A pond makes a beautiful addition to any garden, especially when it’s home to wildlife. But if you don’t clean your pond, it’ll soon become an eyesore. Dead plants. Stringy weeds. And dirty, contaminated water. Don’t worry though, regular water changes, a bit of maintenance, and an occasional clean out are all you need. Here, we’ll share the five steps you need to follow to clean your pond.
How to know whether you need to clean your pond
Not sure whether your pond’s ready for a complete clean-out? Look out for these signs.
Your pond:
- Has a thick layer of sludge over its base
- Is dark and discoloured
- Has fallen into a state of disrepair.
In these cases, make sure you clean your pond filter as well as the pond itself.
The best time to clean your pond is usually autumn. This is usually the least active time for fish and other pond wildlife. Aside from this, make sure you keep on top of regular water changes.
Follow these five steps to clean your pond.
1. Prepare a holding tank for your fish and plants
Prepare a holding tank(s) for your fish and any deep water plants. Fill the tank(s) with pond water and store it in a shady place. Marginal (water’s edge) plants should survive out of the pond as long as you keep them in moist, shady conditions.
2. Drain up to half of your pond water
Drain up to half of your pond water using a pond pump. Your fish and plants will become visible as the water drains. Place your fish and plants in the holding tank. You may need to divide and/or repot your plants. You might also find some unexpected larger pond creatures in your pond. Put these in your holding tank(s) too.
Bonus Tip
Don’t get rid of any decaying plant matter straight away. Small creatures could be hiding in this foliage. Instead, place the plant matter at the edge of your pond so these creatures can return to the water. You can get rid of it later.
3. Vacuum the bottom of your pond
Use a pond vacuum to clean the bottom of your pond without having to drain it. If you have a deep pond, you may need a vacuum with a telescopic handle. There are lots of types of pond vacuums available. While basic models are usually ideal for small ponds, you may need a vacuum with better suction for a bigger pond.
When vacuuming, make sure you keep the majority of the sludge at the bottom of the pond. This sludge contains billions of bacteria and microorganisms that tackle harmful chemicals like nitrogen and ammonia. You can also apply a bacteria treatment to keep your pond water healthy for your fish.
4. Refill your pond
Return your saved pond water to your pond. Then, refill with water (rainwater is best), and reposition your plants as you go. If you have to use tap water, use a pond tap water treatment like Tetra Pond Aquasafe to get rid of chlorine and metals.
5. Make your fish at home
Finally, return your fish and any other creatures to your pond.
Keep in mind that it can take several months or even years for your pond to return to its balanced ecosystem. So, remember to regularly test your pond water quality using a pond test kit and apply treatments when necessary.
About Warehouse Aquatics
The Warehouse Aquatics mission is to offer the most choice at the best prices when it comes to your fishes’ wellbeing. We use the products on our website ourselves and are well-versed in all things fish, so we can give you all the advice you need. We’re not just here to sell aquatic supplies. We’re also here to guide you through your journey as a fish owner and enthusiast.
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