Forum home› Wildlife gardening
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Sand for under a pre-formed pond?

Bertha-BadgerBertha-Badger Posts: 27
in Wildlife gardening
I'm digging a small pond for the froggies. What sort of sand should I be laying underneath the pre-formed pond?


Thanks
To See the World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
«1

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've never used a pre formed one, but I don't think it would matter very much as long as the pond was well set in  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    edited February 2023
    I don't think you'll need it for a preformed one, nor for that size, but a bag of sharp/builders sand from a DIY shop will do.

    Nice cat photo-bomb. 😄
  • MikeOxgreenMikeOxgreen Posts: 812
    The cheapest you can find.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm just wondering @Bertha-Badger - do the instructions with the pond state you have to use sand?
    The biggest problem with the pre formed ones always seems to be the 'filling round the sides' as that can be quite tricky. I know a couple of people who were constantly having to refill bits as the soil sank and got re distributed. It would be ok in drier conditions and if the soil was quite friable, but very awkward if it isn't. You'd need to do it then leave it to settle, then fill in any spaces again. Getting the level right is really important too. 

    If it's for wildlife, you'll need to make it easier for them to get in and out too. A log or some rocks positioned at the end with the shelf, would be the easiest method.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Bertha-BadgerBertha-Badger Posts: 27
    Thanks for all your advice, I'll just get a bag of sharp sand from the DIY shop.
    BTW should I wait for a while before putting the pond in, worried about frost etc., but I am itching to get going on it!
    To See the World in a Grain of Sand
    And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    You want the sort that moulds into  shape well and stays there.   The best moulding sand is Mansfield red.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    It's as if the cat is daydreaming about all the goldfish that are going to come his way :)


    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • Bertha-BadgerBertha-Badger Posts: 27
    Loxley said:
    It's as if the cat is daydreaming about all the goldfish that are going to come his way :)



    There won't be any goldfish, but I might cut up a couple of pieces of carrot to keep her going!
    To See the World in a Grain of Sand
    And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    With a bengal, it's likely to be thinking its a jacuzzi for bathing in.  Our neighbours used to like attacking water coming out of the hosepipe, and pawed at the tap to be turned on to drink from.
  • Bertha-BadgerBertha-Badger Posts: 27
    Well I got a bag of sand (they are mega heavy!) and put it in the hole and spread it out nicely. Put the pre-formed pond in and checked for level. Put some water in to weight it down and filled in all around it. However I made a right hooleys of it as I ended up with a pond with a definite lean to the right (2 inches out)!! This morning I emptied it all out and tried to start again by digging a bigger surrounding area out. Sand was squidgy as some water got into it. I cleaned the pond out and set it in and went home leaving a nice big pile of soil to backfill tomorrow. I am too ashamed to post any photos of my handiwork, but has anyone got any filling in hints before I launch myself at it tomorrow?
    To See the World in a Grain of Sand
    And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Sign In or Register to comment.