram test to make any progress to settle the suspended clay.
Does anyone know what happens to excess Alum introduced into a pond (assuming it is balanced out with lime to control the pH)?
I figure there will be loss from outflow of the water, but is there any advantage to long term clarity by over applying now to handle future issues (potential severe turbidity with spring runoff)?
