Aquascape Sludge & Filter Cleaner 16 oz | 98890 Pond Cleaning Formula Skip to content

Aquascape 98890 – Sludge & Filter Cleaner (16 oz / 473 ml)

SKU 98890
Original price $17.59 - Original price $17.59
Original price
$17.59
$17.59 - $17.59
Current price $17.59

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Description

Aquascape Sludge & Filter Cleaner (98890) is a powerful water treatment designed to break down organic debris, muck, and waste that accumulate on pond bottoms, inside biological filters, and within hard-to-clean areas of water features. This natural, concentrated formula helps improve water clarity, eliminate odors, and maintain a healthier pond ecosystem.

Perfect for ponds of all sizes, this cleaner reduces maintenance while supporting fish and plant health.

Why Choose Aquascape Sludge & Filter Cleaner?

  • Breaks down sludge & muck on the pond bottom
  • Cleans biological filters and improves efficiency
  • Reduces odors caused by decaying organic matter
  • Supports clear, healthy water with natural cleaners
  • Helps prevent water quality problems before they start
  • Safe for fish, plants & wildlife when used as directed
  • Treats up to 8,000 gallons per bottle

What’s Included

  • One (1) bottle of Aquascape Sludge & Filter Cleaner – 16 oz / 473 ml
  • Dosing instructions included on bottle

Product Specifications

Model: 98890
Size: 16 oz / 473 ml
Treats Up To: 8,000 gallons
Primary Use: Breakdown of organic waste & sludge
Safe For Fish? Yes, when used as directed
Best For: Ponds, water gardens, filters, pondless systems
Application: Liquid – easy to dose
Manufacturer Warranty: Included

How to Use

  •  Shake well before use.
  •  Add the recommended dosage based on pond volume.
  •  Apply weekly for optimal sludge reduction.
  •  Use near filter intakes for maximum efficiency.

Ideal For

  •  Reducing pond bottom sludge
  •  Cleaning biological & mechanical filters
  •  Improving water clarity and oxygen levels
  •  Reducing foul odors caused by decay
  •  Maintaining a cleaner, healthier pond ecosystem

Why Buy From Pond Pro Direct?

  • Authentic Aquascape Products with full product support
  • Fresh, fast-moving inventory—never old stock
  • Fast nationwide shipping on all water treatments
  • Pond experts available to help diagnose sludge issues
  • Secure checkout & excellent customer service

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does Aquascape Sludge & Filter Cleaner differ from regular Beneficial Bacteria?
While standard bacteria maintain water quality by processing ammonia and nitrites, Aquascape 98890 contains highly concentrated strains of heterotrophic bacteria. These specific microbes are engineered to consume heavy organic waste, specifically targeting the pond muck and fish waste that clogs filter mats and settles on the pond floor.
Is this Sludge & Filter Cleaner safe for Koi, goldfish, and pond plants?
Yes, Aquascape Sludge & Filter Cleaner is 100% natural and safe for Koi, goldfish, frogs, and aquatic plants. It contains no chemicals or harmful surfactants. By reducing the organic load in the water, it actually helps create a healthier, more stable ecosystem pond for all inhabitants.
What is the dosage for a 16 oz. bottle of Aquascape 98890?
One 16 oz / 473 ml bottle of Sludge & Filter Cleaner treats up to 10,000 gallons of pond water. For standard maintenance, one pump (approx. 5ml) treats 100 gallons. For ponds with heavy sludge accumulation, we recommend a double-dose initially to jump-start the biological decomposition process.
Can this product reduce the frequency of filter mat cleaning?
Absolutely. By adding Aquascape 98890 directly into your skimmer or waterfall filter, the bacteria colonize the filter media and actively "eat" the trapped debris. This keeps your biological filter mats cleaner for longer periods and maintains optimal water flow through the filtration system.
How often should I apply Sludge & Filter Cleaner?
For best results, apply the cleaner once a week during the pond season (when water temperatures are above 50°F). Regular use prevents the buildup of "dead zones" and hydrogen sulfide gases in the gravel, ensuring your water remains crystal clear and odor-free.
Does this product work in cold water or during spring startup?
Aquascape Sludge & Filter Cleaner is most effective in water temperatures above 50°F (10°C). For spring pond startup, we recommend using this product once the water warms up to help clear the organic debris that accumulated over winter. For water below 50°F, consider Aquascape Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria.
Is a UV clarifier compatible with this biological treatment?
Yes, you can use a UV clarifier with Aquascape biological treatments. While UV light can kill free-floating bacteria, the strains in the Sludge & Filter Cleaner are designed to quickly settle into your filter media and pond gravel. For maximum efficacy, some professionals choose to turn off the UV for 24 hours after application to allow the bacteria to colonize.

