So you have a fish pond that is full of dirt, dead leaves and other undesirables. What is the best way forward to clean the pond and getting it back looking it's best?
Cleaning a fish pond is not what it seems you certainly won't need detergent! (Avoid use of chemicals as these could cause more harm than good.
Firstly you need to assess the pond. Is it really that bad? These are the points you need to consider;
- Is the layer of sludge on the bottom more than an inch deep?
- Can you see the bottom of the pond?
- Do you have any fish in the pond? If so do they appear content or are they gasping for air?
If you have answered yes to any of the above then you have to consider moving the fish to a holding tanks and emptying the pond. Keep back some of the sludge from the bottom and also keep the plants that have been removed from the pond. Clean the empty pond with fresh cold water, once clean reintroduce the kept sludge and plants and refill with new water.
Allow the pond to settle for at least 4 days before reintroducing the fish. It may still take several weeks for the water to fully clear as you will need the natural good bacteria to build back up and the natural balance of the pond to be restored.
If the situation is not as drastic as first thought then you will have to get your hand dirty and scoop the leaves from the pond. Also it would pay you to remove some of the silt from the bottom of the pond and remove any damaged plants. Once you have done this consider removing approx 10% of the water and then topping up with fresh water. This could be repeated every two weeks until you have nice clean water.
Once you have the pond clean consider using a net to stop unwanted leaves from falling into the pond in the future, also keep an eye on your fish stock because if the pond becomes overstocked you will find it harder to keep clean.
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