duck pool/pond

[QueenOfMyCoop]

we have 390 gallon galvanized tub that we made into the ducks pond. they love it but it is a lot of work! Does anyone know of any plants or fish to put in it so that the water isn't having to be constantly change. we also have a small pump that does some.
thanks!

 

[aart]

Removing poop from a pond is not an easy thing to do,
I learned this when studying/building ornamental fish ponds,
but it's imperative for clean(er) water.
No plants nor fish will help, they both also contribute to 'dirty' water.
A pump(poop pulverizer) isn't going to help much either,
except to empty pond when water needs changing.

 

[QueenOfMyCoop]

Removing poop from a pond is not an easy thing to do,
I learned this when studying/building ornamental fish ponds,
but it's imperative for clean(er) water.
No plants nor fish will help, they both also contribute to 'dirty' water.
A pump(poop pulverizer) isn't going to help much either,
except to empty pond when water needs changing.

thank you for your thoughts. i wish there were an easier way

 

[aart]

i wish there were an easier way

Same here!
I messed with filtration for 4-5 years, tho poop removal from the water column is more critical for fish than ducks, removing poops and plant detritus was always a challenge.

 

[QueenOfMyCoop]

Same here!
I messed with filtration for 4-5 years, tho poop removal from the water column is more critical for fish than ducks, removing poops and plant detritus was always a challenge.

even if i made a waterfall will rocks to help filter?

 

[416bigbore]

IMO, unless you have a pond big enough to support an actual natural ecosystem this would be difficult to accomplish. Or unless you have an endless supply of money to through at a high dollar filtration system that was big enough to do the job. Something similar to what they might use at a large aquarium like Sea World.

 

[aart]

even if i made a waterfall will rocks to help filter?

Filtration consists of two basic parts,
removing the solids from the water then nitrification/aeration.
Waterfalls help aerate the water, good for fish...but will do nothing to remove the solids.

Think most folks dump the duck swimming water, using smaller vessels for ease of drainage.