Will Pond Muck Pellets Clear My 1,000 Gallon Koi Pond?

Question

I have a 1,000 gallon natural Koi pond.  The bottom and the rocks are covered with this brown crud, muck, sludge, I don't know the actual name of it.  My water is clear, but the bottom is so ugly it takes away from the look of the pond.  I wanted a natural pond, but now not so sure.

Will you pellets help get rid of this stuff?

I put in a small bacteria pellet each week to no avail.  I have also tried the once a month bacterial puck.  I add algecide once a week 1/4 cup.  That's it!  I will send you a picture.
 

I had to cut back most of my plants this summer because I was attacked by a mink, and I had to find where he was getting in through the netting. I know plants help with the muck, but not that much.  I have always been plagued by the muck. 
 

The mink took out 11 of my koi, even though I had the pond netted.  The netting had 2 inch holes, which is how he got in.  I also had the netting pinned with garden stakes every 10 inches or so.  I just put a new net over the old net with holes the size of a penny.  So, the mink has not been able to penetrate. 

Whew! 
 

Will take a picture when I go down to feed the few fish I have left.  :(

Help!

N.O. in Rhode Island

 

Answer 1

The accumulation of muck and organic sediments is fairly typical and is usually a sign that the organic load is too heavy for the filtration and natural bacterial action of the pond. A healthy pond with a proper level of biological activity should remain fairly clean on the bottom and the waters should be crystal clear.

Fish waste, fish food, leaves and other organic materials that enter the pond can create muck.

Muck pellets are a very good way to eliminate pond muck. They are sprinkled into the pond where they sink into the muck and the natural, sfae bacteria in the pellets will eat the organics and basically get risd of the muck on the bottom of your pond.

Make sure you have good aeration when using these pellets as they do require good levels of oxygen to work effectively and will reduce the oxygen levels in the pond as they work on eating the muck.

Apply 1 pound per 325 square feet pond surface area. Small ponds require less than a pound per treatment and can effectivly keep muck from building up in fish ponds and water gardens. Repeat as needed.

Muck Pellets can be purchased here.

Another effective way to ensure your pond stays clear and muck free is to use a regular maintenance program of adding Pond Keeper dry bacteria for algae and muck control. This formula of natural bacteria starins is completely safe for fish and pets and will keep water clear and prevent muck from building up. It is available in liquid format as well for small water gardens and ponds.

If you have a small backyard pond or watergarden we also recommend Muck Away Pellets