The reason siphons work in an aquarium is that the tank is often 3-4 feet
above ground. The hose and the collection bucket are on the ground. The
bottom of the pond would have to be atleast a foot or two above ground to
create the suction needed to suck up crud from the bottom.
Sameer

It will work, but one does get better suction from the great drop, at least
it appears that way, bucket fills faster. ~ jan


(Do you know where your water quality is?)