Ponds

Ponds

Asked on 4 Sep, 2007

Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping a pond clear? Mine is not very large approx 2 metre mtre square, I put it in in Feb this year. Its main purpose is just to attract wildlife, I have some aquatic plants, one small water lilly and some marginal plants. It attracted frogs in Spring so I have had tadpoles. The water is becoming cloudy and there is blanket weed developing , I keep scooping this out.
Anyone have any tips? Do you think I should have a pump or filter in the pond, would some fish help to keep the weed down? I really want it to look good but I am a bit despondant so far.

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Spritzhenry

4 Sep, 2007

Reading my RHS book tells me you need a balance of oxygenating plants to keep algae out, and water clear. Also, the plants should cover more of the surface by the sound of it. To help, you can apparently buy a PH watertest kit to help you check the balance. Keep getting the blanket weed out on a stick. Hope this helps.

Andrea

4 Sep, 2007

Thanks - what is the RHS book that you have?

Spritzhenry

4 Sep, 2007

It's the 'RHS Encyclopaedia of Gardening' and it is SOOO comprehensive! (I also treated myself to the 2-volume A-Z of Plants and Flowers... in an extravagant moment! ) However, they came from Amazon at a very good price, so I didn't feel too guilty. They are well worth having.

Andrea

5 Sep, 2007

Thats one for my Christmas list!

Justvera

10 Sep, 2007

I also have a small pond which gave me problems with blanket weed. I introduced a bunch of oxygenating weed ,which grew quickly and after two years ,with the plant growing & growing,I now do not have any blanket weed,and have now put cold water fish into the pond. The water is clear.A new pond does take a while to settle down.I could send you some of the plant.

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