Can you clear a clay lined pond using....CLAY?

This is a video about my eternally stirred up clay lined pond. It may be an awesome environment for carp but its not too good for trout so it needs to be clear.
Therefore I tried an experiment with montmorillonite clay which is used extensively in Asia by breeders of expensive fish (arowana, fancy goldfish etc.) to ensure clear aquarium water and healthy fish. It is known under a few trade names including 'bio-earth'.
Would it clear a 1000000 litre pond? Let's see.
I first added 25kg then 3-4 weeks later added 50kg more.
Check out the results and thanks for watching.
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn
JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24
Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7
If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects.
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching.
See you next time.
Pondguru

[@kjani345]

WOW! That is an amazing difference!!!!! I especially love at the end when you show BEFORE and then AFTER it is pretty dramatic!

[@pondguru]

This is a video about my eternally stirred up clay lined pond. It may be an awesome environment for carp but its not too good for trout so it needs to be clear. Therefore I tried an experiment with montmorillonite clay which is used extensively in Asia by breeders of expensive fish (arowana, fancy goldfish etc.) to ensure clear aquarium water and healthy fish. It is known under a few trade names including 'bio-earth'. Would it clear a 1000000 litre pond? Let's see. I first added 25kg then 3-4 weeks later added 50kg more. Check out the results and thanks for watching. FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24 Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7 If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects. Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching. See you next time. Pondguru

[@pondguru]

Yes, I'm hoping so and I do have some of the materials necessary for making such a huge filter system. With any luck I will get time to make it before the Spring as it will be a sigh to behold.

[@WiltshireMan]

A definite improvement there Rich. I wonder how long it will remain clear for? Lovely pond to have in your garden. ATB Sandy

[@pondguru]

I'm not sure how long it will stay clear but I am currently getting materials together for a huge multi stage filtration system which will hopefully improve the clarity even more. That will take some building.....

[@gemhunter99]

Had a pretty good idea what you were going to use before I watched. I worked in a paper mill for many years where retention was important because you didn't want all the fibers and chemicals to fall through the fine screen while forming the web. The way it was explained to me was that the clay particles structure is like a book of mica with many layers that swell and trap particles between them. And your pronunciation was spot on after you had a few weeks practice :) lol. Will be looking forward to seeing a couple of those trout.

[@pondguru]

Yes I think the applications for the product are far reaching and it definitely had a good effect. The pond is still clear now but how long that will last is anyone's guess. Fish seem happy enough.

[@thephantom39]

clearest I have ever seen your pond... I have been watching your videos for years 😀

[@pondguru]

It is the clearest its been for about 10 years and ever since I was making KZbin videos its been stirred up. Now that all carp are out it has a chance of staying clear for a good while.

[@craigmooring2091]

Good job. It seems it works sort of like seeding a cloud, which is a suspension of tiny water droplets in air: you give them something to cling to and the aggregate weight causes them to fall out of suspension.

[@pondguru]

Yes a water version of the process which happens in the atmosphere.

[@SondeldieWaldfee]

Hi Richard, that worked great. i havent expect such a big difference in your huge pond. very well done! :) Flo

[@pondguru]

How long it will stay clear is anyone's guess but I'll give updates as the months pass.

[@paulsampugnaro6919]

beautiful, great job. i can feel the peacefulness and sit looking at that clear pond for quite some time. lucky man.

[@pondguru]

Yes it is a peaceful place, especially first thing in the morning when all the birds are singing.

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

Wow what a difference !!

[@pondguru]

Hopefully the effect will last but time will tell.

[@kyleweltner5293]

Interesting to see, and I am excited to see some of the trout that come out of the pond !

[@pondguru]

I've shot the footage but haven't edited it yet - I just caught 2 to check the condition and they were in good shape.

[@stvswinney]

Love it man ... the expense and effort just for a kingfisher! - totally relate! Put two ponds into my garden over the freezing winter and what joy when a grey wagtail dropped out of a freezing fog in early January and has spent most days in the garden (aka water feature - by the Mrs!) ever since! - Warms the cockles! Your channel has helped me heaps in the build(s) - Thanks bro and keep up the good work! PS - If ever your passing the Dartford Crossing n can drop a trailer of that lovely stone into my Essex garden - let me know! Haven't got a flippin quarry for miles! ;-)

[@pondguru]

Good to hear that your projects went well and are attracting wildlife there. Yes all the decent quarries seem to be up North so it must cost a fortune to build anything from stone further South.

[@mrshoto9035]

Nicely done - impressive results 👏✔

[@pondguru]

It certainly surprised me as a total of 75kg in a 1000000 litre pond is not very much at all. To be honest the first 25kg did 90% of the clearing job.

