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Get a filter and a pump. A frogs natural habitat is not a closed system, and nature regulates all the bad stuff. Usually wild animals are hardier than the domesticated critters we put in ponds, so I would suspect something is really whack with your water parameters. Additionally, unlike fish, frogs have the luxury of hopping off to better conditions if something is wrong. Which means one of two things: the cause of death is something unrelated to your pond, or something is really, really amiss with the water.
To be safe, in a similar vein to what u/Odd_Cranberry9343 said, I would do the following:
- Large water change, make sure you add dechlorinator.
- Floating plants. Lot of them, not only do they provide shade, foot, and habitat, they will out compete algae for nutrients and keep your water clearer.
- Pump. As water temp rises, the water's capacity to retain oxygen decreases. There is some surface exchange, but likely not enough. A pump + waterfall will increase the oxygen level.
- Filter. Read about the nitrogen cycle. If you have any living things in your pond, the nitrogen cycle will kill them if levels get to high. Beneficial bacteria counter this, but you need a MASSIVE amount of surface area. More so than just what the surface of your liner can provide. The filter media provides this. SO will plant roots to some extent.
- Submerged plants. Will out compete algae, provide habitat, and create oxygen (during the day)
I inherited a 1,000 gallon pond like this, and it was a shitty mess. I installed this (Polar Aurora Pond Pressure Bio Filter 13W UV Light 10000L Koi Water https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WK7VSH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EKT15MR8VMFFA9DNGN3Y) and now I can see the bottom. It worked wonders.
You can also get mosquito dunks. They worked fine for me! I had the larvae in areas where my fish couldn’t get to, so this was my only option.
Definitely very handy. We never used that version, but one that looks like this. Not sure where we got it from, but we had bunches of it. Cut it up and shape it to the stock tank and it worked like a charm for our phytofilters.
Of course, milk crates work good too.
This looks like a similar pump, which is listed as self priming.
Here's the owners manual, check out page 8.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00144AQG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_E3NYKJC9EKDN1VGCAXF5
I think this is the one I have, it's got three "leaves" inside, all plastic, no springs. I will add that it's not a 100% shutoff, there was a very slow drip of backflow when I tested it. But in my case, I would need days of power off for my upper pond to overflow my lower pond.
Total, only about $1400
Started with this kit at $600 but removed the filter and replaced with an intake bay which cost a another couple hundred. Rocks were about $300 and another $300 in plants
i'd sew them up, to be honest - if the holes aren't from the material disintegrating or dry rotting, that is. Since the metal looks like a frame that fits in your pump box, you may want to just buy a big biomedia bag that's close to your dimensions and zip around the metal. LIke this
There are - I have the basic TetraPond 550gph one in my 100 gal pond (it's 2x2x4') and this one in my larger 180gal 2x2x6' stock tank: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MDBYTLS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Both have been nearly continually running since last May and I've not had any problems with them. You can spend a lot of money on pumps, and people do have loads of experience with the diff options. It's almost worth its own post lol
I also have a couple of spitters but those just use 12$ cheapie pumps lol
I'm into crafts & sewing so I always have polyfill (quilt batting) around for polishing, but you can definitely find some cheap alternatives to the japanese mat (how many sponges can you get for $20?) lol
I have a very similar set up. This is the filter I use. I also have a pump in the lower part that pumps through the filter and into the upper pond.
SUN CPF-2500 Grech Pond Bio Pressure Filter, UVC Upto 1600 gal, 13W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113PQEXW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YCX7BQ4Q5BV1QZNBWMSJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
YCTECH 300W Aquarium Heater... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBVSJLX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share I’ve been using this one in my 45 gallon stock tank pond all winter and it’s done great. The only time I had to help it out was a stretch of a few days when we had temps around-10F.
The best way to process waste is with a three part filter system.
Mechanical Filter - you want to eliminate as much particulate / floaters as possible from getting into the filters. This is generally a plastic mesh, foam pad, skimmer filter, whatever. Just keep the floaters in the pond and not in the filter.
Biofilter - these are only for the conversion of Ammonia to Nitrates and Nitrites. This happens all over your pond, but it's generally seen as a great idea to have your water pass through a biofiltration unit so as to reduce the amount of Ammonia as much as possible. If you use things like lava rock or bioballs you should agitate them every now and then otherwise you'll start to have anaerobic filtration which converts Nitrates to Ammonia. No bueno.
