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Joined: Feb 2006
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Lunker
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I have a newly reclaimed (dugout) pond that is 18 months old and stocked. When it first filled it cleared up but after the second rain it has been stained and never cleared. The water below in the creek is clear, the water trapped next to the pond is clear too. I haven't done any water tests other than using a glass jar and eventually the clay will settle out.
This past weekend I put 2-2.5 tons of gypsum boulders scattered around the edge of the one acre pond. I had friends that had used this technique to provide continuous release over the next 3-2 years. I bought 3.5 tons for $15 bucks so I have some left over for later use. My question is do I need to do anything else and what is lime used for and has anyone else used this technique?
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,256 |
cwooten,
Very interesting post. Roughly how big are the gypsum "boulders?" I like the idea of continuous release over a long period of time. If you don't mind me asking, where did you locate these boulders, and how did you get such a good deal??
We've used quite a bit of gypsum on our ponds, but it's the powdered ag gypsum that comes in 40 lb bags. It gave our big pond (4-5 acres) nearly a foot more visibility after we applied about 2.5 tons.
Interestingly, the gypsum first turned the pond a milky white color as it was bonding to the clay particles. About a week later, it slowly but surely started clearing.
To answer your question, then, you shouldn't need to do anything else IF 1- the boulder gypsum works like the powdered gypsum we used, and 2- the clay particles settled out in a jar test like you indicated. 2-2.5 tons certainly sounds like plenty for a 1 acre pond.
I'm assuming our powdered gypsum will work faster than your boulder gypsum, since ours should dissolve quicker. Thus, it make take a lot longer for you to notice the clearing effects than it does for us. However, I'm guessing that your method will provide better long-term effects than ours. We had to spread the gypsum about 1/2 to 3/4 ton at a time with about 2 week breaks before we really noticed the difference. Your boulders should hopefully be doing the work for you.
"Only after sorrow's hand has bowed your head will life become truly real to you; then you will acquire the noble spirituality which intensifies the reality of life. I go to an all-powerful God. Beyond that I have no knowledge--no fear--only faith."
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,499 Likes: 267
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,499 Likes: 267 |
For most ponds, gypsum application rates will range from about 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per acre (Fig. 4). In hard-water ponds (calcium hardness greater than 50 mg/L), the water is nearly saturated with calcium and gypsum may be ineffective. In that situation, alum will be the only effective coagulant. All the coagulants mentioned can remove phosphorus from water. As phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient, it may be necessary to fertilize the pond after treating it for turbidity. On occasion, phytoplankton and clay can mutually coagulate, so fertilizing to start a phytoplankton bloom may also clear water of suspended clay particles. Lime = better water quality and fertility when needed. Read this. http://srac.tamu.edu/tmppdfs/144249-464f...f9518a72c2f7d5d
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 352
Lunker
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Joined: Oct 2004
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ewest There was a distinguished gentleman at last years conference (Dr. Anderson?) who was kind enough to spend some time with me and suggested Rice bran or Cottonseed meal for a natural fertilizer. Could not located rice bran and Todd Overton, on one of his trips down, suggested cottonseed meal also. That was our final step to clearing our larger pond. Used 2 applications, 600# and 400#, from shore by hand and achieved a bloom. When the bloom subsided the water cleared even more! I also want to note the FHs and BGs ate the meal as it drifted. Also note our water was very soft prior to 2.5 tons of gypsum. I too will be awaiting a report from cwooten and more info on the boulders. Dr. Anderson (sp?) also suggested to those who "hand feed daily" to keep a bag and spread a little daily when feeding during warm weather.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,055 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,055 Likes: 277 |
Al, how much cottonseed per acre do you use?
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Lunker
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Lunker
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At the time the pond was 4a and 600# with a 400# follow up in 4 days.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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The gyp rocks were 50-300+ pounds
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