[@GreatWaveDC]

Interesting video Richard. Great little test. I sell a little of Mick's Clay. Not that many people seem to know about it. I used to add 6 tablespoons to my pond each week, but more recently I mix it with my koi food so a bit goes in every day. Wonderful stuff. Happy Fish Keeping!

[@pondguru]

Yes it seems quite popular for koi keepers - I forgot to mention that in the video. Nobody over here seems to use it in aquariums.

[@ethanlin9925]

That's a huge improvement indeed! Keep up the good work!

[@pondguru]

Hopefully the effect will last but time will tell.

[@floydsfishes2856]

good video Richard glad your back

[@steveoutdoors5964]

Wow what a difference. I gave up using the lures for the perch when I fished the pond as the visibility was so poor. Looking forward to seeing you hook a couple of the trout. I bet there doing well and in great condition as the fish I caught were. ATB Steve

[@pondguru]

I did catch a couple of trout a week or two ago and they were in good condition so hopefully they will grow big. Invitation still there if you want to practice fly fishing.

[@kyledale201]

Looks mint that mate how deep is your pond mate

[@ApexHerbivore]

Good stuff. You could probably do with a polarising filter for your camera though. Would help you cut thru reflections on the water.

[@pondguru]

Yes if we get a few sunny days I will try filming again using the good camera looking through my fishing glasses - good point.

[@ApexHerbivore]

Nice one yeah yer sunnies will do the job. Love your vids by the way bud

[@pondguru]

I'm glad you enjoy the videos - I just wish I had more time for making them.

[@declanmcguinness9374]

Great job! Love the end 😂 Looking forward to seeing you fish for the trout!

[@pondguru]

I pulled a couple out a week or so ago and they are in great condition, haven't had a chance to edit the footage yet but it will be coming soon.

[@michaeljohnson-eh5xh]

Have you considered using siltex, many commercial fisheries use it

[@MegaDirrtyHarry]

If you would premix it with water would have a better effect or doesn't it matter?

[@sparkie92567]

Sweet place you got there... Hope everything continues to go well for you and I think I'm going to try some of the same product... Wish me luck, also I only have a 3500 gallon pond not as big and beautiful as yours but still beautiful!

[@reddmanpower606]

it looks way better good job. I love your videos

[@pondguru]

I'm hoping it will stay clear into the spring and summer too.

[@patgeorgeson5161]

I wonder if you could use this when ponds get covered in the thick green algae bloom in the summer months, it could help with oxygen levels as well. Good vid as usual Richard, thanks.

[@pondguru]

Yes I reckon it could work for that. I know a guy who really struggles with the clarity of water (it goes very green every summer) so I'll give it a go there in the Spring / Summer.

[@DramaticAquatics]

wow that is incredible stuff man!!

[@pondguru]

It is mostly used in aquariums. Next time I order the biohome I'll put a couple of 25kg bags on the order and give you some for the shop.

[@TrasteIAm]

Montmorillonite is a major component of bentonite, so will this work with kitty litter as well?

[@pondguru]

I think it needs to be a powder to allow the particles in the water to stick together to sink but cat litter made from pumice is often used to reduce nitrate on ponds. I've got some of that type and really need to make a video about pumice since it is a very good DIY filter media.

[@Hannahcode1]

Sweet! Nice job!

[@ScottishWanderer]

Pond is looking good mate how long will it stay so clear

[@pondguru]

I don't know - I'm hoping it will stay clear for many months (still clear now since October) but time will tell.

[@gypsyemperor7535]

glad your back with the videos. do you feed the fish in that pond?

[@pondguru]

Yes they get fed trout pellets every day.

[@PsychoAxeMan]

that's a pretty cool product

[@GreenEvolutions]

Great looking pond you have there ....

[@pondguru]

Definitely looks a lot better now it is clear - hopefully it will stay that way.

[@GreenEvolutions]

I have been watching your channel for a long time ... and when ever I see you pond it always reminds me of home in Canada .... I agree definitely looking better .... I see people using bentanite clay over here in Thailand to seal ponds .. have you used that before ? .. not sure if you have made a more personal video of the layout of your pond, I see many docks and houses around ... and a river or lake in the background ... looks like a fantastic place to live ... love the fact you are taking one for the team, feeding the Kingfisher over the hungry winter ... shows a true naturalist at heart ...