Plant Filtration - This is where the nitrates get absorbed and fully removed from the pond. Filter plants like Mint / Hyacinth / Celery, which filter best with their roots either fully exposed, or simply planted in 1/4" gravel, will have their nutrient uptake ability reduced by a lot if said roots get covered with muck. This is another reason why you want your mechanical filter to be in good working order and easily cleanable outside the pond. The Savio Skimmer Filter is a good example of this.
This isn't to say you can't do this in other fashions, but in my experience this works the best.
Past that, you want your pump GPH to be at least equal to that of your pond size. I generally double it up as any fountains and/or elevation outside of the pond will reduce the end result, and I always have an external plant filter so as to keep my water clear and my plants out of the reach of nibblers.
You should look into a pond sealant. Example:
Liquid Rubber NeoPond Sealant
I wasn’t getting many blooms on mine until I started giving my pond a little bit of this stuff every week or so. I get them all the time now! Also my other pants have seemed to really thrive with it as well.
I LOVE them! They only work in direct sunlight, but we get plenty of that. They’re troopers. I named them Flotsam and Jetsam. I got these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077215M1R?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
We haven’t had any issues with them yet.
Personally, I'd switch the filter cubes out for lava rock, and add a plant filter. The cubes are probably working on some level but you'll need to get a plant filter up in that pond. The biofiltration happens most everywhere, but it's always best to force it through a box of lava rock or filter cubes (whatever those are, i haven't a clue. I've only ever used lava rock or Springflo). However, it's the plant filter that does the lions share of the filtering. It's the same theory as the biofilter. You need your filtering agents (plants in this case) being force fed water. I usually have it done with an external stock tank full of plants that has the water fed into it and falling back into the pond through a waterfall contraption. However, you can have it setup inside the pond, but remember that active filtration (water forced through plants) is better than passive filtration (bog plants on the side shelves of the pond)
Either way you do it. Bioballs are pretty much strictly mechanical filtration. They suck for biofiltration. If you want to use filter pad (still just mechanical filtration) you should use Matala Filter Pads as they last many times longer than the regular white pads.
Yard Sentinel Outdoor Ultrasonic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JE9JAY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I got this one and I keep it plugged in on a timer so it goes off all night while it is dark. It takes some messing with the settings but it has completely kept raccoons away from my pond for weeks now
Thanks for sharing! Now I’m getting more optimistic and excited to see what happens with my pond. I already have this wifi connected thermometer (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08STSB614?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) so it’s super easy to track the temp in the bottom of the pond and also see the temperature trends with their app. (The model I bought connects to my low voltage transformer for my lights, but they have ones that come with their own transformer/power adapter.)
There will be enough "stuff" before long to not add growing media. Honestly it will just make cleaning it out harder. I'd do pots if you can. Amazon has some wider terra cotta pots that would work really well, here is the link for the ones I got, they're only 4" tall, so perfect for a smaller pond. I just put rocks on top of the soil before I put it in the pond, so that the soil doesn't go everywhere when I have to get into the pond or move them.
I use a stock tank deicer in my pond in winter. The filter is left on all winter too (no water fall). I have never had any issues and the fish have been out there all year long for about 15 years now. You probably will need to do some research on the wattage needed.
I am in the midAtlantic area of the USA, zone 7a if that means anything to you. We rarely get super duper cold (only when your most generous country sends cold fronts our way).
Link for you for the different wattages: https://smile.amazon.com/Pet-Products-Ultimate-Stock-Deicer/dp/B002QXN1H8/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=3K81JFXSJ8288&keywords=stock+tank+heater+for+livestock&qid=1665836652&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjI1IiwicXNhIjoiNC45MSIsInFzcCI6IjQuNjcifQ%3D%3D&spref...
> My aim to grow dope in my bog filter because it is such a heavy feeder
OK. That only works in warm weather, of course. But if you want to try: Your bog should be made out of 3/8" pea gravel. It only needs to be 12 to 14 inches deep, more than that is a waste of effort. You don't need some complicated inlet structure, just get the water to the back of the bog, let it flow across, and cascade back into the pond. For planting, I use grow bags:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5W8XPG
Really, a one or two gallon grow bag is fine. I fill them with unscented, non-clumping kitty litter. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Special-Kitty-Fragrance-Free-Natural-Clay-Non-Clumping-Cat-Litter-25-lb/10293705?athbdg=L1200 I mix some 10-10-10 fertilizer in, just to get the plants started. Make a hole in the gravel, and lower in the grow bag. For most bog plants, you'll want it submerged, but for pot, the surface of the clay in the bag should be an inch or two above the water line. Plant your clone or seedling directly into the clay. The roots will grow out into the gravel for support, but you should have some plan for staking, as the plant will get very, very large. 2 - 3 times normal size. 4 times wouldn't surprise anyone. If it says your clone normally matures at three feet, plan for ten. Seriously.
