Thanks for that, and you are definitely correct about the dramatic change and effect of that big rain. I don’t think I have to worry much about turning over the low oxygen from the bottom because that was my primary concern when I build the pond at the bottom of a hill. I made sure with the construction of the bog that I have the pump pulling the water from the bottom 1.5-2’ with a 10,000 gph pump Also the fountain I have pulls 4,000 gallons an hr and is suspended about 2-1/2’ below the surface so it does a good job of mixing that top water layer. My issue is for every inch of rain, get about a foot in the pond. I know my initial alum treatment was not nearly enough, but my thought was I will gradually keep adding 25-40 pounds at a time until I reach the 200lb recommended amount. I know the amount of washout and sediment I received this last storm buried the initial 50lbs of aluminum, but like you said I need to stabilize the area and then be patient and let it settle down before I do anything else. We went from not a drop of rain in 7 weeks to 3.8” in 6hrs! The grass I was able to start growing stood no chance!
My main reason for clearing the water in the first place was I couldnt get any plants to grow on the bottom due to relatively low PH and 1” visibility. I think with this oops treatment I did yesterday, the water is clear enough to allow light to get through and plants to grow. Also has the PH up if even just a bit.
I also know i need to seal the bottom more, but considering it’s a water table/ retention pond I may just have to deal with and manage the drastic water fluctuations. Unless of course someone has a suggestion for me. I loose about a 1/8-1/4”a day for the first 2-2.5’ then it slows down to about 1/4” every 3-4 days. I wish I could show pics, but it wont allow them to upload.
