How imperative is it to vacuum? I'm afraid I'll suck up dragonfly, snail and salamander babies. The pond water is clear and my fish are fine is just when I move a rock or a plant there is a "cloud" of stuff that floats around. I worry about parasites and other bad things that could hurt my goldfish.

buyorsell is approaching it the same way I have. I've decided not to do any vacuuming.

I've always thought about how clean and easy it would be to buy an expensive Pondvac III or something... but I think in the end I'd just get tired of using it,then having to store it for six more months. Ughh.

For three years now I've let it be, and the water always clears plus I'm told by the experts at the local aquatic gardens that the fine carpet algae on the sideliner is desirable.

I'd like a black liner beneath the water surface to show but ecologically I guess the fine algae layer with the little bits of mulm is better.

I could try stirring it up and cleaning filters more often, as suggested,...if I was more motivated.