Big Ponds, no. Alum, when applied properly changes the electrolytic imbalance causing negatively charged clay particles to suspend. Colloidal clay (fine particles) are negatively charged, so is the earth. The clay tries to settle out, but with both the earth and clay being negatively charged, the clay is repelled from the bottom, and other clay particles. Alum has a +3 positive ionic charge, lime has a +2. so combined, you have a high positive charge that attracts all the clay particles as the alum/lime fall through the water column to the bottom. The clay clumps up on the alum and gains more than enough weight to overcome the repelling force of the earth's negative charge. Once the ionic balance is restored, nature and plants will hopefully keep the water in a positive ionic state.
In a positive state, critters, and wind wave action can muddy the water up. but the particles settle right back out quickly.
Last edited by Rainman; 05/10/14 09:40 PM.
