Bubbles ontop of pond

[Mccluckers]

I have a 2x2m pool for my 2 ducks and it gets lots of algae within a few days but I leave it as I can't change that bigger pond every 3 days! Anyway it has been getting lots of scummy bubbles on the surface and I don't know what it is? Also the ducks have developed wet feather in the last couple of weeks do you think This could be something to do with it?

 

[clinto]

The bubbles could be a couple of different things. If you are experiencing algae then if could be a gas build up that is within the algae. That is normal but takes a while to build up. It is most likely dissolved organics created by the ducks in the pond by their poo. If there is any splashing or pumps running then the air water exchange will create skummy slimy bubbles. It will look like an oil on the surface with various sizes of bubbles. Do you have any filtration or aeration in the pond? a surface skimmer of some sort will help alot as well as activated carbon in a filter which removes organics and pollutants. Pictures would help.

 

[Mccluckers]

I think it is probably the gas build up as it wasn't doing this until the algae started growing. No pumps,filters ...ect just a pool of water that I change. I don't mind as long as it isn't hurting the ducks. it's generally goes away for awhile and and then comes back for a day or 2. There is no oily film just small even bubbles. Will pics later

 

[clinto]

The algae should not hurt the ducks but could harbor other bacteria that can harm you. It is an indicator that there are alot of nutrients in the pond. It is probably the dissolved organics i spoke of and they are fueling the algae. Algae needs nutrients and sunlight to grow. If you can put the pool in a shady location or flush it more regularly then you can probably get rid of it. hooking a gutter downspout into the pond will flush it with every rain. You can also add microbes to the water which will naturally break down the nutrients and organics. Live plants will eat up the nutrients as well. look at simple plant filters that consist of a plastic storage tote with either gravel or some type of mesh to hold the plants in place then you run water through it with a small pump to circulate and then the water returns back to the pond. It would help you not have to clean it so often. Just some thoughts from a fish keeper turned chicken keeper.

 

[Mccluckers]

Ok, unfortunately the pond is dug into the ground in the middle of a sunny field!! So that means no moving,no rooves and no electricity! Do you have any suggestions for good pond plants?

 

[DucksAndGardens]

Cattails.

 

[clinto]

Something native to your area is the best place to start.Where are you located? Cattails are good and spread fast. Ducks do like to eat plants and roots so something they could munch on but not kill is a good thing. Whatever is growing on natural shorelines and in ditches will be a good plant to go with. You dont want something exotic or tropical if your weather will make it a challenge to keep. Also, there are pumps that run on solar power for under $100. and you could build a little roof over the pond to create shade and collect water if you want to get real crazy.

 

[Mccluckers]

Ok thanks! Any others?

 

[Mccluckers]

Something native to your area is the best place to start.Where are you located? Cattails are good and spread fast. Ducks do like to eat plants and roots so something they could munch on but not kill is a good thing. Whatever is growing on natural shorelines and in ditches will be a good plant to go with. You dont want something exotic or tropical if your weather will make it a challenge to keep. Also, there are pumps that run on solar power for under $100. and you could build a little roof over the pond to create shade and collect water if you want to get real crazy.

Sorry didn't see your reply before! Cattails grow in our area, I am still at school so can't afford the pump and I don't think my parents would pay for the pump but I could build a roof and gutter. Would the low light kill the cattail though?

Thanks

 

[Beer can]

Duck weed. It is high in protein and ducks will eat some of it. I have a twenty by forty pond covered in it. Your pond will be green on the surface but duck weed blocks sunlight from the water, the water stays clean no algae. It's not slimmy either, like little tiny leaves so it doesn't stick to the ducks. Very easy to grow just find some and add to you pond, spreads fast. In cold winter it sinks to the bottom, pond looks clean. And then it comes back when it warms up.

Edited to add; It's ok to grow it in a pool. Some people do to feed their chickens.