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Ponds & Aquatic Plants

Sediment on bottom of pond?

14 years ago

Hello,

I seem to have a thin layer of green (ish) sediment on everything in the bottom of the pond liner. It stirs up if disturbed. The water in crystal clear besides this. Good large filter and large pump. (around 3-4 times per hour circulation) Also have UV filter.

I tried to get some nice colored rocks to cover and protect the liner (from the dog mostly) as well as for aesthetics, but within days the nice colorful stones were covered with the sediment. It wipes off easy enough, just frustrating considering how clean the pond is.

Any ideas. Also, not sure if it's the same stuff, but my pump (at the bottom of the pond) is also covered in some thin, green, slimy substance. Not sure if this is the same stuff or not.

Thanks in advance...

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Comments (5)

pat_c
14 years ago
It's algae, it's normal, we all have it. Anything in the pond water will have it. Also, everything floating in the water will eventually decay and settle if it doesn't circulate thru the filter.
watershaper
14 years ago
If it is not connected (String Algae), than it is basic pond sediment. A light vac will get rid of it. Using a treatment that breaks down sludge will minimize the amount. Aqua-One is probably my favorite, there are plenty of other types by Winston and other companies.
If it is the 'carpet algae' than do not remove it. That is good stuff to a light degree. That is where much of the beneficial bacteria and micro-organism live that help keep your pond healthy.
Basically, as long as it doesn't get too thick or turn black and smells like sulfur it isn't a concern.
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joe_09
14 years ago
i use rid-x a few times a year,it works great.
buyorsell888
14 years ago
If it is loose particles that you can stir up then you can filter it out using polyester quilt batting. Put the batting in your filter and stir up the pond, you'll have the change the batting out as it gets clogged.

You can also use a floculent to clump the particles together and then a shop vac to remove from the bottom.

Know that ponds are not going to be perfectly clean and some algae such as algae carpeting the liner and rocks is a good thing.
yota_85
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the responses.

I guess my biggest issue with it (besides covering the rocks on the bottom) is that it makes the liner slippery. Makes it a little hazardous when cleaning the little filter on the fountain pump, which get debris from the plants (which the fish munch on I'm certain) jammed in the pre-filter.

Like suggested, I'll try to get something to clump the particles together, then stir up the pond good, and let the large fine filter in the falls catch them. The pump circulates the water over 3X per hour, so it shouldn't take long to clear it back up.

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