411homerepair.com

Annual Pond Cleanouts

by Dan Eskelson on Apr 28, 2012

Much of the following advice will pertain to *all* ponds but is based on my experience with the natural ecosystem of our aquascape Designs water garden.

The annual cleanout is the only "major" pond maintenance chore required by our natural water garden environment. Considering the many hours of enjoyment our pond and waterfall provide throughout the year, these four or five hours of easy-paced work are well worth my time and effort.

The cleanout should be performed before the water temperature gets above 55 deg. F - the temperature at which the beneficial bacteria begin to colonize. You don't want to disrupt the natural balance.

Using a sump pump or the pond pump surrounded by a protective screen (to restrict the fish), pump out much of the water - use as long a pipe as possible and direct the water to lawns, shrubs, or other areas that would benefit from a nutrient-rich bath.

Before the pond, the level has lowered to six inches or so, fill two or three "holding tanks" (I used dishwashing tubs) with the existing pond water and carefully net your fish into them. The fish are weak after a long winter, so the less stress they endure, the better - they *may* try to jump out of the holding tanks, so cover with a piece of plywood or another object. Limit the time in the holding tank to just a few hours.

after removing almost all of the water, spray down the rocks with a garden hose and spray nozzle - it's not necessary, nor advisable, to remove *all* the algae - leaving some will be beneficial to the ecosystem. Start washing from the top down, and run the pump to remove the dirty water. Washing the rock should take only a half-hour or so.

Remove the filter media and lava rock from the skimmer and bio falls, and hose it thoroughly...again about a half hour's work. Clean out the skimmer box and any remaining debris at the bottom of the pond.

Though much is made of the dreaded "pond scum", with the natural ecosystem of the aquascape ponds, there is very little of this to deal with. I remove about a pint after the final rinsing.

Now hook up your pump, reinstall the filter media and start filling your pond. If you have city tap water, you will need to add dechlorinator according to directions...fish will not survive in chlorinated water.

Finally, float your holding tanks and fish in the new pond water for 30 minutes to acclimate them to the temperature change. Then free your fish into the pond.

That's it - not a bad job at all. This is a very minor price to pay for what we consider to be the best improvement we've ever made to our outdoor environment.

Latest Articles

Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners

Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...

on Jan 25, 2024

Real Estate Development in Asian Cities

In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...

on Jan 25, 2024

Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower

Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...

on Jan 22, 2024

Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment

The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...

on Jan 10, 2024

The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities

Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...

on Jan 5, 2024

Actions

More DIY Articles

Oregon Local Builders Associations

Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.

Builders Associations

What to Do If You Want to Rehab Your Home but Are Low on Cash

Have you been thinking about a new bathroom? Considering remodeling the kitchen? Perhaps you have thought about how a new addition would increase...

Real Estate / Finance

What is a Local Builders Association?

There are also state and local home builder associations that are working to remove barriers to housing construction. National Association of Home...

Builders Associations

Respirator or Dust Mask - What is the Difference?

When embarking on any project whatsoever where you will be subjected to airborne particles, you may want to make sure to have the appropriate level...

Cleaning / Maintenance

Plywood Thickness: Weight-Capacity Correlation

The thickness of plywood is essential in determining which to use for the intended purpose at hand. In general, most plywood only reaches 1 inch in...

Floors / Tile / Hardwood

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2024