Pond Sludge, Bottom Drains & Vacuums

From: r.szuta

Subject: Re: Pond Sludge, Bottom Drains & Vacuums

Dear Anthony

I have been receiving you pond tips for quite awhile now and find them very helpful. I did want to ask a question regarding a small patio pond, holds about 28 gallons of water. I just completed my second year doing this and have since taken the pond down for the winter. I was reading that you do not recommend stones on the bottom of the pond because it traps solids which I understand. I have used aquarium gravel/ stones and it looks nice but the water needs to be changed about 2 times each summer. My question is could I use clean sand box sand on the bottom of the pond? The plastic bowl is black and it is lit in the evening and I need something to eliminate the black color. Also I have put small gold fish in this pond and it seems to work out well, when I do not spray insect killer around the pond (it kills the gold fish). I do have an aquarium filter and an under water filter running constantly when I have fish in the pond, but still would like you thoughts on the sand issue. I have attached a couple of pictures of my "patio pond" for you, I live in an apartment complex and we have small enclosed patios. I have not read anything about anyone doing this, so I thought that you might like to see some pictures. If you have any questions please e-mail me back and I will do my best to answer them for you. My patio is my little garden escape, I love it, and enjoy many days and evenings outside in summer.

Sincerely

Ron Szuta

Milwaukee, WI

Ron, thanks for the email. You have a very nice water features. It is not a good idea to put anything on bottom of pond. If you do this then remove it and clean it frequently or at least use an organic digester product such as Viresco to remove organics. One or two larger pebbles will not do any real harm just don’t cover the whole bottom.

Black by the way is the best colour for a pond since the fish and plants contrast well with the black Would you be happy to write an article for me under the title of "How to Build and Enjoy a Patio Pond"? ... illustrating how you built it, what equipment, you have, plants and fish and how you enjoy it etc

I will publish along with your photos and name etc on my site.

Feel free to download my book "The Complete Pond Solver" at this link (not shown but provided to Ron)

It is a large file so will take a while to download.

Regards

Tony