I have a clay bottom half acre pond in Texas. I use THIS 35W solar pump. It has a hose on the back end that I attached to a tree so the water falls out over the water for good aeration.
I bought it May 2021. In fact, there’s a drought here and I checked it today and the water line had fallen below the pump so it wasn’t running. I immediately assumed it had burned the pump up and quickly ordered a second. I cleaned it off and resubmerged it and it started working again. Probably not the fanciest solar pump/aerator but definitely best value. Made it through 2 Texas summers and a big freeze in the winter.
I have used these in other applications. They might not be able to handle the pressure from the garden hose though.
Awesome thank you! I think I found some on Amazon for the US. Looks like a similar setup. Appreciate your help I will start from there! https://www.amazon.com/Junction-Waterproof-Electrical-Connector-3-5-10mm/dp/B083HRLQG3/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=waterproof%2Bcable%2Bconnector&qid=1661844815&sprefix=waterproof%2Bcable%2B%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-2-spons&th=1
I'd start with some water movement and filtration/aeration from a small pump/filter kit.
Something like this would be a huge improvement, just drop it in.
Throw a couple of Mosquito dunks in there every month or so. Advertised harmless for wildlife and my dogs drink out of a tub of water I keep treated. Helps keep down the mosquito population in general.
Thanks. It was a Hikvision 5 mp turret cam with an ir emitter. I just installed today in its place this camera that offers visible light emitters as well as ir. Here's how it look with just the visible emitters on. The moths like it but I'm not sure I do 🤔
Thank you, I think this is the key but not sure I understand what I have to do. The pump (link below) has two poly flow sheets inside which are covered in clay silt every week when I clean them. Everything inside the box is covered in silt, which I wash off. Is this what you mean or am I missing something?
https://www.amazon.it/Oase-Filtral-6000-Chiarificatore-Nero/dp/B07K1TW243
Do you have a link to the product?
I didn't want to spend $1000 on a liner, so I went with this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BMMFT5R?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
It's worked great so far.
EasyPro QS2 Quick Sink Self Weighted Diffuser Assembly for Lake and Pond Subsurface Aeration | Low Maintenance Single EPDM Rubber Membrane https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079NR46GV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_dUsxzszYj1JGR
Well damn. It's supposed to be the Variegated Cattail from this Amazon listing: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086GHY2R9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
The leaves look similar to the picture so I've been waiting for it to mature. Guess I got screwed?
>algaefix
First and foremost. Don't add 2 treatments at the same time. Second, and some may disagree with me, never use a chemical "algae fixer". Control algae naturally. Best done with a liquid and dry bacteria, mechanical filtration, a UV light, plants, and some calcium clay. https://www.amazon.com/Microbe-Lift-Calicium-Montmorillonite-MLKKB4/dp/B000TZ1R7Q
You've done several things right, outside of algae-fix. Even though it says it's safe for plants and fish, every algae chemical agent is a risk to them. Get things off just a little bit and it can be very bad. Also, don't ever use a deflocculator. I lost several prized fish after using one that was supposedly "safe". The chemicals can get bound in the gills of the fish causing stress or suffocation at worst.
Third, never add fish after doing a major treatment. That's a good way to shock and kill them.
With that out of the way :)
You have a very nice looking pond there. You should have a mechanical filter the pump is passing the water through before it goes to the waterfall. You'll thank me later, so please do yourself a favor and buy a UV light before any more time passes. It's a miracle worker and will keep your pond crystal clear. With such a small pond you can use a very small one. Depending on the gph your pump moves, that's how you determine the UV light you should be using. For just 200 gallons you don't need more than 9 watts, but again, it depends on how fast water moves through your tubing.
Having that many goldfish without a UV light, you're going to struggle with bio-load which means you will always struggle with water clarity if you don't go UV. IF this is your first pond, no matter how much self control you have - you will always want more fish :)
Also, I can't believe someone charged you $600. Unless they were there for 2 days for some reason, that's a total ripoff :(
I think that you will need a pretty aggressive filter for such a small pond and since you have multiple goldfish--for reference, I have a 60 gallon above ground pond filtered with this filter: https://www.amazon.com/Aquagarden-Pennington-Clarifier-Spotlight-Beautiful/dp/B0719664GX
I also have floating bog plants to provide additional filtration and shade for the two fish that I have in there. I also have bog plants along the sides (I live in zone & 7a). Some of the bog plants I have are tropical, so they are removed once the temps drop or you could consider them annuals and replace every year.
