I Need Some Need Help, Please !

[Lisa Eddings]

Hi everyone!
I'm sorry it has taken me this long to get back here, I'm just trying to juggle my life with a new adventure added to it, and it's gonna take a little getting used to. So, anyways, I have taken a few pics of what the poor pond looks like now and only one of what it was before. I will look for better ones of the before pic, but this should give you somewhat of an idea of how nice it used to be.
I measured the pond yesterday and I've come up with this. . . 12ft x 5.5ft. It is approximately 3ft deep.
I went to Lowes yesterday and they dont seem to have much for ponds. I was looking for an API Pond Master test kit. Where do i go for that? I'm now thinking probably online.
Is that the very first thing I need to do? It's been cold and rainy the past couple of days here in N. Cali. so I havent been able to do much.
Here are the pics. Let me know if there any other pics that would be helpful.

Thank you!!

 

[Lisa Eddings]

Heres more. . .

 

[Lisa Eddings]

One more. . . .

 

[Lisak1]

What a pretty pond! Are there fish in the pond? If you don't have fish I wouldn't worry about testing the water.

The first thing I would do is get a net and start scooping. Find out exactly how much debris is in there.

 

[Lisa Eddings]

I hope these pics are helpful. Now I will post my before picture. . . .

 

[Lisa Eddings]

Thanks Lisa.
There used to be 5 Koi fish, but unfortunately about a month after my dad passed away, my mom went out to feed them and all 5 of them were laying in the grass. . .dead. Raccoons got a hold of them. It was so sad. So, we have decided to keep the pond fish-free. We were unaware of raccoons coming into the backyard so we just don't want to have that worry again.

 

[Lisak1]

If you have no fish, then you don't need to test the water. But you also have to consider that fish add to the eco-system. The fish waste feeds the plants, and the plants help keep the water clean for the fish. Without fish, you'll need to feed your plants. There are ways to protect fish from predators if you ever change your mind! And I will say we've had other people who have said they weren't interested in fish... and suddenly they got bit by the bug!

So get scooping! Let's see what's in there!

 

[Lisa Eddings]

So. . .the first thing I should do is get the pond cleaned out? Should I drain all of the water out also?

 

[Lisa Eddings]

Thanks for the encouragement Lisa. And your so right. The fish are a major part of the beauty of any pond. I'm sure when it is all put back together my mom will be able to see that it just isn't the same without the fish.

 

[addy1]

Stick with goldfish, shubunkins, easier to care for less fussy about water. Love the statue at the top and the water fall.
You will get it back.

 

[Lisa Eddings]

Thank you Addy1, I will definitely keep those choices in mind. I did try to see what your pond looked by clicking on the My Pond link but didnt see the finished results. I think your property is great and I could only wish for something so nice. Do you have a posted pic of your pond now? I'm just learning how to get around on this sight so I could have very easliy missed it.
Thank you for your input. Im looking forward to all the responses and help from you wonderful pond people!

 

[addy1]

This is a winter shot, photobucket killed a lot of my pictures. I really need to fix them. There is a stream heading up the slope to the house. You can see some of the rocks of the stream bed in the lower part of the picture.

 

[Lisak1]

So. . .the first thing I should do is get the pond cleaned out? Should I drain all of the water out also?

I think I would drain it. Since there are no fish, there's no reason to try to preserve any of the water. Clean out the filter, drain the pond, clean out any debris or muck that has accumulated in the bottom, refill, and plug in the pump. If you're lucky it will start right up and you will have done the hard part!

There don't appear to be any overgrown plants to deal with, so that won't be an issue. And it clearly holds water, so no leaks!

I'm not sure what the white PVC pipe is that's going into the pond - any idea?

 

[Gordo33]

s. I was looking for an API Pond Master test kit. Where do i go for t

Do you have a Petco , Pet Smart or similar chain pet store. They carry the test kits. You will save 10-20% online.
your dad built a beautiful pond. You will get a tremendous satisfaction bringing the pond back to life. As stated by others your mom will really appreciate your effort. Take your time and good luck.

 

[snoozer]

It will be so nice when you have it up and running again. It may seem overwhelming but ask questions and post pictures and the helpful folks on this site will be happy to help.