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Joined: Dec 2022
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Knobber Offline OP
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So, I think I want to apply a phosphorous binder due to my algae issues and lab tests:

https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=569653#Post569653
https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=570968#Post570968

I searched the forum and found mostly old arguments about Phoslock.

My understanding is that aluminum sulfate is a traditional, low-cost approach. The downside is that it can dangerously lower pH. However, my pH (8.3) and total alkalinity (180 ppm) are on the high side, so maybe I have enough buffer?

There seems to be many products for natural, non-alum, binders. Phoslock, MetaFloc, AirMax Ecoboost, etc. These are more pricey.

Thoughts on these products?

Also, when is the best time to apply a "reset" dosage of phosphorous binder? Now (Fall) or early next Spring? Right now, the undesirable grasses/cattails are dead, and I raked out all the floating mats of FA.

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I think having a good understanding of when applying a phosphorus binder would really benefit a pond would be a valuable tool on the forum!

There have been several threads in the past, but I don't think we have compiled enough "experimental" results into one place to draw a lot of useful conclusions. I can't remember exactly who was in the few good threads we did have, and who helps manage enough ponds to know.

You might add Fire Is Hot or esshup in the Display Name box for your searches?

Good luck on your pond improvements!

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The best time to apply the binder for us up here is right after ice out when all the plants and the majority of phytoplankton has died and decomposed. That puts the highest amount of soluble P in the water. You really, really should apply enough so that the binder create flocculation. That way the P precipitates out and falls to the bottom of the pond.

Read the alum kicks clays butt threads. That gives you an idea how to apply it. Have some way to pond test water pH during application. Rex usually says 300# of alum and 150# of hydrated lime per acre foot of water. Too long of a process to re-type it here - look in the clearing turbid clay laden ponds for how to apply it. You cannot mix the two together and apply at the same time. Think of making Jello......


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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
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Knobber Offline OP
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Thanks. I read through some of those alum threads. I have 5.5 acre-ft of volume. That's 2500 lbs of alum and lime to acquire, haul, mix, and apply. That's well beyond my capability. Seems a lot easier to spray a few gallons of MetaFloc, which includes flocculation.

My water is very clear, not muddy. No clay turbidity. Just elevated phosphorous.

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Originally Posted by Knobber
Thanks. I read through some of those alum threads. I have 5.5 acre-ft of volume. That's 2500 lbs of alum and lime to acquire, haul, mix, and apply. That's well beyond my capability. Seems a lot easier to spray a few gallons of MetaFloc, which includes flocculation.

My water is very clear, not muddy. No clay turbidity. Just elevated phosphorous.

I would be VERY interested in seeing water test results from pre application and comparing it to post application. SRP and TP readings pre/post.


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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
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