Aluminum Sulfate Granular CAS-No.: 10043-01-3 Drinking Water Certified to NSF/ANSI 60
Aluminum Sulfate is a naturally occurring chemical that is often found in areas of shale and clay or alongside bauxite. Bauxite is the ore used to make aluminum metal. For commercial uses, aluminum sulfate can be easily produced in a lab by a process of combining aluminum and sulfuric acid. The most common use of aluminum sulfate (also known as alum) is in clearing particles, contaminants, and algae from water. Alum is used in ponds and lakes to settle particles like clay and algae out of the water column. Aluminum sulfate is also used in swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas to get crystal-clear water. Many municipal or residential drinking water systems and wastewater processing plants use aluminum sulfate to purify water before consumption or before discharge into lakes and rivers. Other uses of alum include the paper-making industry, textile or fabric dying, and the tanning of animal hides.
Aluminum Sulfate application rates for ponds and lakes:
Alum is most often used at 25 to 50 pounds per acre-foot of water per treatment with fish present. The number of applications needed will vary depending on the concentration of suspended clay or algae particles. Your first treatment should be made at the rate of 25 pounds per acre-foot. Clay particles should settle and the water should start to clear within a few hours after application. Alum can reduce the pH and alkalinity of pond water due to a strongly acidic reaction in water, so testing your alkalinity and pH before and after your first application will help you determine if you may need to buffer your water using something like hydrated lime or sodium bicarbonate. Additional applications can be made at 25 - 50 pounds per acre-foot as needed. For small ponds, we recommend dissolving the granular aluminum sulfate in two or more gallons per pound in an IBC container or any other large plastic container, since aluminum sulfate will corrode metal. Be sure to rinse your equipment well. Once the alum is fully dissolved, a sump pump and garden hose can be used to spray the solution from a boat or from the banks. In larger ponds, a dissolved solution of alum can be poured into the outboard motor wash of the boat.
Isn't there something easier?? Try Metafloc
Aluminum Sulfate has the added benefit of binding sediment phosphates that often will be released under anoxic conditions and contribute to harmful algae blooms known as HABs. Accurate calculations for sediment phosphate binding would involve sediment analysis and water testing.
TRY A SAMPLE HERE
Aluminum Sulfate application rates for fresh and saltwater pools:
Obviously here at Smith Creek Fish Farm, we are not pool experts but here is a brief explanation of how to use aluminum sulfate in fresh and saltwater pools to clear algae, pollen and cloudiness. Skim, vacuum, and brush the pool to remove larger debris and algae. Balance the pool pH, Alkalinity, Calcium, Chlorine, and Cyanuric acid levels. Broadcast anywhere from 2-8 lbs of aluminum sulfate, dissolved in water, over the pool surface, per 10,000 gallons. Put the multiport valve on recirculate and run the pump for 2 hrs. Brush the pool once more. Turn the pump off for 12-24 hours, or until the alum floc settles to the pool floor. Place the multiport valve on Waste, and slowly vacuum the settled material. Recheck and correct your pool chemistry. Enjoy a crystal-clear pool!
NOTES ON USING ALUM:
Alkalinity should not be below 75 mg/l and pH should not be below 7.0. If readings are found to be below these levels, then hydrated lime and/or sodium bicarbonate can be added at the rate of 25-50 pounds per surface acre. This will help buffer the acidic effects of alum treatment and protect fish. Alum is only toxic to fish under these conditions or when used at very high concentrations for a long period of time.
Handle Aluminum Sulfate Granular as dust and as an eye irritant. Use protective gloves, and eyewear and avoid breathing dust. Store in a cool, dry place. Use only in water under a pH of 8.2. Store in a tightly closed container or bag. Alum is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the air causing the material to clump. Do not ingest. Avoid breathing powder. Avoid skin and eye contact. Dusty conditions may irritate the eyes and respiratory system
Aluminum Sulfate SDS
