Fish in the school pond

[Nova]

The water in the school pond looks like drinking water it is so clear. Unfortunately I do believe it has a leak. The water has been very hot and I do expect evaporation but I compared the water loss to my own small pond that is in sun pretty much all day and the school pond is partially shaded most of the day. The pond has lost about 4 - 6 inches since Thursday and that has been with a big rain storm last night. For those new to the forum the school pond was thick pea green. Working with a group of kids, they made a bio-filter and pre-filter around the pump from stuff around the school plus a few bought parts and things they brought from home.

Also in the pics is Leo, our box turtle. I found him trying to get out of the pond but the water was too low so I built him some steps and he climbed out.

For those that see the yellow growth on the back of one of the fish, it's name is Yellow Dot and it has had the growth for 2 years now with no effects to him.

Addy, I did not do any Photoshop on these pics.

 

[taherrmann4]

Cool pics. So does your box turtle live in/around the pond?

 

[Nova]

Yes, the pond is in an enclosed courtyard and Leo was dropped off by a teacher 5 years ago.

 

[sissy]

Great looking pond it turned into ,but do you think the turtle could be taking a lot of water out with him or could he have damaged the liner with his claws.Look to see when it dries up around the pond to see if you see any unusual really damp spots where plants are growing more .That is where a leak will be if there is one

 

[taherrmann4]

I have rescued several box turtles from the road and put them in my backyard. They never stay very long and are gone within a few hours.

 

[koiguy1969]

looking good!..ya gotta.fix that leak!

 

[Nova]

That's the thing I have not seen damp spots and the water level has dropped within the last foot of water in a weeks time. I suspect the leak is at the bottom or very close to it. The current liner is from Lowe's. It's thin and has gotten very stiff since it was put in 5 years ago. Unfortunately the school does not have a lot of money to spend on the courtyard and pond. I will have to buy another inexpensive liner. The one at Homedeopt is thicker than Lowe's. Homedepot has a liner 10x13 for $60. I measured the pond today 8.5 x 6 oval. The shallow end is maybe 12" and the deep a little less than 2'.

 

[j.w]

Water is super clear and pond and fish are so cool looking. Love that turtle! Hope you can find the leak and fix it soon.

 

[sissy]

go onto www.northerntools.com and they have inexpensive liners or even e-bay

 

[sissy]

e-bay some come with free shipping

 

[addy1]

Wow nice nova! that is come clear water you have! Hope you find the leak, if the liner is that brittle it will most likely be best to pull it out and replace it.

 

[blessedfamily]

Loving the turtle..way cool.