palmerdad - You mentioned that you have tried using a trash pump before with limited success. Did you have a different setup from what is being suggested here?
The pond I share is roughly 1.75 acres and I have no idea how deep the muck may be. The deepest hole is supposed to be 15' according to my neighbor. I have not found anything deeper than 11-12' with the portable depth finder on my canoe.
From what I'm reading at many sources, sucking the silt out and dewatering on shore may be the best approach for me. Getting heavy equipment in would tear up everyone's yards. The suction carries away the gases and toxins as well. The work could be divided between 3 guys who could pick away over time and could possibly be accomplished over a summer with the ability to perform maintenance when needed with no additional expense other than time and gas.
My question to the forum is what is the most cost efficient method of dewatering the silt for a DIYer? Some people discuss a box or trap to allow the silt to separate and water to run back into the pond. Since we have a minimal inflow to the pond, keeping as much water in as possible would probably be best. I've seen dewatering bags of various sizes. Do all of these zip open for clean-out and reuse?
Thanks!
Last edited by zuren; 12/16/15 02:04 PM.
