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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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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How do I circulate water in my pond without a pump?
Wildlife ponds in nature don’t have mechanical pumps to help them out, but they typically have some sort of natural mechanism that keeps the water flowing.
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How do you circulate pond water?
Think of water as the lifeblood of your pond. It needs to circulate efficiently to distribute oxygen and organic compounds throughout. Just as in the human body, there’s really no efficient way to accomplish this task except through a pump.
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Will tree roots grow through pond liner?
Yes, tree roots can and will eventually grow through your pond liner if given a chance. The battle to defend your pond from tree roots may be never ending, but you do have a number of tools on your side to help you keep the roots at bay.
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How many fish can I have in my pond?
Fish need room to swim, oxygen to breathe, and a volume of water adequate to maintain a healthy environment with a constant influx of fish waste.
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Is it OK to put tap water in a pond?
Water that comes straight from the tap is considered safe for human consumption because it has been tested for heavy metals, disinfected with chlorine or chloramine and amended with products like fluoride. While those steps create a water supply that’s among the safest in the world for you and me, it’s not necessarily ideal for our fish or plants.
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What is the best thickness for a pond liner?
The right thickness liner for your pond depends more on the product than on a one-size-fits-all magic number.
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Should I top up my pond with tap water?
Tap water is formulated for human consumption and generally contains safe amounts of disinfectant chemicals to kill bacteria that could potentially make us sick. This is all well and good for the people in your household, but those same properties can spell disaster for your fish.
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How do I make my pond water clear naturally?
For an overall healthy pond, improving water clarity can be as simple as improving filtration, ensuring a vigorous colony of beneficial bacteria, avoiding overfeeding, and addressing environmental disturbances such as debris from trees, mud or excess runoff from storms.
Is rainwater good for ponds?
Rainwater can be a satisfying zero-cost source of naturally soft water free of chlorine and its derivatives. There are, however, some caveats to consider before you decide to rely on the weather to keep your pond healthy and happy.
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