Question
I bought a house with an atrium and pond. Now don't know what to do with either, but specifically the pond. Would like to add plants, but there is no dirt, just the plastic liner. I tried floaters and a lilly but died, probably no nutrients. The lilly was in dirt, but it made the pond skummy. There is a small pump with a foam filter, should I run constantly? There is also a musty order, probably from the soil.Any suggestions on either the atrium or the pond?  

Answer
Dawn,

I have a rather simple recipe that will keep a pond clean and clear.  Some companies disagree with it but I've done over 200 ponds and it works.

Put a layer of large gravel in the bottom of the pond and line the sides with larger rock if possible.  Add bacteria concentrate according to instructions on the bottle.  Order it from a pond store.  Brand is not important.  Add a pump to circulate the pond at least once an hour, more is even better.  Let it run 24/7.  The bacteria have to have it to thrive.  Add floating plants like, Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, or Parrot's Feather.  Don't feed the fish.  Let them eat algae.  Change the water at first if you want to, but then don't change it again.  Your pond has to go through a green cycle before it balances.

Follow these instructions to the letter and the pond will be fine.

Good Luck

John