:blink: I just bought and moved to my new home on Friday. In the front yard is what appears to be a once-beautiful pond. I am not sure of the exact size but it is very nice. I have always wanted a pond but never researched it and am now at a loss as to where to begin. There is what looks like a black bucket type thing sitting outside the pond on the ground. There is also a white hollow pole. I don't know if this is a pump or a heater or a filter or what. I have 6 aquariums inside but have no idea what the pond equipment is supposed to look like. I looked into the pond (old owner told me at settlement that he saw a fish in there the other day and was surprised as he thought they had all died) and saw nothing but oak leaves and muddy water. I don't even know where to begin. It is still pretty cold out at night in NJ where I live and I need help. Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately, I can't come over and clean up your pond and figure it out but I'll bet someone from your local watergarden society would be willing to help. Of course, I can't find one listed.

The black bucket is probably a biological filter and the white pole some pipe to move the water. Is there any moving water anywhere? It sounds like the equipment is busted, and the pond was left to degrade. With all those leaves and mud in there, the pond probably has to be drained, cleaned, etc. and the equipment fixed. In the process, you would find out what fish and plants are left in there. There are companies who will do this for you. This is the kind of thing I'd like to do (if I had the time, you were nearby, etc.) but can't. I hope you can find someone to help. The MAKC at http://www.makc.com/ has some NJ groups so you might start there. They can help even if the pond has no koi in it.