Well, I just got a pond, and no idea what to do with it

[Kreutz]

It came with the house I bought recently (12/15/2010). I busted up the ice to look inside, and man, what a mess. I netted out easily 3 lbs of decomposed leaves. The water is brown. The little fountain thing works though, I assume this oxygenates the water. The koi seem healthy, scrounging the sides for algae, just sluggish due to the thirties-ish daytime weather which I would expect.

I also found a frog which I accidentally netted up. He seemed dazed, so I just put him back and resumed scooping out leaves.

My question is is there anything I can do about the brown water this time of year? Maybe a water swap, but I'd have to use buckets since the hose is turned off, and I wouldn't turn it back on till Spring. I'm also concerned about a water swap radically changing the water temp and killing the fish.

Is there an additive I can use this time of year to clear up the water, or should I just leave it until spring and then deal with it? How would I deal with it?

Also, in late summer, is it advisable to sort of "tent" the pond to prevent debris from falling in? I appreciate nay help! Once I get knowledgeable I intend to build my own pond in the backyard so I can have two.

 

[stroppy]

i hope you didnt smash the ice as that can hurt your fish and yes you need to get those leaves out .. i know you dont want to use your hose but i think you need to change some of the water in there ...

 

[DrDave]

Imagine your head inside the Liberty bell when it is rung. That is what you did to the inhabitants of your pond.
In the future, use a pot of hot water to make a hole. Put a rope on the handle so you don't lose it into the pond.
I would try to get as much off the bottom as possible, You might want to to rig a clothes basket with an old blanket or quilting material to remove the stuff in suspension.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[addy1]

Also imho, the fishes will do fine in what they are used to until it gets easier to work on the pond. A lot of people tent their ponds to keep leaves out. Some like to add the liquid bacteria to help in the spring. Some just clean the pond. Right now mine is frozen over with two little fish in it...........it will sit until the great melt before i work on it anymore.

Welcome to the group