Pond Question....

[guppy_man]

We have had a pond in our garden for over 15 years, it is around 5 ft long x 3ft wide x 3 ft deep, but has never had a filter or pump, so the water is usually murky, there are a few in there not sure what though but they grow outragiously fast. Ive always thought that our pond isnt good for the 4 goldfish, 4 newts and numerous frogs that visit regularly to spawn I have decided to take action so today i have caught everything in the pond and put them in a large barrel with an airstone and a pump i found lying about. I have moved the barrel close to my concervatory so that the pump and airstone can run, i have also left my fishing net covering the barrel just incase any herron sees them. They all seem to be supprisingly healthy and feeding out of my hand from the barrel. They all have an amzing reddish colouring which i don't think ive seen before. I think the two newts i have are firebelly newts, are these protected?

My question is, if i bought a pond pump and UV filter would i need an electrician to fit these or can i do this myself? I was also thinking of adding some new potted plants, waterfall and rockwork.

thanks

 

[snoopyfrench87]

hello

fire bellied newts are not indigenous so they are not protected under our laws - it is likely that they have been illegally released from the pet trade if they are indeed fire bellied newts.

it is possible to fit the pump etc yourself... if you visit a World of Water store they will be extremely helpful and they have a large selection of equipment at internet prices.

goodluck with your pond - it must be doing something right if everything is doing so well

 

[guppy_man]

Ok thanks for that. The pond was very natural and had a nice ecosystem going but i only ever saw the fish when they were being fed. I have 3 types of newts that i caught one was quite plump and was yellow+brown colour, one was brown with an orange and black belly, and the other was brown in colour and has black spots all over him with a fire orange belly with black spots. very nice looking. Will they be ok once i have added a fountain and pump, because i have heard they like still water?

 

[yorkshiretyker]

Ok thanks for that. The pond was very natural and had a nice ecosystem going but i only ever saw the fish when they were being fed. I have 3 types of newts that i caught one was quite plump and was yellow+brown colour, one was brown with an orange and black belly, and the other was brown in colour and has black spots all over him with a fire orange belly with black spots. very nice looking. Will they be ok once i have added a fountain and pump, because i have heard they like still water?

You know what, I was thinking of building a pond, without a filter, but wasn't sure whether it would work, or indeed be healthy, from what you've said it seems to have worked well for you