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Ponds & Metal Grids

NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
in Problem solving

I want to add a child safe grid to my pond which will sit just under the surface

A blacksmith has asked if I want stainless steel or galvanised steel 

? Are both safe for the frogs etc

Help please 

Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.

Posts

  • TopsoiledTopsoiled Posts: 113

    Stainless steel will be fine for everything, but so should galvanised although galvanise relies on the zinc coating oxidising to an inert barrier. Whether that's an issue I don't know. If the prices are the same go with stainless, but if there is a big difference in price and galvanised is a lot cheaper, I would guess if there are affects on wildkife they will Only be very temporary.

  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813

    Thanks 

    The black smith has suggested that if I go for the galvanised to leave it in the garden for about a month to "weather" and then place it in the water

    Its £255 for galvanised and £380 for stainless

    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016

    I would go with galvanised for two reasons.  (1) It is considerably cheaper (2) it has a matt finish and is therefore less "in your face" than stainless.

  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813

    KT53

    Thanks for that but its the possible danger to the frogs etc that is the over riding aspect

    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546

    We have a rectangular pool right outside the back door (built as a reservoir in case of fire as we have no mains water) and just used builders 5mm reinforcing mesh!

  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813

    Buttercupdays

    Has that affected the wild life in the pond please ?

    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    The main difficulty I can see is that frogs will not be able to get into or out of your pond.

  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813

    There will be 4 - 6 inch gaps between the bars so frogs and newts can enter and exit

    Its only the interaction of galvanised steel to water and wild life 

    I have covered all other challenges

    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    The main concern will be providing a means of getting in and out.  Getting thru the gaps is no problem but actually climbing in and out of the water may be difficult so make sure they have a stone or a log up which they can escape.

    Then the choice is between budget and aesthetics and you preference.  I don't see either of the two options harming the amphibians.  I've seen ponds made from old galvanised containers and happy with frogs and tadpoles. 

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Obelixx is right - there won't be an issue with either metal. 

    Frogs etc will get through the gaps. As she says - just provide something suitable for them to climb up onto, if the pond doesn't have ledges, rocks, logs or similar at the edges. image 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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