Produce > Ponds 'n' Stuff

Filters

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traceym:
I discovered a discarded pre formed pond behind my lottie shed,when i took on plot 2 a few weeks ago. I have decided to use it on the plot as a wildlife pond,as i don,t intend to pop fish in it is a filter needed.

legless:
ponds don't need filters if they are balanced, plenty of plants in there will do the job and keep the wildlife happy. filters are only really necessary for removing lots of waste (ie. that produced by fish) and they normally also provide extra oxygenation for things that need it (also fish).

good luck with the pond, i have a sunken bathtub and even that is popular with frogs so i don't doubt you'll be welcoming a good population of stuff soon!

Margaret:
Hi there.No,a pump and filter would be the worst possible thing you could put in a wildlife pond because the pump could well chew up a newt(I have seen it happen) or a tadpole.They like still water anyway.The only thing I would advise,as well as lots of plants to prevent algae problems,is that you make sure the amphibians can get out of the pond easily.Pre fabricated ponds are generally designed for fish and don't have the gentle sloping sides that a dug and lined pond would have.Generally there will be a shelf and you could either put a granite rock or slate slab on it so that frogs could climb onto it and then jump out,or a plant pot,with a marginal plant in,so that the edge reaches near the top.Once you get frogs inhabiting your pond,you will soon find out the best way of ensuring they get out.

The other problem you need to guard against is if a hedgehog falls in;again if you create an area accessible to the edge it should be O.K. Just use ordinary garden soil to plant the weed and plants in,not aquatic compost.

traceym:
Thanks for the advice girls,grounds like concrete at the mo ,so i,ll wait till we have had a decent rainfall before i start digging out,will be sure to come back in here and let you know how it goes.

          Off to do a rain dance now in my nightie.

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