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Sludge (muck) is a layer of black, smelly slime found at the bottom of most lakes & ponds. It is similar to the black, tar-like substance that can be found in most septic tanks and drainfields.
Though sludge depth can vary dramatically from pond to pond, it is a major contributor to the aging and ultimate eutrophication of most pond environments, making it the enemy of most lake and pond managers. There are three main problems that can be attributed to sludge: foul smells, decreased depths, and the nutrients that it provides for algae growth.
 Foul smelling sludge will make any pond undesirable to be around. With ponds and water features steadily becoming a focal point for outdoor living, this odor can turn away visitors and make the entire body of water a nuisance to the property owner.
Decreased depths can create problems for pond life as well. Shallow bodies of water are much more difficult to aerate properly, resulting in lower Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels and thus putting fish and other desirable wildlife under undue stress. As the pond continues to age, these lower depths will ultimately decrease the amount of life that the pond is able to sustain.
Lastly, the sludge layer can harbor many of the nutrients upon which algae and other undesirable life can thrive. As the organics that make up the sludge layer decompose, nutrients are made available to the algae that enhance its growth.
Fortunately, there are a number of solutions for sludge control from Orb-3 ®Lake and Pond. These solutions will help to control the ammonia, nitrates and other excess nutrients that make up the odiferous muck that fouls almost every lake and pond.
Though sludge can take a long time to build up to a point that it creates a problem, it is best to begin treatments early so that drastic measures such as mechanical dredging can be avoided.
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