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.

One of our ponds is small and we had the same issue every year. first we bought a small submersible pump but the hose was so narrow it took all day to drain. Last year we bought an Oase 3 vacuum and you can place the discharge hose either in or out of the water. We used it last week and our pond was empty in like 10 minutes. Sucks up muck and other debris too. Only thing is that we use it as a vacuum for our other ponds and it wouldn't be cost effective to use just to empty a small pond.

Try it, it's cheap and doing is the best way to learn imo. I think you'll find it doesn't work. Fine filters are a double edge sword. Sure they'll filter out fine particles, but clog fast, like instantly if they're working. Quit batting is not very fine at all. It can work for large particles like clumped algae but requires very slow, calm, moving water. Fast water just washes most particles right on thru. Some muck will always get trapped but we're talking about teaspoon levels. Best option imo is to pump the dirty water into a tank, barrel, whatever. When full let it sit for an hour, a day, a week, whatever and let it settle. Then pump the surface water back into the pond. In many cases even an hour of settle will reduce suspended particles in the 95% range. Depends on the muck. IMO way easier to use the dirty water to water the plants. Add new water to the pond. Way better for the pond as long as you know the proper ways to add water. My web page on vacuuming.

Yes, it goes over the outlet hose end. Mine has a drawstring to cinch it tight around the hose end, I assume yours does too. When i'm not doing a partial water change I place the outlet hose with bag attached in the water and it catches the debris while letting the water return to the pond. It took me a little while to get the hang of it. For instance, I have a rock bottom & I had to learn how not to suck up all my rocks, but I've got it figured out now. I also learned which attachment works best for me, etc. I can't imagine caring for my pond without it! :) Good luck! I think you'll love your vac.