lights and vacumes help?

[Lisaebetten]

Hi teachers! I have a question, I'm getting ready to put lights in and have researched pictures on the web of lights. Some say underwater lights have a cloudy look and the lights outside the pond pointing down into the water gives a clearer view. What do ya all have? I think my pond will be around 1300 gal?

Also, I am wonder what is the best vac for the pond that doesn't cost $300? I'm not buying a $300 vac this year but will in the future after I get past these start up expenses. I need a cheap helper for the first year or so. I am a neat nick so having a pond free of stuff is right up my alley!

Pond walls are rocked and foamed into place. Horizontals will have very large flat stones called "Kewanee Flats"
So no gravel or river rock to deal with.

 

[RobAmy]

I have both underwater and above for my lights. The underwater is great see the fish, fry, tadpoles etc. The above is great for plants, light the stream/waterfall etc. So I really like them both. As far as cloudy look, mine do not do that, if the water is not clear then I could see a issue with the cloudy look.

I found my Oase Pond Vac on craigslist for $180 brand new so keep your eyes open for something like that. A shop vac will be your best bet for cost, but not the best for the pond use but it will work.