Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water SE OH: poor clarity, is bloom healthy plankton?

Up-date: Clarity is up to 18-20" and I am currently a happy camper. Many thanks to everyone who has provided input in this adventure. I look forward to continuing to participate in this forum and appreciate all you share about your respective ponds!

Here is an up-date with photos if you're interested:

6/16/23



We received a hard rain, 0.23”, last night. I am not seeing any indications of clay/sediment runoff along the edges.

The aerator has been off for 8 days.

The water is a nice clean olive green with 19-20” Secchi clarity.

AM Taylor pH 7.4-7.5
Meter: TDS 85, EC 172, T 66.5 f.

All Chem running consistent; assuming alkalinity and hardness about 60 -70 ppm based on previous tests.

Jar Tests, photos below:

Jar # 1 collected 17 days ago when pond had brown surface patches

Jar # 2 collected 6 days ago after brown material was gone, pond clearing

Jar # 3 on the right side in the two photos below: clay was collected along the slope of the pond, No super fine particles, settled out immediately. Discarded.





Jar # 4 (below) was clear tap rainwater plus 10 gr clay sediment from perched water table interface.
Shook vigorously and left to settle ~ 2 days ago (45 hrs).
The Water still murky, very little settling so I assume it is an example of the colloidal clay I have on this site.
(I found some very interesting articles about colloidal clay and colloidal humus/organics. Let me know if you are interested and I'll share the links.)




I have ruled out surface runoff as a causative factor behind my turbid pond given our heavy rain last night.

I still don’t know if the perched water table introduces additional colloidal particles via the seeps since the soil is not saturated, ie the perched groundwater isn't fully recharged yet.

The aerator might have kept things stirred up; it has been off for 8 days.

It is currently positioned ~ 8 ft from the bottom to reduce pump back flow pressure. It was producing rather intense surface bubbling with ripples. I am going to lower it for improved aeration, possibly mitigate turbidity issues, even if it shortens the life on the linear diaphragm pump (hi blo 100 LL)

But I’m actually wondering if the application of 1600 lb ag lime, 24 gallons liquid alum and the hydrated lime is finally having an effect.
It is one of the reasons my whole approach to my turbid pond issues has progressed so slowly; sometimes patience is needed for the feedback loops to reveal outcomes after an intervention.

My goal was to achieve at least 18" secchi disk clarity, and not much more so as to avoid an explosion of algal or other growth.
So, I am sitting tight, thankful that I am not experiencing a problematic algal or other bloom; but I also know it could be right around the corner.



I suspect the pond will get muddy again, other issues may arise, but for now… I am going to enjoy the pond without the trouble shooting and rather obsessive measurements, etc.

We shall see.

Thank you very much for your input.
Let me know if you have any other suggestions.


Thank you very much!

Kathy

PS. additional photos for fun:

My neighbors come to fish and play.


I found out that muddy water, poor clarity, can influence the color (pigmentation) of the fish. Very interesting.