Trouble in the Pond....

[Palmers-patch]

I have recently (4 weeks ago) created a new pond in the garden in the hope of attracting frogs etc. I've planted it with a water lily, iris from my sister's pond and some other marginals. Also oxygenating plants at the bottom. I added a few tadpoles from a friends pond too. Over the last week it has turned green and today almost looks like a green jelly pond with bubbles on the top. What on earth has gone wrong? Any answers appreciated....

[rustylady]

How deep is it, and how large a surface area? Is it in full sunlight? It takes quite a while for a new pond to establish properly and create a balance. It sounds as if it is probably rich in nutrients, and probably getting a bit too much sun. Don't panic.

[Shadylane]

It's perfectly normal. Our allotment one did the same, the taddies are loving it. The one at our house which we only put in recently is quite clear cause it's in the shade. Your plants should eventually balance it out.
EDIT oh yeah and the bubbles - I think - are the gases given off by the oxygenators. Ours is the same

[DaveJ]

It sounds normal to me. The water in new ponds often turns green especially if tap water was used. Once your pond plants start to grow a little, a natural balance should occur and the coloured water should clear. New ponds can also be prone to blanket weed which can create a green film over the pond. If this is the case simply use a cane and twist it around and the weed will cling to the cane for easy removal. Bubbles on the surface can be caused by oxygenators, but also by tadpoles if you have quite a few of them.

[Mick O]

This is normal for a new pond. you need to have enough plants to cover about two thirds of the surface area of the pond to keep it clear. You can get dwarf water lillies for small ponds
The wildlife won`t worry about the green water so unless you wan`t it clear don`t worry.I have loads of water snails in mine which seem to at least double every year.
Mick

[staglioni]

I have the same bother but i put afew god handsfull of barley straw in a netted bag,leave it till it starts sinking after about a week then take it out,clean it and put it back in pond.This work's great in my pond and it is in full sunlight.
Steve.

[Palmers-patch]

Thanks everyone, you've kind of put my mind at rest. I'm guessing there may be too much sun on it but it is only for a small part of the day then it is in shade. It is only a very small pond (48"x 30") and is about 18- 24'' deep in the centre. The green bubbles are a bit disconcerting though and I will try the barley straw idea. I'm glad the tadpoles will be enjoying it as I was bothered they'd all had an untimely demise....

[Sheikh Yerboutti]

You cant have too much sun for a pond. If you want the best residents (dragonflies ) you need sun. The oxygenators will also work better in sun. Make sure if you plant anything in there you dont use compost, its too rich and will cause the green water. Use poor soil instead.