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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Can I put pond sludge on the garden?
All those living microbes that you’ve scraped and raked from the bottom of your pond are perfectly suited as a fertilizer.
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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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How often should you change pond water?
You’ll hear a lot of different philosophies on changing water in an established pond.
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What does pond muck look like?
Muck, mulm, sludge, sediment: there are lots of terms that refer to that slimy, cloudy, smelly mass that collects at the bottom of your pond (and many lakes - remember the squishy stuff that oozed between your toes as you waded?)
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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 you keep pond water clear without filter?
If you simply want a pond that doesn’t have dark green-tinged water from an overgrowth of algae, you definitely have some options.
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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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How do I keep my pond clean naturally?
Who wants to spend their leisure time mucking out muck, scrubbing algae off rocks, and stressing over emergency water changes?
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How do I make my pond water crystal clear?
Pristine water is a sign of a healthy, balanced ecosystem. To achieve this, it’s important to approach your project with careful research and planning and above all, patience.
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How deep should a pond be for a fish to survive winter?
Generally, a minimum depth of 4’-5’ is safest for overwintering your fish in a backyard pond.
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What are the best fish for an outdoor pond?
There are hundreds of types of fish that are well suited for outdoor ponds, and choosing which are best for you depends largely on your intended use and your personal preferences.
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How long before tap water is safe for pond fish?
This used to be a simple question with a simple answer. Nowadays,the answer is less straightforward, but fortunately still manageable.
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How do I know if my pond is ready for fish?
While it’s natural that you want to enjoy the fruits of your labors, you need to resist the urge to jump in immediately with both feet.
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Can fish survive in a pond without being fed?
Fish in the wild somehow are able to find enough to eat, and it certainly doesn’t arrive at dawn like manna from heaven.
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Can I put fish in my natural pond?
Let’s be honest here: lively, colorful and curious fish who crowd to the surface in hopes of an occasional treat just can’t be beat.
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What fish will survive in a pond?
Just as there are fish the world over, in every possible environment, there are fish that can thrive in almost any pond, providing the conditions are healthy and the fish are well matched.
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Is a Waterfall enough aeration for a pond?
In general, a waterfall only aerates the surface of the water, down to approximately the depth the water penetrates when it falls
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How long can pond fish survive without a pump?
In a fish pond, the pump plays a vital role -- literally.
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Do pond pumps need to run continuously?
If your pond contains fish or other live animals, the water needs to be circulating 24 hours per day.
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Do pond pumps use a lot of electricity?
Pond pumps have gotten a lot more energy efficient in the last couple of decades, and you’re unlikely to have to cut your food budget to keep your koi pond bubbling happily away.
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