Setting up a Frog Pond

If you want to expel some boredom, setting up a frog pond is a great weekend project that will allow your creativity to shine. You don't necessary need a massive pre-formed pond to get you started. If you have an old kid's swimming pool or any kind of UV resistant tub sitting around that can hold water, you can use that as a pond. We have a range of small pre-formed ponds available to get you started, otherwise the cheapest way is the standard PVC liner, which will allow you to create your own shape and size.

When it comes to building any kind of pond, it's all about location, location, location. You don't want to have it out in the open, where it's going to get sun twenty four seven. Not only do you want it to be protected from the growth of our long time nemeses, Algae, but you will want it somewhere where frogs can get some shade. If you're placing it under a tree you have to make sure the leaves aren't going to be falling in the pond otherwise you may have problems with sludge build-up. Take note that if you're using a tub found at home you will have to be careful of the material because the tree roots will naturally search for water and may break through.

You can all learn from my mistake - don't build the pond right outside your bedroom window. Frogs are notorious for partying all hours of the night and from then on you will be constantly trying to think of ways to deter them to that nicer pond you built for them right at the back that they insist on not moving to. To attract frogs you want to have plants in and around the pond. Around the pond you can use things such as bark, logs, rocks or even aquarium ornaments or any items that the frogs can use to hide under to keep cool during the hotter days, as well as to keep safe from any predators.

Rushes, reeds and sedges are a good plant for inside the pond, as well as milfoil or nardoo. The low growing plants, such as milfoil and nardoo provide good habitat for frogs, whereas the rushes, such as Juncus are good for helping with the filtration of the pond and will provide shade. Azolla is a free floating plant that is good for providing shade and nutrients. It's a good food source for the tadpoles and will provide good cover. It can get a bit carried away through, but it's easily scooped out and you can use it as mulch in your garden.

When filling the pond up you want to make sure to use a chlorine neutraliser, as the frogs are sensitive to chemicals which will strip them of their protective slime coating and make them prone to getting diseases.

Mosquitoes will become your foe when it comes to any kind of water garden. We have two fish available that are both frog friendly, won't get very large and will eat mosquito larvae. Pygmy Perch are Native to Western Australia. These guys are very good at hiding, so don't panic if you can't find them it doesn't mean you've killed them. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are also a good little fish to have in the pond, although these guys aren't native to Australia. But if you're wanting a fish that comes to the top a lot more then these are your guys, they come in a bright golden colour or a darker silver. Both these guys are great if you don't want to have to worry about feeding and looking after them. They will have plenty to eat in the pond.

Solar Pumps are available to provide fish with that needed oxygen during the summer months and will also help to keep the pond that little cleaner. If you want to get a little fancier with your savvy frog pond you can install some lighting so you have a beautiful display on those nights sitting outside with dinner. You can get warm white lights that will keep it more natural and will also help to attract bugs for the frogs. Here at The Pond Shop we have all you need to get you started on your weekend project.