All of the plants in the floating bog filter are hardy enough to handle the winter months. Speaking of winter, I run the filter year round and add a surface heater to the pond so it does not freeze over. Fish are not fed once the water temperature drops below 50 degrees.
Home depot in my area really does not sell pond plants--they do have small containers with dormant lilies and some bog plants. I don't know how many would have survived this late in the season though. That said--many of the plants they sell (all tropical) can be used as bog plants. Thinking papyrus, canna, elephants ear, pickerel weed. You should research pond stores in your area--they may have some still. Do be careful about looking for hardy varieties versus tropical since you are in zone 6. Tropical = annual in your case. Also--if you choose to use a similar filter to the one I mentioned above--the flow rate may mean that lilies would not be happy, nor would floating plants such as water lettuce, water hyacinth, etc.
The algae won't hurt your fish, Algae is intentionally generated for larger ponds to help protect the fish from predators outside of the water. If you're looking to quickly clear the algae, you can try this method. https://www.amazon.com/Jebao-Filter-System-Sterilizer-Fountain/dp/B07DMBQ2NF/ref=sr_1_7?crid=ZS7QUM5B5VGC&keywords=pond+uv+filter&qid=1658523195&sprefix=pond+uv+filter%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-7
It's a filter and UV Clarifier. If you're using an out of pond filtration method, they have inline UV clarifiers you can buy and add to your loop.
i started with this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874X6BQ9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and got lights and extras. i didn't go too deep (found out belatedly if you go past 2 feet deep in loudoun you have to follow pool rules (no way to find this out online i got it from someone that used to install ponds) which are nutty so whatever mine is probably 2.5 foot deep and no kids around so i'm not that bothered. i just have minnows a bunch of plants and now a lady green frog that's coming around sometimes. i'd like more frogs. my main battle has been algae as i've got a lot of sun so been spending a mint on adding plants and skimming off some every few days. hopefully some of them live so it's cheaper next year. i have a tea olive that'll eventually provide shade but it's so very wee atm.
Haha that's exactly what I did the first 2 years with this one.
Little tip: get yourself an oil catch pan like this one, drill/punch a bunch of holes in the side, and transfer your Lillie. If it's in a shallower/wider pot it will allow the rhizomes to spread more and your plant will be much happier for it. Since moving it to the new pot I've been getting way more growth and blooms from the Lillie each season.
You can also get floating skimmers.
In the U.S. they sell these alarms that float in the pool and if anything, say over two pounds, drops in the water to cause ripples or splashes a crazy loud alarms blasts to let ppl know a pet or person may have fallen in. Not proposing as a solution but maybe something to purchase and use for short term until you find a solution? Like this pool alarm
I use a stock tank heater in mine (in the Mid-Atlantic area). The pond is about 60 gallons. Have had the pond for about 6 years and have yet to lose a fish, so it must work. I do run the filter all winter long as well. This is the stock tank heater I use: https://smile.amazon.com/Pet-Products-Ultimate-Stock-Deicer/dp/B002QXN1H8/ref=sr\_1\_1?crid=3FYNJECR3751Q&keywords=stock+tank+heater&qid=1656767085&sprefix=stock+tank+heater%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1
Okay--I went on Amazon and this is what I have: https://smile.amazon.com/Aquagarden-Pennington-Inpond-Maintenance-Suitable/dp/B0716LV7KY/ref=pd_bxgy_sccl_1/136-0077388-7976016?pd_rd_w=zyQQD&content-id=amzn1.sym.7757a8b5-874e-4a67-9d85-54ed32f01737&pf_rd_p=7757a8b5-874e-4a67-9d85-54ed32f01737&pf_rd_r=TQ3E8CB3N5H2D89HYW7Q&pd_rd_wg=Por47&pd_rd_r=0d47c049-3fe5-4522-aba4-0a0b1574904c&pd_rd_i=B071DXGDW6&th=1
​
So it has two foam filters (re-usable) and the one white polymer wool filter pad (disposable). I just purchased an extra pair of filters so I could do quick changeouts if need be. Sorry for the confusion!
I ended up making a box for the pump and I used one layer of open cell filter sponge followed by a more dense filter media. It works pretty well, just have to take it out and hose down the filters every once in a while.
what is in the water making it cloudy? if it's just silt you can use a flocculent and it somehow grabs the silt and makes it sink, it will sink eventually w/o this but it does it much faster. i made the mistake of not fully hand rinsing off each of my rocks from the rock yard when i was placing them in my pond and had a lot of silt that was very slow to settle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021Q18TS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details CrystalClear RapiClear Liquid Flocculent was fine for my minnow fish and plants... if it's something else in the water like algae i have no amazing advice as i am fighting that myself at the moment.
