We just mucked out our pond for the spring....

Drained the pond, moved the fish to a kids pond, and then the work began.

Pumped it down and then started raking, sweeping and power washing.

Yes, yes I know don't wash off all the good stuff. Well, the "good stuff"
was a foot thick in places.

Many many buckets later, we filled it again (well water) started the pumps,
and moved the fish back.

The water was COLD, so I wasn't worried too much about the fish, although
one did jump out of the kiddy pool and spend some time in the mulch before
we noticed. Seems happy now in his CLEAN pond.

However... I have to think that the lilies contributed a LOT to the muck on
the bottom. I know the aquatic "soil" (looked like kitty litter) was
everywhere BUT in the Lilly containers. Same with he small stones and
anything else.

What can we put in the pond in the way of plants that won't "Migrate" to the
bottom, shed leaves into my filter, and can deal with LARGE rocks for soil
(Something the fish won't move).

How big a pond you ask...

Take a look...

http://www.sissonfamily.com/pages/pond.htm

Our Six (6) Koi survived another winter, along with about 8 Comets and 6
Shubunkins (sp?) a frog and a catfish. They all survived (so far) being
moved twice today, and all but the cat fish seem to like a cleaner pond.

My wife would love to keep it aquarium clear, but I don't think I can do
that with any plants.

all ideas welcome....


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Bob Sisson
Keeper of the Dragon and other things at Redwall

http://www.SissonFamily.com/bob