Question
I bought a house with a small ( I'd say 5x3 and about 2 1/2 feet deep) backyard pond. The pond was uncared for all winter and had no pump. Three goldfish survived. I drained the pond, cleaned up all the yuck and refilled it and installed a pump suitable for the gallons. When I first filled the pond the water was fine, but when I had to step down in it to situate the pump, I noticed a couple areas of white plume like areas shooting up white water. Within minutes it made the whole pond milky white. I thought it may settle within 24 hours or so but it hasn't the water is still milky white. What could have cause those initial under water white plumes and can I fix it without draining it again. I worked really hard on it all day and would like to create a pretty spot where the fish could thrive. It's so hard to find out any information about this. Thank you in advance for any advice you could lend.

Answer
Dear Tammy,

Thank you for your question.
The milky white plume is hard to identify without viewing it.
Possibilities can be:
- cleaning product (remaining of soap or so?)
- if the pond is build from concrete, it can be something coming out of the concrete itself.
- plants or flowers in bloom
- water with something in it (should settle down)(did you use clean tabwater?)
Best way to go I think is to place the same tabwater in to A transparent bottle and leave it for some hours.
If the milky plume settles on the bottom or on top you can remove it by pumping the bottom or skimming the surface.
Also you can use A pond testing kit to check if the water is suitable for fish.

Hope this helps you in starting A great hobby and long enjoyment.

kind regards,
Raf