[@pondguru]

I have never use bentonite personally but have been involved with a few ponds where heavy rolls of something containing bentonite was used. Seems like the water knits them together and they hold water fine. Yes we are near a river (around 400m away) and those platforms were put in around the pond at the time of construction as I was originally going to use it as a personal fishery. Unfortunately the kingfisher has been taken by a bird of prey (sparrowhawk) - I saw it being carried away about 2 weeks ago and although I've had all 3 game cameras trained on different parts of the pond there is no signs of a kingfisher now - major bummer.

[@rvp666]

Can you add a bog filter to clear this up

[@Thebigmanmetaldetecting]

Congratulations on the clear pond buddy

[@pondguru]

How long it stays clear is anyone's guess but while it is clear I'm very happy. Hoping to get time to make a huge filter for the pond before the spring.

[@thefashionablefishkeeper]

Beautiful pond.I do use koi clay in my fancy goldfish tank.

[@pondguru]

That is good to hear. It is a very interesting product.

[@kyler3683]

Good job man! Looks great, I'd spend a lot of time there!!

[@thestalicho]

The flocculation helps seal any tiny leaks in the clay puddling

[@SILENTLY9]

great video on the clay , and the pond , thanks my friend ''' Dusty Williams '''

[@pondguru]

It cleared nicely, stayed clear for about 3 months then got mucked up again recently when the farmer decided to start digging up the springs and field drains which feed the pond - now it's back to square one, lol When they finally get the work done it should clear and stay clear but they are doing an hour here and there weeks apart so it's very frustrating.

[@SILENTLY9]

So that's where the water come in from , there is a spring feeding you're pond with that water . Well that's a lot of water , its a big pond . Up date us and tell us how its doing ' '' D W '''''

[@pondguru]

I do the occasional update on the garden / pond through the year, no worries.

[@hkray]

SO did this turn out to be correct or it was simply your pond was cloudier in the growing season summer and clearer in the fall when everything was dead (er) SO the question is - have you replicated this in varying seasons. ?

[@Wranid]

I've noticed something in your videos and have to ask. Do you use two cameras or just one? When doing talking to the camera shots the quality is never as crisp as the close up shots you sometimes do of stuff. It's as if the camera itself goes from 1080p to 720p between the two. It's still good but things are slightly more blurred/outlines aren't as clear as they could be? I'm not camera guy though so i could be completely wrong. I just figured i would say something as it looked like you had a great camera and it would suck if you weren't using it to it's full potential due to a setting or something.

[@pondguru]

I was using 2 cameras and one of them (the weatherproof one) has poorer sound and as the touch screen is not working I can't alter the settings. Unless its a sunny day the footage with that one can look a bit washed out. I try to use the good Panasonic camera with rode mic whenever I can but sometimes have to use the JVC one when it is raining.

[@tropicalmn8502]

Nice tank!

[@user-id8cl5zd9e]

U can do that and also u can make the clear sides of the bank not clear by removing the color or stained water by adding activated carbon

[@neilw5198]

very nice....still your never get it crystal unless you filter.........maybe set up some large aquaponic beds, before the water goes back in run through some large distill barreld then thtough some quilt batting?....but it is a massive pond....

[@neilw5198]

also remove the common carp, grass carp.

[@jinxed_jinxed_3443]

The sounds a bit low ? But great vid thanks.

[@pondguru]

Yes I was using my weatherproof camera for shooting the parts where it was raining and the sound on that one is not as good. The wind muff which sits in front of the mic was wet too which probably didn't help either for those parts of the video.

[@christopherellis2663]

it works! should be good until the next heavy rain and runoff

[@pondguru]

Time will tell how long the clarity lasts but the first bag went in October and it is still clear now.

[@mattaquatics4918]

wow that stuff worked miracles do you think a static sand bed filter would get it crystal ?

[@pondguru]

It may do but I have other things planned for the pond before the spring. I have loads of parts to put together to make a mega-filter which will hopefully keep it clear - just waiting to get time to make a start as it will take an age to put together..

[@AmaliMapa]

Is this pond good for swimming?

[@thegrantclan]

Nice one ☝️ good thinking 💭

[@tasmedic]

Does this process dump a heap of anaerobic crap onto the bottom of the pond? Could that be a bad thing?

[@pondguru]

The actual weight of stuff clumped and settled out will be negligible and it takes very little to cloud a pond. Maybe if the original problem was rampant green water there would be lots taken to the bottom and killed off / digested which would use oxygen but I doubt that it would have a noticeable negative effect.