The OP pic is just testing that the pond holds water, it's since been drained for now.
I'm planning on the smaller area behind the 'dam' to be an upflow bog for biological filtration (and plants ofc), and I've ran piping at the bottom now. The pump is nominally 550gph, but I suspect it's actually lower, though I think it should still be enough. The 'dam' is rock and mortar, but it (and the rest of the pond) has been sealed with pond armor epoxy.
I've been doing lots of reading, but I'm still a total novice to ponds and fishkeeping in general, so I'm open to suggestions. I'm aiming for a somewhat bioactive setup rather than a more intensive system, but I'm not totally sure about the feasibility of that with something of this scale and indoors. Lower-maintenance/hardy fish (or other animals) would be the goal so I have less chance of fucking this up lol. I'm interested in plecostomus, but any fish that would be well suited and happy in such a setup is fine with me.
As far as plants and algae, I'm not really sure but ferns and Azolla sp. are interesting, and possibly aquatic mint. This area doesn't get a lot of natural light from the windows, so that's somewhat of a concern for the plants, I am wondering if I will need grow lights.
Again, I'm a total novice so I'm ready to learn and take suggestions.
this wasn't the easiest thing to get installed over my pump (that i also got from them :p) but even my wee baby minnow fry that are about the size of a grain of rice are doing ok https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CUMQAUA?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details my pond may be big enough they just steer clear of the pump? but may be worth a try if there's enough room
First I had to get rid of my green alge. Alot of the dead alge turned my water brown since it was dead. I like to only do organic stuff in my pond to keep my ecosystem healthy, so I went with this https://www.amazon.com/Microbe-Lift-Calicium-Montmorillonite-MLKKB4/dp/B000TZ1R7Q?pd_rd_w=RJ9a7&content-id=amzn1.sym.94349326-ca8a-4b0d-94f0-6931485b8573&pf_rd_p=94349326-ca8a-4b0d-94f0-6931485b8573&pf_rd_r=JXFS6PEKAQ0VCRQB9JFG&pd_...
Its calcium clay. Took me about a month and 3 applications, but they give you 4 ponds if it and every little scop does 500 to 1000 gallons . I have a ton left over . I'm no pro, this is the first time I've gotten my water clear bc my pond is so stupidly big that it cost to much for equipment right out of the gate. Ive pretty much added a little at a time for my moving water and filtration for pumps and what not.
I have a 125 preform pond and I use a solar power for dead spots in my pond. It came in handy when I just had a 11 hour power outage the whole day. https://www.amazon.com/AISITIN-Fountain-1500mAh-Floating-Decoration/dp/B083BVSCQZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=AISITIN+5.5W+Solar+Fountain+Pump&link_code=qs&qid=1655513574&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-4
It's for three months max. during summer and I don't have fish so it's not worth it. I also don't have more space.
I found this what's supposed to be a filter:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pontec-PondoClear-Island-Complete-Black/dp/B018EC14ZU
And
https://www.pontec.com/en/pond-filter-multiclear-set-5000.html
Which is the whole set but also most expensive.
Does someone have a good tutorial for making an edge?
I would suggest freezing gallon bottles of water then placing the the frozen container in the pond. Not sure what size your pond is, but this might work--it has a large thermal mass so may slowly melt. You could switch it out with another frozen container once that one is melted and so on. The major benefit is that you won't have problems with changing your water chemistry. If you are super serious and your pond is huge--your only real option is a water chiller. That can get pricey (example: https://www.amazon.com/BAOSHISHAN-Refrigeration-Compressor-hydroponics-Jellyfish/dp/B087DVKYFT).
I guarantee you can buy those elbow fittings as PVC on Amazon.
I used this one. It worked wonders until it went kaput. I don't blame the sprinkler for that though, I was running it off my well water which is horribly hard. The minerals in that water destroy every sprinkler I run it through after about a year.
Ultimately I just opted for more structure and plants for the fish to hide from predators in. It's worked ok; I lose about 3-4 fish each year and fortunately the babies hatched each year offset them.
I use something similar that is marketed at "fish safe": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N1AMY0?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k0_1_9&amp&crid=13G8QL4OWCUEA&amp&sprefix=pond+seal
Have you considered a simple (solar powered) fountain like pump? If you give that water some movement it's quality will improve a lot.
something like https://www.amazon.com/AISITIN-Powered-Fountain-Nozzles-Feature/dp/B093BXZG9P
I have a similar set up and now looking into plants. I have a small floating island, but I'd love to introduce even more marginal plants using some kind of hanging basket setup. Any ideas? The ones I see online are coated metal, so surely that would rust over time?
