I Have No Idea What I'm Doing!!!

[Meyer Jordan]

How do I determine how much sediment is at the bottom of the pond?

In a shallow pond like yours, just reach in with your hand and feel. Nothing will get you!!

 

[Lisak1]

Nothing will get you!!

...at least we don't think so. I mean, generally not. Hardly ever! Usually it's fine! Just.. let us know how it goes!

 

[Zrz11386]

Haha true! Although I did mention I've seen a snake or two in it!! What's the best way to remove any sediment? Just scoop it out? Should I be changing water?

 

[addy1]

With that shallow of a pond you could use a shop vac, you will suck up snails, tads, dragonfly larvae but will also suck up dirt. I would feel the bottom see how much is in it.

I saw one snake in my pond, once. I don't worry about them, unless poisonous. Just make sure they are not the bad kind,

 

[addy1]

Should I be changing water?

Water changes are great, if on city use dechlor when you do. Do not empty, scrub clean the pond, that is never good.

 

[Zrz11386]

Ok guys, so I took the water temperature tonight, and it was about 76.4 degrees F at the time. My water test results are below as well. How are these:

As long as I did everything right, here are my results:
pH - 8.0
Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrite - 0ppm
Nitrate - 0.00-0.02%

Thanks!

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Ok guys, so I took the water temperature tonight, and it was about 76.4 degrees F at the time. My water test results are below as well. How are these:

As long as I did everything right, here are my results:
pH - 8.0
Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrite - 0ppm
Nitrate - 0.00-0.02%

Thanks!

Test results look great! So, water chemistry is OK. Still need to know sediment level.
With test results like this, there is no justification for doing any water changes.

 

[Zrz11386]

Thanks! Going to try to check out the sediment level this weekend.

 

[addy1]

You are doing great, grasshopper, learning the ways of ponds.

 

[Fishfinder]

Welcome. I am also new and barely know what I am doing, but fortunately, there are nice folks with a lot of experience here for hapless among us.