A pond with fish can be a beautiful addition to your garden.You may have a larger pond with many different types of fish.Cleaning a koi pond can seem like a big project, but with a few supplies and steps you can make it a success.
Step 1: Attach the spray attachment to the garden hose.
Make sure you have access to a garden hose that runs on fresh water.It is easy to use the spray attachment on the hose if you put it on it.
Step 2: A skimmer net is something to look for.
You can find skimmer nets at your local pet store.It will be easier to push the net off the sides of the pond if it has a square end.The skimmer net can be used to maintain your pond on a regular basis.
Step 3: The holding container should be large enough for the fish.
If you decide to remove your fish from the pond before you clean it, you will need a container large enough for the fish to hang out in.The container needs to be wide enough for your fish and deep enough to hold at least one foot of pond water.
Step 4: You can find dechlorinator at your local pet store.
Once the pond is clean, a dechlorinator will be used to remove chlorine from the tap water.It's important to dechlorinate the water before you put the fish back in the pond.
Step 5: A pond vacuum is a good investment.
The vacuum will help remove leaves and sludge from the pond.You can find pond vacuums at your local pet store.You can use a shop vacuum if you don't have access to a pond vacuum.A complete clean of the pond could affect the growth of algae.If your pond is dirty from the winter or poor maintenance, you may want to use a vacuum.
Step 6: The pond needs to be cleaned in the spring.
The best time to clean your pond is at the beginning of spring, when the pond has started to thaw from the winter.When the weather starts to warm up, you should plan for an annual pond clean at the beginning of spring because the water is not yet full ofbacteria and algae.If you aren't able to clean the pond in the spring, you can do a fall cleaning.As the trees change, your pond may become full of fallen leaves and debris, so you may want to clean it.The once a year clean is easier to do if you maintain the pond during the spring, summer, and fall.
Step 7: There is debris on the pond.
The skimmer net can be used to remove debris from the pond's surface.The leaves, branches, and twigs are floating on the surface.It will make draining and cleaning the pond easier.
Step 8: The pond should be drained.
The pond pump can be used to drain the water.The area of your yard that has good drainage is where you should send the water.It will be easier to clean the sludge at the bottom of the tank if the water is pumped out.If you leave a foot of water at the bottom of the pond, your fish will be able to swim around.You can leave your fish in the pond as you clean it.If your pond is large and you don't want to take out all the koi, you may leave the fish in the pond.If you decide to remove your fish from the pond, you should put about a foot of water into the holding container.If you transfer the fish into the container in the water that they are used to swimming in, they will not be shocked.
Step 9: If your pond is small, remove the koi.
You can remove your fish from the pond if you want to give it a clean.You should be prepared to get your hands dirty because this is a messy task.Use the skimmer net to scoop the fish out of the pond water and place them in a container.You should cover the container with a net or a lid if you want the koi to stay in it.The shaded area in your yard is where the container should be.The koi will be happy while you clean the pond.
Step 10: The pond pump should be taken out.
If the pump isn't self cleaning, you should rinse the pond pump and run the filter through the water until it's clean.If you use tap water to clean the filter, it will destroy the goodbacteria in it.Water plants and water features should be taken out of the pond.You can place the plants in a shaded area of your yard and cover them with newspaper to protect them.Plants should be placed in a container of clean water.If the water features in your pond are made of non-natural materials, such as plastic, you can use a toothbrush to clean them so they are ready to go back into the pond.
Step 11: For one hour, let the sun dry the pond.
Once you have emptied the pond, you can take a break and allow the sun to dry out any newly exposed algae.Once you wash out the pond, it will be easier to get rid of debris.
Step 12: The hose and vacuum can be used to clean the pond.
The debris and sludge at the bottom of the pond can be blasted away with the spray nozzle.The velvet type of algae lining the pond is beneficial and should not be disturbed.A waterfall or rocks around the perimeter of the pond can be washed with the hose.Toxic substances can be introduced into the pond environment if chemicals are used to clean it.The pond vacuum can be used to remove sludge at the bottom of the pond that is hard to get out with the hose.You may find a dead frog or fish.The pond should be free of any badbacteria or debris if all of it is removed.
Step 13: The pump and accessories should be in the pond.
If you washed the pond out so it is free of debris and sludge, you should put the pump and accessories back in the water.If you have water plants, you can place them back in the pond if you fill it with new water.
Step 14: The pond needs to be filled with water.
The garden hose can be used to refill the pond.The ponds are usually two to three feet deep.The dechlorinator should be added to the water once the pond is filled with new water.Allow the water to circulate in the pond for five to ten minutes after turning on the pump.If you want to avoid shocking your fish, you should dump some of the water from the holding container and replace it with the new pond water.Allow your fish to get used to the new water by doing this many times.The fresh water is not as warm as the water your fish are used to and can shock them.
Step 15: The fish should be put in the pond.
Once you have enough time to get used to the new water in the holding container, use the skimmer net to gently place the koi back into the clean pond.You can skip this step if you did not remove your fish from the pond.