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Wildlife pond filters and other problems

rosaamor1rosaamor1 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I had a contractor build a pond for me in the spring. It contains no fish, is aimed at attracting wildlife and has just recently started to develop into a proper ecosystem with mosquito larvae, leeches, lice and since the beginning of the week Kirmit (frog) and my first dragonfly. It's circular with a diameter of 2.2.

However we've also encountered a few problems:

  • We installed a UV filter/pump from the beginning because of a concern with invasive algae. However I've since read on the Freshwater life trust (formally 'pondlife') website  that UV filters are detrimental to wildlife ponds as they work by destroying DNA and can kill microscopic larvae. Also, if it isn't a fine mesh one, it can also filter and kill creatures as big as tadpoles. I'm disabled with M.E so not able to undertake any heavy labour and am wary of simply having no filter in case it creates a unmanageable build up of nutrients and other unpleasantness. I'm unsure what my current model is but I'd appreciate any recommendations for wildlife friendly pond filters. Though, having said all that, the UV filter didn't stop a nasty build up of blanket weed this summer which is fortunately now removed 😝. Still any recommendations for wildlife friendly filters would be appreciated.
  • I'm currently also having a problem with the water level dropping dramatically. We've had a man out several times about it and it's been put down to either 'wicking' (whatever that is!) or 'evaporation' but they're obviously puzzled by it.
  • I also own the 'dark goddess' (cat) who's a vivacious hunter. Now that I've finally got a 'Kirmit' has anyone got any tips for preventing her ladyship from possibly turning  him into frogslegs?

Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Hello and welcome. Wicking is when moisture travels through another substance into the air. You mostly see the term used with sports gear that takes sweat away from the body so you remain dry and comfortable. I imagine he meant that the water touches soil at the edge of the pond and this draws off water.
    We have a filter and UV light on our pond, too old to remember the make but the pond is teeming with wildlife, including tadpoles in season, and has no obvious problems.
    We also have cats. In 30 years they have not bothered with the frogs, although brief encounters with toads have been very useful in putting them off.
    I cannot share your enthusiasm for leeches and lice, I'm afraid!

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Hi and welcome to the forum.
    I have a wildlife pond that was put in 4 years ago.
    For the first couple of years the pond settled.
    Wildlife arrived and took up residence. Plants were initially a bit hit and miss and the water was thick green with algae and copious blanketweed - But that is all to be expected.
    Ponds will find a balance and when that balance is reached, the algae goes, the blanket weed goes, the water is crystal clear and is full of life.
    You don't need filters of any kind. 
    I'm afraid what you need is patience - not easy I know, but nature won't be rushed, give it time, let nature take its course and you'll have a beautiful pond.

    If possible, always use rainwater to top the pond up as tap water contains nutrients that will benefit alge.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • clairesmith70clairesmith70 Posts: 1
    Hi Guys, just read the above which is really interesting but wanted to ask about the algae. I have a small pond we put in only last summer. I now have tadpoles and have taken the fish out and only have a small pump which circulates a little bit of the water. Is there anything I can do about the algae as its growing quite quickly just in the last two weeks and I've just read that too much algae can kill the tadpoles. I didn't realise the tadpoles take so long to become frogs as thought I could put my bigger pump in there to clear it but that will be weeks away now. I don't mind buying things but don't want to do the wrong thing and don't want to lose the tadpoles either. Thank you :)
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    clairesmith70 said:
    Hi Guys, just read the above which is really interesting but wanted to ask about the algae. I have a small pond we put in only last summer. I now have tadpoles and have taken the fish out and only have a small pump which circulates a little bit of the water. Is there anything I can do about the algae as its growing quite quickly just in the last two weeks and I've just read that too much algae can kill the tadpoles. I didn't realise the tadpoles take so long to become frogs as thought I could put my bigger pump in there to clear it but that will be weeks away now. I don't mind buying things but don't want to do the wrong thing and don't want to lose the tadpoles either. Thank you :)

    There was no need to remove the fish from the pond.  They may eat a few tadpoles, but not enough to cause any real problem.  Removing them also means the algae will be free to grow as the fish can't eat it.
    I would put the fish back in and use a cane to remove excess algae.  Just push the cane into the algae and then twirl it to collect like candyfloss.  You will probably collect a few more tadpoles but they can be gently released back into the pond.  The algae doesn't directly kill tadpoles but they can get trapped it if it becomes too thick.
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