Do you think felt bags could work, or would they get nasty?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082CW3NQD/ref=ewc\_pr\_img\_1?smid=AAUULN7CCJX1L&th=1
What about something like this and find a wire, mesh, or plastic basket to hang them in?
10 Pack Over The Door Metal Hook Hanger to Fit Interior Doors with Thickness from 1.3" to 1.65" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QX4HVS9/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_0SG9EM9YXHFNX6ZWHEE7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I saw the picture you added of how it is set up, and it is because they cannot get out. When creatures fall in, they swim to an edge and just keep following that edge.
In the picture, the only thing directly in the water in the plastic liner, which they can’t get a grip on. You have a ramp, but they would have to leave the edge of the water to get to it.
All you need to do is to have some sort of rough item that is in the water and directly along the edge, so that they run into as they circle, and can climb up.
This isn’t a pretty product, but it’s a good example of an item at the edge they can climb.
[Amazon Critter Saver](amazon.com/dp/B01LQR8W2S/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_3HDQMSYQKM1M2S7ZS8NS)
It doesn't appear like you have fish in there! That will lower the amount of filtration you need.
Are you planning to expand? If not, then I would go with a pump rated at 700 gph (to account for being overrated and to turn the volume of the pond twice per hour).
If you are, get a pump rated for twice the amount of volume you want to expand to.
I'd search on eBay for higher volume pumps at cheaper prices, but Amazon carrries pumps at similar prices (less than 1000 gph) and more expensive upwards. (Make sure the pump works as submersible with an inlet) Here is the large one I use (2100) https://www.ebay.com/itm/263703869494?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=skpHtupBSOG&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=5Ha38Jy-QPa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Use this as the prefilter: TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter, For 250 To 500 Gallon Ponds https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024EFYU6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_N9D7743276WEBRRHVCAZ
You can put PolyFill quilt batting (make sure it is the synthetic stuff) in low loft (the clumped stuff will clog your pump) to control algae. This will strain green water algae. If you have fish, a UVC clarifier (and/or a large pressure filter) will get the job done without much hassle.
In the waterfall box (if you have one) put bioballs, or other biological media. All kinds of things work, so long as they have nooks and crannies.
Im not the most knowledgeable about how to create a big, but here is how I did mine. I took some PVC pipe and securely taped an old pump fitting. I drilled holes into the PVC in many directions. Then I put it into the bog bed at a small upwards slope toward the open end (to ensure equal dispersion). Then I filled in pea gravel.
Other people will know how to make a bog bed.
Can you install a sail shade over the pond? Here’s an example from Amazon: Shade&Beyond Triangle Sun Shade Sail 16' x 16' x 16' Canopy Sand for Patio Garden Yard Deck Pergola
I have this. It is excellent. You can never have too much filtration.
Pressurised Koi Fish Pond Filter / UV Steriliser (PFC-12000-KIT) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00WGPOF5I/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_5NQCZJD4BCX2WGYHHS20?psc=1
OASE Biopress 1000 Pressurized Filter with Uv Black https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07G4JW4KF/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_i_CVJTSDB0K8WAC3H4CHMZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There’s no downside to having very clear water. And you might as well spend on a good product.
I bought a blue heron pond decoy a couple of years ago and it did help. You do need to move it around though so it won't be in the same spot every day. Some places for the fish to hide is also good, such as plant that will float over areas of the pond.
I had a problem with tannins turning the water in my old 50 gal. pond into “tea”, so I tried using activated charcoal in the biofall and it cleared it up within a matter of days. Aquapapa 1 lb Activated Charcoal Carbon Pellets in Free Mesh Media Bag for Aquarium Fish Pond Tank Canister Filter
Water movement and filtration you'll certainly need for fish.
I would at least start with something perhaps like this:
https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOHOME-Fountain-Sterilizer-Suitable-Gallons/dp/B07ZD6V3TJ?th=1
If your pond is in direct sunlight, you will fight with algae so plants are your friend here. The more plants you have, the less algae.
For fish, a pond this size I would just try some cheap feeder goldfish to start, just to see how the environment is for sustaining them.
Filtration and water movement first though.
Without knowing your climate as well, it's hard to know if fish will over-winter in this pond. For Winters where I am, a depth of at least 2.5 to 3ft is needed for fish to make it through the Winter. Optionally you could always move them into an indoor tank for Winter as well if this is an issue where you live.
Good luck!
