cleaning the pond.

[steviep165]

when is the best time to give my pond a good overhaul. to empty it clean it and refill it.
should i do this before winter sets in, or in very early spring when im ready to put plants in it and before the frogs get busy?

[Thunderbird+]

I always think the autumn is the best time to clean out a pond, as it would be less likely to be stressful to fish or wildlife which may be in hibernation.
this will give you a chance to clear-out any decaying leaves, which may encourage harmfull bacteria which can deplete oxygen levels to a dangerous condition.
Autumn is also a good time to fit a net over the pond to prevent any more leaves falling in.
If you are completely refilling with tap water, you could be running into problems with chemicals ie chlorine and the high amount of nutrients in it these days, you can avoid this by saving some of the old water or using water thats been standing for a few days, for the chlorine to evaporate, rain-butt water is useful too.
Ps 'pond vacs' can be hired from aquatic centres.
Good luck Tbird+

[steviep165]

cheers t-bird. great advice.

[WendyS]

I try and clear out my mini pond in late autumn after all the leaves from neighbours' trees have fallen. I find that the problem with doing it in early spring is that sometimes the frogs come out of hibernation earlier than expected & return to the water if there are a few warm days and then you don't want to disturb them. I always seem to have a few under-developed tadpoles that are left to over-winter in the pond (and probably die off in the process) so I like to try and clear out most of the rubbish before the really cold late November/December frosts come to stop all the pondweed rotting and adding to the sludge..

[steviep165]

so should i be thinking octoberish then, or a bit earlier do you think?

[Thunderbird+]

Yes I think so stevie, any time in october sounds good, as wendy says, before the weather becomes too cold and starts to kill off the weed and turning it into sludge.
All the Best Tbird+