OK so I have re-homed the fish ... how do I make an "ornamental pond" more of a "natural pond"???

[NigellasGuest]

Hi everyone,

I have a murky old pond that's very sludgy and practically everything growing in it (plant-wise) is dead. It has been home to a thriving fish population however, but they have now gone to someone else's pond. There are about 8 resident frogs, who have recently produced loads of spawn. The spawn is currently in a bucket - I took it out because I didn't want it eaten by the fish, and I do want to increase the frog population.

I am hesitant to put the spawn back into the sludgy water - should I revitalise it somehow before putting the spawn back? Please don't tell me to drain the pond i can't bear the thought of the hassle!!!!

Are there any nice water plants I can put in the pond that will help clear the water? this pond is definitely a traditional "ornamental" pond - all the same depth, square in shape and surrounded by concrete.

any suggestions to help me give my frogs a good life and generally make the pond more wildlife friendly would be greatly received!

Thanks for reading this - sorry it's a bit long....

It sounds like you need some aerating plants.
These are plants that will put the oxygen back into the water and allow fish, frogs and other animals to live in it.
You can buy them cheaply and easily from any pond plant supplying garden centre. You'll need a few of them.

You can also buy small clam-like shellfish that will help to clean the pond. They filter the water and make it cleaner, just by living on the bottom.

I don't believe I have done this today - I completely drained the pond and have refilled it! I had to use tap water but have added a de-chlorinator. The people who took the fish away didn't want frogs so came back with some of their own frogs - so there's loads out there now.

I will buy those shellfish Ruthchan - sounds like a good idea and will look for them while I am getting some new oxygenators/aerators. MrsMagnolia I put loads of sludge in the flower beds -hope it is good for the plants!

It's great that you've cleaned it out.
I don't know about using a dechlorinator, but under normal circumstances, you should now leave the pond for one week before adding plants and animals back into to it.
Maybe that's not necessary???