Pond help

[Amagou81]

We have been making a pond in the backyard for the ducks. The water is turning green. I think it's ok because it's not string or blue algae. My other half thinks they don't want to go in it because they know something is wrong. Has anyone else been able to keep a pond clear? What algaecide is safe and economical?

 

[CHlCKEN]

Theres no real way to keep a pond clean when its being used by ducks. You can try filters and chemicals but it isn't going to stay clear. What kind of pond is it? If it's plastic or an in-ground liner you can install a drain and replace the water as often as you want. If it's a regular dug-out pond, then depending on size and practicality you could try fish or plants. I never use chemicals no matter how safe they claim to be. There are better alternatives and at the end of the day your ducks don't really care if their water is a little murky.

 

[Amagou81]

Right now it's mid-construction. The first part is dug out in ground with the largest pond liner we could get. It's shallow on one end for them to get out easily. The other end is about 3-4 feet deep and empties over rocks into a second area that is smaller. That is where he's got a bit of a filter and a large pump to cycle the water back to the big part. It comes out the hose and drips off some rocks that are elevated, like a little waterfall to help with oxygen and surface tension. There will be a canal and another much larger waterfall when we are finished. What are good fish and plants? We are in Ohio and would need them to be pretty hardy.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Right now it's mid-construction. The first part is dug out in ground with the largest pond liner we could get. It's shallow on one end for them to get out easily. The other end is about 3-4 feet deep and empties over rocks into a second area that is smaller. That is where he's got a bit of a filter and a large pump to cycle the water back to the big part. It comes out the hose and drips off some rocks that are elevated, like a little waterfall to help with oxygen and surface tension. There will be a canal and another much larger waterfall when we are finished. What are good fish and plants? We are in Ohio and would need them to be pretty hardy.

Picture? I'd love to see what you've got so far. Mine is an in-ground pre-shaped plastic liner with a drain. I don't know much about the right plants myself but if you have an aquatics store near you they are usually a great place to get that sort of information.

 

[Amagou81]

Can't really see the little waterfall going back into the big part and I forgot to mention the middle sprinkler

 

[CHlCKEN]

Can't really see the little waterfall going back into the big part and I forgot to mention the middle sprinkler

This looks awesome! Based on the coloration of the water I'd say it's probably loose clay and dirt thats causing the murkiness more so than the ducks. It will eventually settle but don't expect clear water.

 

[Jenbirdee]

We have been making a pond in the backyard for the ducks. The water is turning green. I think it's ok because it's not string or blue algae. My other half thinks they don't want to go in it because they know something is wrong. Has anyone else been able to keep a pond clear? What algaecide is safe and economical?

BARLEY BALES!! https://www.thepondguy.com/product/the-pond-guy-barley-straw-bale/

 

[Sosalty]

The murkiness may be from your ducks tracking in lots of clay & dirt. Yet if you've a liner and the brown tint is not from clay particles, then you have an algae bloom at the end of its' cycle. With duck poop making the water fertile, did your water start off green then transition to brown? Barely is worth trying but needs well oxygenated water and a week or 2 to note results. It's possible to overuse if you keep adding it.

You can't go wrong with the small 2" black gambusia minnow (mosquito minnows) and your ducks will love chasing 'em. They filter some of the algae, love mosquito larva, thrive in 90f degree water and live under ice, similar to aquarium guppies but much hardier. They will grow in numbers during the warm weather. Water lettuce is usually a go to plant to absorb nitrogen from the water.
Mosquito Minnow

Frequent water changes will be effective if practical. Filtering is possible with a large pump/filter system. Many think chemicals are always bad though koi safe ones may be your least labor money intensive generally safe solution. (I've used copper sulfate, the minnows like swim in it when I pour; it's for large ponds) Most plants it'll kill.

Looks like you really have a utopia for your ducks.