Mr.Wizards Pond

[Mr.Wizard]

I added a UV light to my pond and after a few days it went from green to brown. The water has cleared up enough to see about a foot deep. I just noticed some fry swimming around some of my hornwort. The problem I am now facing is an ammonia spike. I am guessing this is from the dead algae and maybe from the fish spawning? I was wondering if the soil from my water lily could leech ammonia into the water. I just used some dirt from my backyard and covered it with lava rock. Hopefully it clears up soon.

 

[sissy]

You may need an aerator water is to still

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Pond water is clear and the water lily is starting to grow!

 

[addy1]

yeah! looking good

 

[Mr.Wizard]

The water lily in my previous post is a Nymphaea Gloriosa red hardy water lily. Today I received a Denver hardy water lily, Marsh Marigold, Blue Flag Iris and 5 bundles of hornwort. I used dirt from my backyard to plant all these plants. Is there any concern with the use of regular soil? it is fairly clay-ish!

I will post pictures once the plants look healthy and vibrant!

 

[sissy]

most use kitty litter here .

 

[addy1]

Is there any concern with the use of regular soil? it is fairly clay-ish!

I use kitty litter, normal dirt seems to float out of the pot easier. The kitty litter, after the first wetting, does not send stuff out into the pond even with the fish digging into it.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

I still need to clean up and plant some grass but it is starting to look like a pond.

 

[pinonponder]

Yes, it does look like a pond. You did great! I have a Denver lily, too. It's really pretty in bloom. Just keep it fertilized every month.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

I saw some blue pond dye at the hardware store the other day and couldn't help but be intrigued. Are there any concerns with using pond dye in a small backyard pond?

 

[Mr.Wizard]

 

[sissy]

that is a really pretty water lily

 

[Lisak1]

Are there any concerns with using pond dye in a small backyard pond?

I don't like dyed ponds. People use it because they think it keeps algae growth down. They should instead address the reason why they have too much algae. Or realize that algae is important in a pond environment - some people think they need to keep their pond algae free. I guess to me it seems odd to go to a lot of trouble to create something you hope looks natural and then dye the water an unnatural color. And ask @sissy about putting your hands into a dyed pond - you'll be blue for days!

 

[MoonShadows]

I think if you add dye, you will take away the natural look of your beautiful pond.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

This one water lily has taken off. I am going to have to replant my other lily into a larger pot, it's not doing very well.