We have recently moved into a new home. In the garden is a small pond, more of a one for nature, than to keep fish in.

The idea is to strip it bare, clean it up and check for any filter/pumps. Now I know there is a little water feature that can be used. Once the cut cable has been repaired.

Now when is a good time to carry out the above maintenance. and am I ok stripping it back comeplety and starting it again?

More information please.

How big is it, L x W x D

If its a "natural pond" no filter, UV, pump will be required.

What is the "little water feature"? you mention, and used for what?

Cleaning, now is not really a good time (too cold) but if you must, then may I suggest that daft that it sounds, a plastic dustpan and brush will work wonders.

Take any plants out and stand in a container of pond water, bail or pump out what you have left, then use the dust pan and brush to get the sludge out, put it on the side of the pond so anything you didn't see can get back into the pond.

Refill, add dechlorinator and put the plants back.

How about a nice couple of pictures?


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As an aisde, if a pump cable has been damaged, I would never suggest it be repaired, you can't change a submersible pump cable, (it's sealed) You can't use an ordinary connector (not suited)the pond cable repair "Kit" often leak as they are awkward to do right, a new pump is cheaper than a new life.

It will be dark when i get home, so pictures will have to wait until the weekend.

I will get the measurements roughly of the pond, as per depth, I will poke a stick in and see where it comes upto

The water feature as I recall was mearly a gnome with a hose and it basically just sprinkles water back into the pond.

The pond surgace is also covered in a floating plant. I dont expect to find any other plants inside the pond.

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ok.

And that stick, don't, use an upturned broom.

why is that then?

Broom handle can't puncture a liner trying to find the bottom through sludge, stick can.

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This depends on the condition of the pond and whether or not you have any fish. If you start over, you'll loose beneficial bacteria, but it may be worth it if the muck is deep enough. If there is a gravel bottom, consider taking the gravel out, as the biological load of the debris it traps far outweighs the surface area it provides for nitrifying bacteria.

If you have both fish and sludge, either take the fish out or clear only a small section of sludge each day. The reason for this is that the sludge will release poisonous gases when disturbed, and too much at once will kill the fish.

Well the pond didn't have any fish, it measures about 4 foot long roughly and about 1 1/2 feet wide at the widest point.
I think its about 1 and 1/2 feet deep. Couldn't find the bloomin tape measure to measure lol,

Turns out there is no filter or pump in there.

The bottom was full of gravel/sludge. Is it worth putting the gravel back in once filled?

Its too small to keep any fish in, so I guess I will just have to have it as a nature pond.

will attempt to upload some pictures

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look forward to it.

You could always host them at say photobucket and put links to them here.

I cant seem to figure out how to upload photo's today.
God knows why, i've done it often enough before!

Will try again tomorrow