Question
QUESTION: HELP! We purchased a home a few months ago. With an existing gold fish pond. I know nothing about them. He told me that all I need to do is to make sure that the top pond stays clear of any algae so that it can continue to flow to the lower larger pond where the main filter and fish live.  I noticed that during the hard winter that the large pond was getting lower and lower. I contined to add water thinking it was from the frozen water levels etc.  Well as it is now thawed, apparently there is a leak, and it must be a good one since we lose about 2 inches of water a day. In the mean time, we had a visit from a raccoon who apparently did something to the filter because the filter no longer works.  My husband took a look at the filter and THAT has a huge crack in it.  I have been continuing to add water.  even though the water is now no longer pumping to the top pond, which is full of sludge and algea.  THe lower pond still has 6 gold fish.  I want to make sure they are ok.  Obviously we need to replace the large pond, and apparently the filter. Do we haev to replace ALL of it then? AND HOW DO I DO  IT?   Can I take the fish and put them into a large plastic tote?  How long can they stay in there while I repair the pond filter etc? What do they eat then, as I understand they live off the algae?  do I include algae in the tote?  The snails, and frogs do they also go in the tote?  Sorry for the questions, I just don't know what to do, but I want to take care of it before it become a BIGGER problem and I lose any of these beautiful fish.  Please write asap  I really need your help.  THank you!  From Meegan, Desperate for assistance in the Blue Ridge Mtns of VA
ANSWER: I'm sorry for all your problems.  So, the water loss was through the filter or is there another source of leakage?  I doubt the raccoon could crack the filter.  We have lots of raccoons getting in trouble.  They've knocked lots of things over but not cracked filters (yet!).  Not being there myself, I can't really say if you need to replace the entire pond and filter and start anew.  You might consult a pond building company but they often overcharge and don't do what you want or need.  It's up to you if you want to hire outside help.  It's a lot of work to do it yourself.  How big are the ponds?  You can put the fish in a large Rubbermaid or Sterilite storage tub.  Just rinse it, fill with pond water, add an air stone, and pop in the fish.  They would be ok in the shade like that with a net on top to keep the raccoon out (weigh the ends down) for a few weeks if need be.  Since you only have six goldfish, you may want to keep them inside (even if it's a garage) because of the raccoons (who say, "Where there's a will, there's a way.")  Goldfish can eat algae but they can't live just on algae.  They are also eating small animals in the pond and other plants if you're not feeding them.  I suggest feeding with goldfish or pond foods.  If you have snails and frogs to remove, keep them all in their own bins of pond water.  Frogs will jump so you could let them hop away or net the tubs to keep them in.  I've had frogs get tangled in nets though on my ponds.  If you need more help, let me know.  It's too bad I can't come down and help.  My page on cleaning my ponds might give you some tips on your renovation.  It's at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/myfish/clean.htm

Good luck!
Robyn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi! Thank you SO much for all your great info.! To answer your question, there is definitely a leak in the large pond.  I am hoping to be able to put a liner inside the pond rather then replacing.  Is that possible?  If so, how do I determine the size pond (gallon wise) that I have?  ANy ideas?  As far as the pump where its cracked its on the side of it.  I think I need to replace.  Its a pondmaster 1500 model 5 pump.  I tried to see online if I can replace pieces rather then replacing the entire thing, however I don't seem to find anywhere that you can do that.  Only replacement of the entire system.   Any ideas there?  As far as the fish etc., I can definitely keep inside, great idea!  I will make sure to also get some gold fish food.  And yes there are a ton of snails, and some frogs.  Guess I'll need a few different containers! lol Its supposed to rain for the next 3-4 days so I am hoping to begin this today.  Hopefully by the weekend I can have the pond cleaned with the new liner etc....And info on all of that would be GREATLY appreciated!  And yes I wish you were close enough to come help too!  Have an AWESOME day, I can't thank you enough for all of your assistance.  Meegan

Answer
Yes, you can put a new liner over the old one.  Measure the maximum length (L), width (W), and depth (D) of the pond.  The size liner in feet that you need is L + 2D + 1 by W + 2D + 1 for smaller ponds under say 500 gallons. For a larger pond, add an extra foot to the dimensions for more overlap.  You didn't say how big the pond is.  You do need a new pump.  I have a MagDrive 700 gph pump running my PondMaster filter.  I don't know that I've seen parts sold anywhere for it but the manufacturer might have them.  You can definitely just get a pump if that's all that you need.  I think Model 5 is 500 gph (not positive on that) so that would be a MagDrive 500 (same brand as PondMaster so it's compatible).  If you have a link to which filter and pump that you have (and also the dimensions of your pond so we can determine its volume), then I can make better suggestions on a pump to get.  Also, I can let you know if I think the filter and pump are adequate for the pond.  Good luck with your refab!

Robyn