Break Down Sludge & Keep Your Pond Clean

Aquascape 98890 Sludge & Filter Cleaner helps maintain a healthy, low-maintenance pond environment.

Order today for clearer, cleaner water!

 

Price Match

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We will match or beat the lowest online price on its products.

If you find a lower price for any products on our store, we will beat it by $50 for products listed over $2000. In order to be eligible, you must provide proof, whether a screenshot, invoice, email, etc. of the lower offer.

Please note that this does not apply to every product in the store, so reach out via email or chat for confirmation before purchasing.

For the policy to apply, simply send us a screenshot, link, or any other proof of the lower price.

For more information, please check out Price Match Policy Page

Shipping & Delivery

Order Processing

Orders are processed within 1–5 business days, depending on product type, brand, and fulfillment method. Products sold on Pond Pro Direct ship directly from manufacturers or authorized distribution partners and do not ship from a single centralized warehouse.

Processing times may vary by brand, item type, fulfillment method, and whether an item is made to order or ships via freight.

Order Confirmation

After placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation email confirming that we have received your order and pre-authorized your payment method.

Once your order is received, we contact the manufacturer or distribution partner to confirm availability and fulfillment timelines.

  • If an item is unavailable or on backorder, we will notify you by email and void the pre-authorization.
  • If the item is available, the payment will be processed and the order submitted for shipment.

Order Shipment

If your order is in stock and payment is processed, it will typically ship within 6–13 business days. Once your order ships, tracking information (when available) will be sent to the email address provided at checkout.

If you do not receive shipping confirmation within 6 business days, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com.

Shipping Destinations

At this time, we primarily ship within the United States. Some products may be available for shipment to Canada. If the website allows checkout and accepts your shipping address, the product is eligible for delivery to that location.

Changing Your Shipping Address

Address changes after an order has been processed or shipped may result in delays or additional carrier fees. Any carrier charges associated with address changes are the responsibility of the customer.

Shipping Times

All shipping times are estimates only and not guarantees.

  • Typical handling time: 1–5 business days
  • Typical transit time after shipment: 5–8 business days
  • Estimated delivery window: 6–13 business days

Delivery timelines may vary based on brand, item type, production status, freight requirements, and carrier availability.

If an order is cancelled after it has been processed or shipped, the customer may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, freight fees, carrier return fees, and warehouse handling costs, where applicable.

Shipping Options

Available shipping options vary by product and location.

Our standard Curbside Delivery option is provided at no additional cost where applicable and delivers the item to the curbside or driveway of the delivery address.

Additional options, such as Threshold Delivery or White Glove Delivery, may be available for select products and locations.

For full details regarding freight delivery, inspection requirements, liftgate service, returns, and customer responsibilities, please review our full Shipping Policy page.

Returns & Refunds

Cancellations & Refunds

Orders may be canceled free of charge before shipment, unless the item is classified as Custom or Made-to-Order (see below).

If you have questions about your order, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com or call (765) 508-4352 during business hours.

Cancellations (Before Order Ships)

If you need to cancel an order before it ships, please contact us as soon as possible. Orders canceled prior to shipment are eligible for a full refund.

You can reach our team by phone at (765) 508-4352, via live chat on our website, or by email at support@pondprodirect.com.

Cancellations (After Order Ships)

Once an order has shipped or entered fulfillment, it may no longer be eligible for cancellation. If you no longer wish to keep the item, you must wait until delivery and then request a return.

A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is required before returning any item.

Custom or Made-to-Order Items

Custom or made-to-order products are produced specifically for your order and cannot be canceled or refunded once production has begun, except in cases of defect or error.

Product pages will clearly indicate when an item is custom or made-to-order. If you are unsure whether an item falls into this category, please contact us before placing your order.

Returns & Refunds

Returns are subject to the following conditions:

  • Customers have 30 days from delivery to request a return, unless otherwise stated on the product page or by manufacturer policy
  • Items must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging
  • An RMA is required prior to returning any item

Because we ship products directly from manufacturers, return eligibility may vary by brand. If a manufacturer does not permit returns on a specific product, we may be unable to accept the return. Please contact us if you would like confirmation of return eligibility for a specific item.

Fees & Shipping Costs

  • Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or shipped in error
  • Freight / LTL shipments may incur higher return shipping costs due to carrier fees
  • Approved returns of non-defective items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%
  • Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable

If you are exchanging an item rather than returning it outright, we may be able to assist with some costs depending on the product and manufacturer.

For full details, including freight deliveries, damage reporting requirements, and manufacturer-specific terms, please review our complete Return and Refund Policy

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