Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water How much hydrated lime for a 1/4 acre pond?

How much hydrated lime for a 1/4 acre pond please?

What is the purpose for using the hydrated lime? It's purpose and the alkalinity of the water will govern how much is used. Using just hydrated lime can be used to clear turbid water, although not as effective a clearing agent as alum..

Hi,Bill,
THanks for your reply. I'm looking to use it to clear turbid water. I prefer not to use alum because we use this as our household water supply.

What approximate amount do you recommend for a 1/4 pond? It is 5 1/2 ph.
Thanks!

The pH is surprisingly low for a pond in Indiana. Have the pH of 5.5 verified by a local water treatment company. Low pH and use of hydrated lime could cause a wide swing of pH due to low buffering capacity of the water with a pH of 5.5-6. Be aware a fish kill could result if you are not careful with the application method especially in low buffered water. Amount to use will depend on the volume of water as in acre feet. Maximum depth and average depth will need to be known not estimated to accurately calculate the acre feet of water present.

NOTE: Municipalities who source their water from surface waters regularly use alum to clear the turbidity. Thus alum is considered safe by EPA for use in water treatment for domestic use.

Using hydrated lime is not as effective as alum for clearing turbid water. Hydrated lime, or calcium hydroxide, will increase total hardness (the calcium component), and temporarily increase the total alkalinity (the hydroxide component), and it can quickly raise the pH of the water. Adding hydrated lime at too large of an amount will rapidly increase in pH to the point of lethal to fish.

Hydrated lime is considered to be a strong base, highly caustic, and care should be used when applying. Avoid breathing the dust and do not allow it to contact skin or eyes.