Yes, it is still too cold for plants to grow so I put in some foam lily pads to help provide some cover / protection from predators until things begin growing. I put these on after removing my net from winter.
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Thank you! The liner was kinda difficult to get to go around that inner corner, but as I filled it up, I would just have to make sure it folded correctly to make it as flat as possible.
For the camera, i'm using this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CY12ZRR/
Mosquito dunks are also an option. That's what we used before we put in koi and goldfish. Then the mosquito larvae seemed to all get eaten.
You can get a pair of waders for $30 on Amazon…OXYVAN Waders Waterproof Lightweight Fishing Waders with Boots Bootfoot Hunting Chest Waders for Men and Women https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GYBBQN9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1EQSA34EWP74DK3E6PR2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Novostella 52.5ft Smart LED Outdoor Rope Light, Music Sync RGB Strip Lights, App Control and RF Remote Color Changing Dimmable Tape Exterior Lighting Kit, for Garden Decorative Stairs Party, 24V IP65 by DragonSmart Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089YRDTRS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_N1N65WW5KPZ0XMDEJ9E3
CNZ 13-watt Germicidal UV-C Replacement Bulb, G23 Base (1-Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TC589G/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_KYVR0D0MTXC0H4KYGTCJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
That seems to work for me...
I purchased this almost 10 years ago and its still working. I leave it on all year round and add heaters in the winter. I have had to replace the airline tubing and bubble stones multiple times but not the pump.
Laguna Pond Aeration Kit, Pond Air Pump https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000HASBFE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_D3M6XMDCT2AJTAZ62HZS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
All of my pond plants are in a mix of pea gravel and this aquatic soil mix. My plants love it. Just be sure to rinse the gravel well prior to potting. Aquascape 89002 Pond Potting Media for Aquatic Plants, 10 Pounds | 890, 215 cubic inches, Brown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JVY8X2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2ZG1HM5RFJHDVGY4AHK0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use these pellets in my raised bed pond. I’ve never drained it and would certainly never power wash it. They also make smaller skimmers that float freely and won’t take up as much space as some of the side mounted ones. The net will help, but so will adding the pellets. Been using them for years with no issues. KoiWorx Muck Reducer, 145 Tablets, Dry Beneficial Bacteria, Reduces Muck & Sludge, 100% Natural Bacteria, Safe for koi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XQ673WV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WAM8ZCSB4CEKT0C0CVMX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
First and foremost, let your pond cycle. My pond was up and running for roughly 3 months before I added fish. I made sure my parameters were on point and that my water was chlorine free. They sell filters on Amazon that screw onto your garden hose. Also purchase a water test kit. I use this one. Stay away from those test strips you dip into the water and wait for result. They’re unreliable and by the time you figure out there’s an issue it’s too late to do anything about it. API POND MASTER TEST KIT Pond Water Test Kit 500-Test https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DJNN0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7HYWT4RPV0QWEJ62NHV3
I've used this for the last two years (it cracks in freezing temps tho!). No prime and I've accidentally left my hose on all day and overnight several times (my poor water bill tho).
I finally invested in an Orbit bluetooth hose timer
Limited-time deal: Camco GardenPURE Carbon Water Hose Filter -Filters Water from Your Garden Hose to Improve Plants Health and Provide Fresh Water for Pets and Animals- Great for Gardening and Farming (40691) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2586NK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_3Y3VEJH3JPDEXWTYD645?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Yes, just keeps an opening in the ice for gasses to escape. It might turn off and on if it has a temp setting. I’d also recommend some sort of aeration if you don’t have that running already. I bought this for my pond. Aquascape 75000 Pond Air 2 (Double Outlet Aeration Kit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078LTKM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_74KMR5MPYS0K7BJN9X6A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Are you in the U.S.? Bring a water sample to petco or petsmart, I think they can also test it using the liquid test for free. If not, get a API test kit. Did they test Ammonia (NH3)? It seems like the first fish pic has redder gills which might be a sign of ammonia poisoning.
How many gallons is the pond? How many fish do you have in there? Any changes in their appetite? Another possibility might be low oxygen. You could put in a cheap aquarium air bubbler or get some more water moving.
There is several non lethal Ways of dealing with herons/cranes that I use. 1. Bird netting over pond 2. Motion sensitive sprinklers -
Havahart 5277 Motion-Activated Animal Repellent & Sprinkler, 1 Pack, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HK12H8/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_HWWEBKQW4RYSXXCAFX5Q
- Outdoor dogs
- Using crane or heron decoys
I was responding on my phone so couldn't see the " vs ' in a dark bar...lol. Edited now. It's an above ground pool I set up in the basement. Link here.