[@tasmedic]

+Pondguru Outdoors Thanks, Richard. I just thought that 75+ Kilograms of clay might precipitate heaps of gunge, and stuff up the ecosystem for the bottom-dwellers. Thanks for putting me right again! 😊

[@Blackfox_Kitsune]

help hand for you i had trouble with this one to lol it's a mouth full that's for sure.. Montmorillonite is spoken like this: Mont-Moe-Ril-lon-ite clay (hope it helps) Ok info from a fish keeper and it is now also backed by research as well. Now before i start i want all you Anglers to know i do not hate you, i think many of you are good people who do care about your pray, with out them you wouldn't have a sport. As a fish keeper catching fish with a hook is NOT the best way to check them for health (so i hope you intend to eat them at least or keep them in a tank until their healed up from the hook) Contrary to popular fishing catch and release myth, the hook Barbed or barbless actually damages the ability of the fish to catch food and opens them up to infections, any fish keeper that keeps a fish in a tank knows that any wound on a fish can quickly become infected with fungus and or bacterial infections and if untreated spells the end of the fish. But the other one is it damages the suction function of the fish mouth making it harder or impossible for the fish to catch food and so they starve to death. the ones the survive on the other hand end up struggling because they can't catch food for a long while and may then become sick as a result of lack of nutrition. So run down By doing catch and release fishing you are reducing your fish's long term health and condemning them to a life of suffering or a slow death. for a little info so you guys can start your own research into it. scienceblog.com/503822/hook-injury-from-catch-and-release-can-reduce-fish-feeding/

[@wyattoutlaw2370]

Aren’t there certain water reeds / plants that help improve the clarity of water?

[@pondguru]

Any plant with its roots in the water will help as will any plants which grow over the water surface but the plants which are generally used for water purification in the UK are Norfolk Reed (phragmities australis)

[@RuggedOutdoorz]

We have Fullers earth and does a great job for us

[@pondguru]

That was the other name I couldn't remember. It is known by many names but the base component is montmorillonite clay.

[@TheAnnoyingThingOutdoors1]

Have you tried to put in breams? I have a vague memory of someone saying that it helps to clean the water.

[@pondguru]

I did have bream in there but they were one of the culprits churning up the clay base.

[@TheAnnoyingThingOutdoors1]

Ah, perhaps they are better in lakes then?

[@pondguru]

Yes much better in big bodies of water as they can grow quite large.

[@clogsism]

Need more aquatic plants

[@MrCites1]

Alum is the best to clear clay water

[@m3sca1]

totally expected some pyrotechnics from the thumbnail

[@pondguru]

Yes it looks like I'm throwing a flare or smoke bomb there, lol

[@peteveal3031]

Hi guys does none know where I can buy the montmorillonite clay . I need about 40 kilos . My pond is natural and is constantly looks clay coloured. I know I have a lot of carp in there .... will the Clay still work and maybe clear it a little .

[@zunedog31]

God I love your pond... How deep is it?

[@pondguru]

In the deepest it is somewhere between 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) as it was originally put in for trout.

[@isoaqua5825]

wow the difference !!!!!!!!

[@isoaqua5825]

lol the end !

[@pondguru]

Yes it made a heck of a difference and hopefully it will stay clear for many months.

[@jecolaco]

Won't this powder harm the fish?

[@pondguru]

No it is even used in this form in aquariums where tiny fish live with no harmful effects.

[@Blackfox_Kitsune]

nope you know those liquid aquarium things called "water clear" for making white milky water clear, it's this stuff already put into water. and you can buy the power to add to sump filters and the likes as well.

[@THEDRAGONBOOSTER8]

Have used it or very similar,long story ,for a towns drinking water when I worked for the Council or SHIRE as is over there as a pond sealer or a flocking agent instead of using Alum.Carp have become o multi million Dollar problem over here in 2 of our many lakes after being being let go by someone that didn't know better..They have ruined the lakes by muddying up the water..Cheers from Tassie..

[@pondguru]

Yes the same problem is all over mainland AU too as far as I know and they grow to monster sizes. I'd imagine that using the clay is healthier than using alum?

[@crazycressy7986]

bet it looks good when the sun shines ;)

[@pondguru]

I was waiting until the sun was shining so I could film the last part of the video but we haven't had sun for weeks. I uploaded the video yesterday and today has been full, bright sunshine all day. Reminds me of a Slayer album title: 'God hates us all' lol

[@crazycressy7986]

love a bit of bloodline from Slayer ;) mind you "god was never on your side " by Motorhead is a good one ;)

[@pondguru]

Now Bloodline is one angry song and they are getting angrier. Tom Araya's voice is shot now. I'm more a fan of Slayer's earlier work up to the mid 90's and Reign in blood is the standard all thrash should be measured by - masterpiece. I still have Reign in blood, South of heaven and Seasons in the abyss in my car along with some Deathstars and Inkubus Sukkubus. My wife can't believe that I haven't 'grown out of that nonsense yet', lol

[@crazycressy7986]

i dident take you as a metal head ;) iam more into Sabbath AC/DC Iron Maiden ect ect ,good old 80s metal ;)

[@pug2322]

If it's as deep as you say, gravel it with a 2ft bed of hardcore, that will stop the fish digging about in the clay and your trout will thank you for a gravel bed, if you don't gravel it you'll being doing this for the rest of the ponds life if you need it clear.

