Quicklime is dangerous. It burns if it is inhaled or touches the skin. Farmers using quicklime should exercise extreme care. Application rates for different liming materials are given below, and may be used where soil testing is not available. It will not hurt to add lime if the reason for poor fertilizer response is not clear.
Agricultural lime is safe to apply while fish are still in the pond.
Applying excess quicklime or hydrated lime can kill fish. Quick or hydrated lime should be applied before stocking fish. If several applications of lime fail to increase production of phytoplankton other actions may be necessary to improve conditions in the pond. Sometimes the amount of fertilizer applied is insufficient to stimulate phytoplankton response. If storage is required place chemical fertilizers in a dry, well protected location.