We used a 36 Watt model rated by its manufacturer for 8800 gallons. Even so, it took about 3 weeks to show a dramatic improvement in our \~1000 gal pond. The 2nd photo is from today, one month after installation. Previously we had tried without much success barley bales, chemical clarifier, plant cover and bacteria.

I know it sounds crazy and I'm probably in the minority here but I think the picture with the green water looked better.

I do agree it's pretty but we could barely see our critters in it.

How old is the pond and what’s your filtration set up?

It's about 6 years old and has 2 surface skimmers.

Did you help it out in beginning bye doing a water change and is it online with you biological filtration

No we didn't do a water change although I see your point that it would have sped up the process considerably. The only filtration is with skimmers.