I had to change my sampling method as my initial method was confusing and difficult to implement. I decided to use systematic sampling, by having quadrats at regular 5 m intervals along three 50 meter transect lines. Each transect is at a different distance from the pond (2m, 5m, and 10m). This method will give me a 11 samples along each transect, with a total of 33 samples.
I decided to gather all the samples on the same day to reduce variables such as weather or disturbances caused by humans and animals. Since it has been raining frequently these days, I made sure to go out on a day when there was no rain, and took all my tools with me. I was able to go home to take breaks as my house is really close to the pond.
The data I gathered matched my expectations and supported my hypothesis.