Always Outside and others, I have a water garden that is similar in size to yours. It is about 1000gal. I think it is 10x5 and about 2ft at its deepest (it slopes and the 2ft depth isn't all that large). It sits below some trees and shrubs, which sheds twice a year. Last year the pond was pretty messy and I didn't feel like messing with cleaning it (I usually drain it and get in personally and use a wet vac to clean it). I hired a reputable cleaning company that did a decent job. I was embarased, though because the people who cleaned it said it was one of the dirties they have seen. They gave the the biological media that was supposed to clean it up, but I really didn't notice a difference. I would really like to find some type of vacuum system to clean the bottom of my pond from all of the leaves that have accumulated. The past winter has been especially bad and I am not looking forward to this spring cleaning. The bottom of the pond has stones. I was interested that you used a shop vac. The shop vac that I have would vacuum the bottom, but it would collect water in the resivoire. After 5-10 gallons I would have to empty it. This would not only be a hassle, but would really drain the pond. Does this sound like what you do when you use a shop vac? Is there a special vac you use or a set up you can recommend? Can I get a really clean pond bottom by just using bacteria? After I get this clean I will put a net over the water garden. But I would really like to get it cleaned up with as little hassle as possible. Thanks to you all for your help.

I don't have a bottom drain. I tried a retrofit bottom drain, but had the problem of it sucking up fish, some pretty large ones. So I did exactly what you are considering. My 2 in. pipe runs down the side of the pond and I have an elbow then a piece of 2 in. pipe laying across the bottom of the pond. I have a cap on it and have holes drilled along the pipe across the bottom. Holes are about 1/2 to 3/4 in. can't remember exactly. Spaced about 6 in. apart and staggered, so that the holes on one side aren't opposite the holes on the other side. I think it works perfectly, because I have not had any fish sucked up except the little tiny bluegills that had already died. I get a lot of crud that accumulates in the basket that I empty and wash out about once a week. This goes to the bottom of the bog filter and is forced up through the gravel and returns to the pond via a waterfall. Glenda

Just like with many plants that say "can tolerate" such conditions, it still might not be what's best for a beta fish. I did a lot of research since I recently got a beta fish and generally people agree that yes, a beta can live in bad water in a small area...Is this best for the fish? I doubt it. They can also live in larger tanks. And bad water hurts their skin and fins. They can get diseases and pests just like plants. Also, I've read this set-up of a plant above a beta be referred to as a "beta death-trap." So I HIGHLY suggest you do beta research before subjecting it to what may be poor conditions. -Dani

You might want to look at Steve's Blinds. I learned of the website long ago here on GW and ordered several TDBU cellular shades. Steve's carries several manufacturers' products but we purchased "Steve's own" brand. I believe they are made by a subsidiary of Hunter Douglas but this may be incorrect. We already have several similar blinds in the Hunter Douglas brand and have found the Steve's product to be comparable in quality. Would definitely order from the company again. I am linking the results of a quick search on the website using made-up dimensions and specifying "Steve's own" brand. Please note that there are many other options available on the website, and you will need to carefully enter the particulars for your windows instead of relying on the numbers I used. There is an up-charge for the TDBU feature as well. The website is kind of junky and confusing but you can call and get some customer service assistance. Here is a link that might be useful: Steve's Blinds