The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

The PondoMatic Pond sludge sucker from the brand manufacturer Pontec is ideal for removing sludge, plant residues, algae and other sediments, even from larger garden ponds. The device works with an effective suction power of 3000 liters per hour and can also be used for swimming ponds or pools. Handling is uncomplicated thanks to the 30 liter tank, especially since emptying is described as easy. The PondoMatic includes a four meter long suction hose, a two meter long suction hose and various nozzles with which all pond areas including the pond liner can be cleaned. The device is well suited for smaller ponds and pools.

According to the manufacturer's description, the PondoVac 3 pond sludge cleaner from the manufacturer Oase is well suited for small to medium-sized garden ponds and pools. With an output of 1600 watts, the device powerfully cleans all pond areas of sludge, plant residues and fish droppings. The four-meter-long suction hose can be extended to a total of five meters thanks to the suction pipe extension and thus offers a large area of ​​action. The length of the drain hose is 2.5 meters. The scope of delivery also includes various nozzles and a dirt collection bag that can be used for water return.

The PondoVac Classic pond sludge cleaner from the manufacturer Oase removes with a power of 1400 watts and one Suction power of 3000 liters per hour effectively strong pollution and bottom sediments from the garden pond or Pool. The device can be easily activated using a toggle switch and has a very long range with the four-meter-long suction hose. The draining water can be cleaned by a filter and thus reused. Alternatively, you can also dispose of it via the drain hose and use it to fertilize beds, for example.

Purchase criteria

Device type

Pond sludge cleaner with collecting container: Here the sludge sucked off through the hose or the suction pipe ends up in a collecting container, which, if filled, has to be emptied and cleaned. The principle of operation is similar to that of a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower.

Pond sludge extractor with 2-chamber system: Pond sludge vacuums with a 2-chamber system suck up sludge with two containers at the same time, whereby it is not collected, but emptied automatically. The sludge can be drained off during the pumping process, so that the container does not have to be emptied.

power

One of the most important purchase criteria is the suction power of the sludge cleaner, which must be adapted to the respective pond size and depth. A vacuum cleaner with a rather low suction power is suitable for small garden ponds, for example Large fish or even swimming ponds, on the other hand, require a model with the appropriate one Suction power. If the pond sludge vacuum cleaner is too weak, it only whirls up the pond floor instead of cleaning it. However, pay attention not only to the pure power (which is specified in watts), but also to manufacturer information such as the water flow in liters per hour and the maximum water depth.

Collecting container

The size of the collecting container, which should be as voluminous as possible, is also relevant. The larger the tank, the less often you have to empty it during pond cleaning - this saves a lot of time. The situation is different with a model with a 2-chamber system and without a drainage hose: Here, the container is automatically changed by the device, which is why you have to empty it less often in the first place. This saves you interruptions at work and you are finished faster. Of course, these pond sludge vacuums are more expensive than conventional models.

Hose or suction pipe

The length of the hose or The suction pipe should be adapted to the depth of the pond, whereby you also have to consider that the actual suction device is always on the bank and thus a little away. This is why the hose or pipe must be significantly longer than the depth of the pond so that you have enough room to work. But be careful: If the suction hose or the suction tube is too long, the suction power will again decrease. A shorter hose / pipe, on the other hand, has better suction power.

Attachments and suction nozzles

A selection of different attachments and suction nozzles is useful for effective pond cleaning. A pond net is ideal for removing leaves and other coarse dirt. A special sludge funnel removes the sludge layer lying on the gravel surface. With a suction lance, on the other hand, you can clean densely vegetated areas in a way that is gentle on plants. Festivals Toppings and layers, on the other hand, can be easily removed with floor and paint brushes. Make sure that the pond sludge vacuum cleaner and the attachments are compatible with each other if you buy them separately.

frequently asked Questions

What to do with the extracted sludge?

Do not just dispose of the sucked-in sludge, because it is very rich in nutrients and is therefore very suitable for the natural fertilization of ornamental and useful plants. You can take advantage of this when cleaning the pond in spring by removing the pond mud Using the 2-chamber system, divert it straight into the garden bed and thus supply the plants with their starting fertilizer.

Which manufacturers have high-quality pond sludge vacuums in their product range?

Important manufacturers in this segment are above all Pontec, Deuba, Oase and Aqua Forte, all of which offer high-quality pond sludge vacuums and matching accessories. The various models are available from stationary specialist shops or in DIY and garden centers as well as online at the websites of these providers or at the well-known Internet department stores.

Can you also rent a pond sludge cleaner?

In the hardware store or You can borrow pond sludge cleaners from some Internet providers (which should of course also be near you), which are mostly powerful professional devices. Whether this is worthwhile for you depends on how high the rental price is and how many times a year you want to use the mud vacuum.

How often should you clean the pond with the pond sludge cleaner?

Because everyone garden pond is an artificially created body of water, it must be cleaned regularly and thoroughly once or twice a year. The removal of the digested sludge and other coarse pollution ensures that the pond as an ecosystem, including its plants and animals, remains healthy. However, you do not have to completely replace the water or remove plants or fish.

Do I have to take the fish out of the water before vacuuming?

You can the fishes Take it out of the pond before vacuuming and put it in a separate tub, but this is usually not absolutely necessary. The animals will swim away in time because they feel disturbed by the device. Also the planting do not have to remove. However, pond cleaning should not take place during the winter rest period when the fish are still in the Hibernation are located.

Can I use tap water to fill the pond?

First of all: You do not have to completely empty the pond before vacuuming, nor is it necessary to replace the water. On the contrary, these measures can even be harmful because they upset the delicate ecosystem. So you can calmly discharge the cleaned pond water again. If you want or have to refill the pond anyway, use rainwater if possible. Tap water is unsuitable due to its high nutrient content.

What else can the garden pond be cleaned with?

Instead of vacuuming the pond, you can do it with the help of one Pond filter clean. This runs regularly and thus ensures consistently good water quality. As a result, you no longer have to vacuum the pond several times a year, but only once or every few years. when the digested sludge takes over.

equipment

Pond filter with pump

The garden pond can also be kept clean with a pump-operated pond filter. Such a device works with a multi-stage filter system Filter mats with different pores that can filter both coarse and fine dirt and even drug and chemical residues through so-called filter bacteria from the water. Pond filters with solar are practical as they do not require a power connection.