Suds

[Curious1]

We had her papers in the backyard clean didn't see it last week. Ever since we've been getting serious sudsing in the pond. Not sure if it wasn't a cleaner, the sand they filled in, or the sealant but we've had the issue since they've done it. We tried about a 20% water change but it is made no difference. There's no fish in the pond right now so at least we haven't lost any fish but we are worried about the plants. Any ideas?

 

[JRS]

We had her papers in the backyard clean didn't see it last week.

Sorry, not sure what this means-something was cleaned- with what? Sand and sealant involved but seems I am missing something, although sand can often be quite dirty.

 

[Curious1]

Sorry, not sure what this means-something was cleaned- with what? Sand and sealant involved but seems I am missing something, although sand can often be quite dirty.

Sorry....typo....we had brick pavers cleaned....pressure washed....the sand laid in between and a new sealant was applied. Foam started after that.

 

[Phaewryn]

Sorry....typo....we had brick pavers cleaned....pressure washed....the sand laid in between and a new sealant was applied. Foam started after that.

Sounds like the cleaner they were using made it into the pond. There's a chance it could kill the plants depending on what it is (you should call them and ask what was used).

I think you have two options:
1. do a full water change; or
2. add activated carbon and dechlorinator (I recommend Seachem Prime) into your filter and hope that that pulls it out.

I might do both, just to be safe. Chances are the contaminant already killed your beneficial bacteria so you're going to have to cycle again anyway...may as well do it with uncontaminated water. I'd take out any potted plants and run fresh water through the gravel to flush them out as well.

 

[Lisak1]

Ugh. They needed to be cautious around the pond. Clearly they weren't. I would start replacing water - how big is your pond? Maybe 20% a day until you get it under control?

 

[GBBUDD]

if I was foiling to clean and pressure wash a patio. Muriatic acid or an algicide with bleach would be on the list of what to use. All of these will kill plants and algae. Thus releasing protean into your water is foam. Theres also a good chance soap was in the mix this is the worst of the list. Muriatic, bleach and algicide should dissipate in time I don't believe soap will . Id continue water changes until levels stabilize.

 

[Lisak1]

We actually pressure washed our paver patio with just water, but there is something in the poly-sand that reacts like soap and gets foamy. Always always always wash AWAY from the pond.