Moving day was a PITA. A pond pump died, some hoses broke, fittings didn't fit like I planned it out in my head, moving established 500 gallons of water was more difficult than I thought, etc. This is social media so you only see the good stuff. I'll re-organize and zoom out on another post later.
Basically has two pond cannister filters in series with about 1000 gph flow. A home-made wet-dry tub filter, 3 large sponge filters, and a cheap standing plant light. Not particularly aesthetic to look at. In the basement of my house so didn't have to worry about weight and water spillage.
Ditto on using the existing pond water. I had a kiddie pool, the dog pool, and emptied a bunch of storage totes into the spare room, and collected rain water (we got like 17" in a month!) to help avoid using tap water. The fish did fantastic!
Here is how I built mine. I used 2x6's. The corners are these, and they are PERFECT. My pond is only 18" above ground, the rest is dug in. (I wanted the soil heat for winter.)
I ordered this one from Amazon, and it had cracks all over it. Do NOT recommend!
The Total Pond pond liners I got are amazing! They seem to be a little thinner, but man, they're tough!
You want to be really, really sure on your measurements though. I did an 8'x8', with differing depths (the bottom isn't flat, there are shallow and deep areas, and a hill going across part of it) and it needed a 20x20. The actual liner need was 15' x 19", I think. There was some overage, yeah, but better than seams, for sure.
Search for "pond hose". If you are thinking of the clear pvc tubing, they get expensive for those diameters.
Example: Pond Tubing
The way it's set up, you'd be best served with a free-standing skimmer with an independent pump feeding that barrel filter.
https://www.amazon.com/OASE-706759500401-Swimskim-Floating-Skimmer/dp/B004NJFBJO
As some have suggested, sail shades will make a huge difference, but you might also want to consider adding plants as well. They’ll provide some shade and use up some of the nutrients that the algae need to grow and survive.
It also would don’t hurt to throw in a barley straw bale as well: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0002568YK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HP37RN5Z11N1C6KSTHH3
These are made for 1000 gallon ponds, so what I did is cut open one end, pull out a good portion of the straw and stash it in a ziplock bag, and then tie off the open end.
Here is where I got some of my water plants. Frogs need hiding places, and ways to easily get in and out of the water. You could do that with some rocks or something. I also put a bunch of plants around, and cinderblocks to the back of my pond as hiding places for them. My pond is right outside a window, and the frogs like to sit on the outside window sill, too. I'm willing to bet you have tadpoles in that patio pond. If not, you will soon. They need hiding places, too. You can feed them tadpole food or something plant based. The tadpoles for sure need a way to get out of the water once they get their legs. Honestly, you don't need much.
I have Arrow Arum in my pond, and the frogs kind of hang out there. I also have a Pothos Ivy, it's IN the water, and doing fantastic! The leaves are literally under the water. Lotus will do well, and my tadpoles are eating it as snacks. Any of these would work, too: Options (not my store, just where I got mine). Most of them require full sun, and my frogs are basking in the sun every day (95 degrees out there, weirdos).
Here is what the snow and ice looked like. My pool (in ground) froze over. The top 2 inches. It was cold, LOL But the insulation, and being partially in the ground, near the house, helped.
These are what I got. Hope this helps everyone out!
Solar Pond Lights Outdoor Landscape Spot Light Underwater Pond Light LED RGB Colored IP68 Waterproof Fountain Light for Garden Yard Lawn Pathway, Set of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0966N5SBH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_099XVGJFK1TKK16TYJXR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
My lilies are in pots so I just trim them back and drop them down into deeper water. They come back every year. In a tub like this I’m not sure. You could just trim them down below the water surface and then cover the container/fashion some sort of lid. You could add a deicer. I have this one for my pond because I have fish, but it might keep the water from freezing solid depending on your location. TetraPond De-Icer,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J3I0Q4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is the pump I installed. It's really powerful. I have 25' of hose coming off it and had to put a ball valve on it to reduce the flow.
My pond is 7' wide x 13' long. At its deepest its 2'.
VIVOHOME Electric 310W 5300GPH Submersible Water Pump for Koi Pond Pool Waterfall Fountains Fish Tank and Aquarium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07THK69RX/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_6B160782YKVFXJY5T8EV
Love it! If you want a waterfall I got a box waterfall off amazon. Lets you do bonus filtration, too! https://www.amazon.com/pond-boss-Waterfall-Spillway-8/dp/B00VBP5TQS/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?dchild=1&hasWorkingJavascript=1&keywords=box+waterfall&qid=1628911005&sr=8-11