Not much algae can grow in muddy water because clay particles limit the penetration of light
into water. Blue-green algae are adapted to the dimly lit waters of moderately turbid ponds.
Unfortunately, some of these alga can cause off-flavor in fish, which could be reason enough to clear can cause off-flavor in fish, which could be reason enough to clear water of clay turbidity. Interestingly, extremely muddy ponds have few, if any, algae in the water and often less problem with off-flavor than moderately muddy ponds.