New pond question

[Stomatopod]

Originally Posted by Malcolm Banks

All good advice but it is in my blood to suggest that you confirm the donor pond is free of overt disease amongst verts and macro inverts, even if wildlife rich is an excellent indicator of general health. Blanket-weed free would also be a valuable feature of donor pond. Don't know of any destructive aquatic plant diseases on a par with Iridovirus or Chytrid fungus, but someone might??!!
M

Good point. It would be a good idea to check the records of your local wildlife trust Sue, to ensure the donor pond is in good health and you dont introduce pests and diseases. Ponds with Signal Crayfish should also be avoided as larvae can be introduced by accident (which would be breaking the law).

Im not aware of any aquatic plant pathogens on a par with chytrid fungus but from my experience blanket weed is often encouraged as a result of lime leaching into the pond from nearby mortar.

[Rashmika]

As far as Oxygenators go, Hornwort!

I am also quite happy with a Water Solider.

[tom00_uk]

i would leave it be, you will get a range of things going in now before autumn and winter hit home and you can let it develop more naturally

[RobinP]

I've got a very similar wildlife pond which I stocked with some oxygenating plants, very quickly the water boatmen moved in, now I have more than 20!

Unfortunately I also now have blanket weed but I have purchased some 'goodbye blanket weed' bags at great expense and I also use a solar powered oxygenating pump when the sun is shining so hopefully this will get rid of the weed. Dragonflies and some frogs have been investigating so I am looking forward to next Spring expectantly!

Robin

[Red Robin]

.
Warm Welcome to the forum, SwampySue

I checked out your pond photo and it looks perfect. I'm a wildlife pond newbie too (started mine in June). I'm lucky as I have easy access to river water.

Providing you have time (and surely you do, as ponds are even bigger time-stealers than computers) I'd advise simply hand scooping out any excess of blanket weed but I'm told by a friend with many years of experience that it's good to have some as it feeds lots of small hungry mouths and indicates health. The trick is to have created your pond so it's not in the full glare of the sun all day. Mine gets about 5 hours max. I'd only use a commercial additive as an absolute last resort, by which time you'd anyway be guilty of negligence in your pond's care.

Lily's will create natural shade and shelter but ideally shouldn't cover more than about 60% of the water surface.

[nightshade]

Red Robin, I see you are a kokopelli fan as well
The thing people seem to miss is siting the pond for the best balance between sunshine and shade, proximity to cover like trees and being able to get around the pond to savour and service it

[Red Robin]

Hi nightshade,

Yep, I play Native American flute (am currently recording my second album and co-producing a singer's album and playing on some of her tracks). Hence Kokopelli, plus I have a number of Rez friends across the pond.

I'm glad I got the advice in time to site my pond ideally even if it's small.

[goes off to try to upload some pics to share]