Making a pond

[Lamie]

What are the main things to know when starting a pond for frogs?

 

[FishHobby99]

You dig a hole, get a liner & add water and pollywogs.
You could google away on this topic & watch lots of YouTube videos

 

[Colin_T]

Most frogs need to be able to get out of the water or they drown. Ponds should have a slight slope around the edges so the frogs can easily climb out of the water.

Water lilies are good because the frogs can hop out onto the leaves.
Water lilies need a pond that is at least 2 feet deep and 3 ft is better.

If you don't want water lilies, then the pond can be 6-12 inches deep. Have some aquatic plants in it.

Marsh plants around the edges are beneficial because they offer the frogs hiding places and attract insects for the frogs to eat.

Keep cats away from the pond because they kill the frogs.

 

[Herpin Man]

Use only native frogs, from nearby populations. Any frog you put in the pond should be presumed a potential escapee. You don’t want non-native animals becoming established in the wild.

 

[Lamie]

Is this a pond liner? Or can I use pond liner bought by the metre from hardware store?

 

[Colin_T]

The pond in the picture is a plastic or fibreglass moulded pond and is fine. They are usually plastic these days.

You can also use pond liner that is sold by the meter. Pond liners come in plastic or rubber, rubber costs more but is thicker and usually lasts longer.
Plastic liners come in different thicknesses too and should be UV stabilised so they don't break down due to the sun light.

If you are only going to be in the house for a short time then a plastic liner is fine. If you are going to stay there for a long time, then either the rubber liner of the thickest plastic liner, or the plastic moulded pond.

 

[Lamie]

How does one use a filter and a pump for an outside pond? I haven't googled yet

 

[Colin_T]

If it's a frog pond and you don't have fish and aren't feeding the pond, you don't need a filter. Just have lots of plants and they will keep the water clean.

If you want a filter on the pond, either get an external power point fitted by an electrician, or run an extension cord from the house to the pond. However, this can be risky if people mow the lawn so it is safer to have an electrician do the job properly, or put the extension cord in some orange conduit and either bury it it put it on a frame overhead so it can't be damaged.

You can also use an air pump to run an air operated sponge filter or undergravel filter in the pond. The air pump sits on the back porch or somewhere out of the elements. You run some airline from the pump to the pond. The advantage of airline is if it gets damaged, the only thing coming out of the hose is air, so there is no chance of being zapped like you get from a cut power cord.