Knowledgebase
Welcome to the BTL Knowledgebase. Ever since we started lining ponds, creating covers, and helping people with their projects, we've gotten asked a lot of questions. Many of these questions are repeatedly asked, so we put together the BTL knowledgebase to help answer any questions you had about a particular subject. We are adding new questions every month, so continue to check back often!
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Is tap water OK for ponds?
Whether you’re filling a new pond for the first time, conducting a periodic water change or simply topping it off during a hot, dry summer, the easiest source of water is often your own tap.
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Can I top my pond up with tap water?
Whether you’re filling a new pond for the first time, conducting a periodic water change or simply topping it off during a hot, dry summer, the easiest source of water is often your own tap.
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Why would you dredge a pond?
Over time, all ponds will collect silt, soil and other material carried in from any number of sources, including local waterways
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Can you put tap water into a pond?
Whether you’re filling a new pond for the first time, conducting a periodic water change or simply topping it off during a hot, dry summer, the easiest source of water is often your own tap.
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How do you keep pond water clear without filter?
While it’s theoretically possible to keep an ornamental pond clear without using an actual filter, it’s unclear why that would be advantageous.
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Why does my pond smell fishy?
There are several conditions in an ornamental or a farm pond that can cause obnoxious odors.
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What does pond muck look like?
Pond much is the dark brown or black sludge that collects at the bottom of your pond.
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How do you make pond water safe for fish?
Whether you've got a brand new pond or one that's harming fish, there are useful steps to take.
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How long before tap water is safe for pond fish?
Letting tap water sit for 24 hours or so before adding to your fish tank was the custom from years ago, while you simply waited for any chlorine to evaporate.
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Can I put goldfish in my outdoor pond?
In general, goldfish can survive quite happily in outdoor ponds across the US, but there are a number of practical and legal considerations you should examine before you dump “Bubbles” and all her friends in the backyard.
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How long does it take for a pond to establish?
Overall, from adding water to beginning to populate your pond, you should count on allowing about 3 or 4 days before adding fish.
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How do I know if my pond is ready for fish?
No dedicated pond owner wants to stress or injure their fish, and making sure their environment is safe and welcoming is an important first step.
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Can crappie live in a pond?
The good news is, crappie can thrive in ponds - in fact they can enthusiastically dominate that pond.
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Can you turn a swamp into a pond?
Practically speaking, it is possible to turn a swamp into a pond, but should you?
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Can I put fish straight into a new pond?
To ensure the best chances for success, there are some preparatory steps you should take before you introduce fish into a brand new pond.
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How do you prepare a new pond for fish?
Getting a brand new pond going and introducing your first fish is an exciting time - congratulations on reaching that step!
How do I clean my outdoor fish pond?
If you have a regularly maintained, basically healthy fish pond, doing an annual cleaning shouldn’t cause too much stress, although you should plan on devoting several hours to the chore.
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What is the best pond sludge remover?
When it’s time to remove the sludge from the depths of your pond, you have some options. Of course, the best one in your circumstances depends on your pond, your resources, and your affinity for exercise.
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Can I use a shop vac to clean my pond?
A Shop-Vac’s portability and strength make it ideal for a big outdoor job like pond-cleaning, allowing you to suck up that unwanted sludge without getting your hands (too) dirty.
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Can you put too much bacteria in a pond?
In an overall healthy pond environment, it would be difficult to add so much bacteria that it’s actually harmful to your fish.
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How do I clean the bottom of my pond?
Muck, sludge, mulm or whatever you call it, it’s brownish, slimy and slippery, and can smell bad or even poison your fish if it gets out of hand.
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What is the best pond muck remover?
The best tool for your particular situation depends, of course, on the size of your pond, the volume of muck you’re clearing out, your budget, and so on.
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How do I get rid of sludge at the bottom of my pond?
A large and neglected buildup of sludge can develop into an emergency, but you do have several ways to deal with it before it reaches that state - choose the one that best fits your situation.
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