Container Pond problems

[Pedagog]

I have two contatiner ponds and two convential ponds, all have been fine with minimal problems, that is until last week.

Last week the Half barrel water went cloudy and developed a sweet sickly smell. So I changed the water, next day it was the same agian. I took out the last points that I had put in same again. The pond now has no plants, just water and two sanils that some how managed to escape being removed and overnight it has gone cloudy and slightly smelly again.

Help.

[Tobyh]

Pedagog,

Is this barrel sunk? could water from elsewhere get in there? Are you removing ALL water? are you replacing the water from a tap or elsewhere - water butt? Is the water in the butt ok?

Lots of questions but need to eliminate some possibilities. I'm no expert but I'm sure with more info you will get someone that can advise.

TobyH

[Pedagog]

Hi Thanks for the reply. The Container is freestanding on paving, I have moved it several times now to ensure that it is not plant matter falling in. The first time I just half emptied it an refilled, after that I hav completely drained it and refilled an then on the last occasion I rinsed it out with the hose before refilling. I have tried both tap water and water butt water (which is clear and not smelly).

[The Woodman]

Possibly an algae bloom.

What's the barrel made from?

[Kayleigh]

Have you got oxygenating plants in the barrel to keep the water fresh.
Mine went black and smelly as I disturbed the bottom but its OK now after I half changed the water with the water butt.
Is the barrel lined, is anything seeping in through the wood.
You can take a sample of water to be tested at a local pond centre they dont charge.
I have a testing kit I use regular but it dont test for chemicals that may have got into the water.

[Pedagog]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Have you got oxygenating plants in the barrel to keep the water fresh.
Mine went black and smelly as I disturbed the bottom but its OK now after I half changed the water with the water butt.
Is the barrel lined, is anything seeping in through the wood.
You can take a sample of water to be tested at a local pond centre they dont charge.
I have a testing kit I use regular but it dont test for chemicals that may have got into the water.

I had loads of plants, but took them all out one type at a time, as I read that some plants may cause the water to go milky.
It is not lined yet, but I think I may have to line it.

[Pedagog]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Possibly an algae bloom.

What's the barrel made from?

Its oak