[@pondguru]

The trout don't dig in the bottom so I'm hoping it will stay clear for a good while. I'll be making a huge filter system in the Spring which will have a couple of large vortex filters and showers so that may keep on top of the clarity - it would be nice to see it clear in the middle of summer.

[@SoldierDemps]

Arnt the fish just guna stir up the bottom again and make it murky?

[@pondguru]

If I still had carp in then yes they would just stir it up again but they have all been removed and now there's just trout and rudd in which aren't as destructive as carp.

[@johnstanton8499]

Its like Lake Shrine in california

[@rev.gustavhautz5683]

dont know if it just me or my comp, but sound is very low on this video. hard to hear.

[@pondguru]

I though t it was OK when I was editing it but some parts were filmed with a different camera (since it was raining) and the mic on that one is not as good. I tried to level it out in editing but it is a bit quiet in places.

[@florinstenicica9411]

I have the same type of headphones :D

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

The material you really need for this is called alum which is aluminum sulfate to floc and clear you water. montmorillonite or bentonite clay is like dynamite. It is very useful in the right hands to seal a pond www.aquahabitat.com/pond.liners.html , but it can be a disaster for the uninitiated. What a person should avoid is bentonite in a pond that over-flows since it is very bad for stream habitats! I enjoyed seeing your experiment, though! Cheers!

[@pondguru]

Yes it worked very well and although I was aware of the Alum being good for water treatment (it is used in treatment plants in the UK) I didn't know it could be bought but I just found it in 25kg bags so will give one of them a go - thanks very much for the tip.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

Also with both of these materials, be extremely careful about avoiding spreading them into a stream

[@looselips123]

hi do you have a link to where i can purchase this clay

[@pondguru]

You will find it on ebay and amazon but if you are in the UK just let me know what size pond you have and I'll send you some out (I'm assuming it's not a lake, lol) my email address is [e-mail]

[@looselips123]

Ok cheers will send you an email im in the UK and its for my koi pond

[@zanedickson2725]

Get rid of the karp..i think that'll clear the water up..i know thats why they're try to get rid of em in Australia

[@florinstenicica9411]

i love your place it`s like paradise !

[@pondguru]

I'm hoping to make it even more so this year as I have had my friend helping to improve many parts of the garden and wood. It's come a long way from a derelict bungalow with no garden and an overgrown wood but there is so much more to do.

[@florinstenicica9411]

Pondguru Outdoors i love the overgrown wood it seems so wild your place is like a dream come true i wish i couls visit it sometime

[@pondguru]

The wood will be getting cleared out a bit as there are loads of overgrowth which blocks out light. As it gets cleared the small trees and bushes cut down will be laid in piles for wildlife. The goal is to make the environment more diverse so even more species of animals and birds make it home.

[@florinstenicica9411]

Oww this is awesone what fish u have in it ?

[@pondguru]

They are mostly Rainbow trout and a few Rudd and Roach.

[@mtourgus]

It's found around the world but the purest best stuff comes from the USA...that's where yours came from..

[@pondguru]

Damn it when I was editing this last night I thought I was wrong saying it was French. It's named after the French region famous for producing it and that's what confused me. You know what my memory is like.....

[@jordanf10]

mtourgus

[@Tom_Prendiville]

Just a little FYI 😉 Montmorillonite was named after the town near where this type of clay was first discovered; Montmorillon in France. Bentonite was also named after the place nearest to where this type of clay was discovered; Fort Benton which is near Montana in the USA.

[@solosearcher]

from the title and picture I thought you were trying to literally to clear the pond as in throw it from 1 side to the other lol

[@pondguru]

Yes it looks that way on the thumbnail, lol

[@tommymackay2849]

I use similar, too clear my home made wine.

[@pondguru]

Good to hear as nobody likes cloudy wine, lol

[@duncantaylor8697]

mont-mo-ril-lonite

[@bryansenulis2975]

Looks nasty to me....our pond way more clear and we do nothing

[@dorianzulic9369]

Fight fire with fire ;)

[@doctormcboy5009]

not that good mate