Hi, my wildlife pond (which contains approximately 340 gallons) was only completed last September (2024) and the plants haven't started their Spring growth yet. I am getting slimy surface water, probably due to the blanket weed that is throughout the pond, mainly around the stems of the marginal plants and stuck to some Hornwort I put in last year. I deliberately designed the pond to be safe for hedgehogs and other small animals by having shallow, sloping edges which also encourage birds to drink and bathe. I am pleased to say that many birds use the pond for drinking and bathing and although the Pond Rescue container states that it is safe for pond fish, plants and biological filters, it does not mention birds. Does anyone know whether or not it is safe for birds?
Pond Rescue (from AllpondSolutions)
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Welcome to the forum!
I would just periodically change the water since your pond does not have fish. It is great you have a wildlife pond but with wildlife comes lots and lots of 'nutrients' that encourage algae growth. The water needs to be changed fairly often to help keep the visiting animals safe. Between water changes, take a new toilet brush and roll it around to collect any algae. I have no idea if the pond rescue is bird safe. I personally wouldn't use it. Just keep the water clean.
I would just periodically change the water since your pond does not have fish. It is great you have a wildlife pond but with wildlife comes lots and lots of 'nutrients' that encourage algae growth. The water needs to be changed fairly often to help keep the visiting animals safe. Between water changes, take a new toilet brush and roll it around to collect any algae. I have no idea if the pond rescue is bird safe. I personally wouldn't use it. Just keep the water clean.
Thanks for the advice. I was wondering where all the 'nutrients' came from, now I know.
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Welcome to the forum!
If safe for fish, it is safe for birds. Both are critters, fish are sensitive to water issues. IMHO
If safe for fish, it is safe for birds. Both are critters, fish are sensitive to water issues. IMHO
j.w
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Hello and welcome!
Is it the water dechlorinator? If so, their ad says it’s safe for birds, but to be sure to dilute it correctly.
Is it the water dechlorinator? If so, their ad says it’s safe for birds, but to be sure to dilute it correctly.
Thanks for your opinion, I tend to agree, but I just wanted to be sure. Every day many birds drink the water and bathe in it. The Spring season is upon us and soon I will be able to purchase some surface cover plants which will provide some shade and discourage the proliferation of the algae and blanket weed. Also the marginals will grow using pond nutrients and that will also help.
Thanks for the reply and welcome, I appreciate it. No, it's the one for getting rid of blanket weed and it states that it is a mixture of natural minerals, enzymes and additives. However, it doesn't say what the additives are, although it is safe for fish, plants and biological filters.
Thanks for your opinion, I tend to agree, but I just wanted to be sure. Every day many birds drink the water and bathe in it. The Spring season is upon us and soon I will be able to purchase some surface cover plants which will provide some shade and discourage the proliferation of the algae and blanket weed. Also the marginals will grow using pond nutrients and that will also help.