How to remove Sludge from a pond
What does it look like?
- Brown/Green/Black waste build up
- Clouding water from heavy silts and waste deposits
- Floating waste stirred up by fish
- Waste on bottom of the pond / shelves or edges
What are the fish doing?
- In extreme cases may reduce oxygen causing fish gasping and rapid gill movement
What should I do?
- Manually remove large waste matter with a net or Blagdon Pond Vac
- Clear filter of blockages if present
- Perform a partial water change to dilute the problem
- Treat with chosen treatment to breakdown and remove waste materials - as recommended below
- Establish a regular maintenance schedule to reduce further sludge problems
Why does this happen and how do I prevent it?
Sludge is a build up of waste in your pond which without regular maintenance harbours the nutrients needed for algae growth and creates bad water quality which can affect fish and other aquatic life. Sludge will build up in any pond from the break down of plants, decaying fish food and other organic waste so consistent removal is necessary to stop it becoming a problem for the pond environment.
Key areas to consider when trying to reduce pond waste:
- Over feeding and over stocking fish, both of these activates lead to excess waste and can also negatively impact on the health of your fish.
- Falling leaves, in autumn use a cover net to stop extra, unwanted, plant matter entering the pond.
- Regular maintenance, establish a good routine for, performing water changes, cutting away dead plants, removing fallen leaves and using products like Pond Sludge Buster or Brilliant Pond Tablets to control sludge and keep it at a more manageable level.
If sludge is becoming a frustrating and common problem in your pond you could consider using a pond filter which will help to remove excess nutrients and waste before large areas of sludge can develop. A Filter will also create a healthy biological filter in your pond to reduce water quality issues and create a better environment for fish.
Pond vacuums can also be used to remove large areas of sludge and maintain a healthy pond, especially useful for larger ponds.”
What treatment should I use?
Blagdon Clean Pond Pods - available in stores March 2020
Live bacteria which will eat sludge
Blagdon Sludge Buster
For ponds without fish/filtration
Blagdon Wildlife Bioactive Sludge Control
Use with any of the above
Blagdon Tap Water Fresh Start
Not what you are looking for? Back to Diagnose What's Wrong >
Treatment dosage Calculator
Testing your pond water
Seasonal pond maintenance
Understanding Your Pond
Social
Main Website: