Reply #3: sump pump, plastic milk crate

[msedano]

my fish pond is 13" deep. i recycled a compartmented milk crate by using silicone sealant to glue window screen on the sides and bottom. use more window screen to wrap around nylon pillow stuffing. i then heavily perforated a black plastic pot from the nursery. insert the sump pump into the pot. set this on the pillow. run the sump pump several hours a day, with a hose pumping the water back into the fish pond (i have a bird bath). this system draws the muck from the bottom of the pond up through the pillow, keeping the water clear and sweet for my goldfish. every couple months (with ducks i'd figure monthly at longest)wash the filter medium under the fruit trees for a rich treat to their roots. during summer gotta run the pump a full day or two, or as long as i want the ambience of splashing water. the sump pump burns out every six to 9 months or so; $75-80 bucks to replace. for your sake i hope both ducks are female.