Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am starting my outdoor pool/pond. It really just consists of a little kids pool. I was wondering what percausions you have to take with useing plants such as water hyacinth, duckweed, and water lettuce? The reason I ask is because I went to my garden store to look at some of thier products. When I did so I noticed that there were bugs in the water. Do I have to be causious with buying water plants. Also I know that nematodes effect some reptiles but I don't know about turtles (I saw some wormlike things in the water they were keeping the plants in. Let me know! THANKS

I don't know about nematodes and turtles. I will research that and get back to you on it as you bring up a very good question here.

As far as turtles and those plastic kiddie pools go, please use caution as I lost two turtles last summer due to a plastic tarp blowing into the pool (from another area of my yard). The turtles simply climbed out and got away. One tragically got hit by a car.

Be sure to have a cover on top such as some type of netting etc; in case something falls into your pool. I also suggest that you drill drainage holes at the top so that a sudden rain shower will not flood your pool and allow for an escape.

After what happened to me, I have my turtle pool surrounded by a fence. Even if they get out, the fence will hold them in.

Good luck with your pond pool.

and also, the material these are made out of will degrade over time and develop pinhole leaks which will eventually widen. If it's the shape you want, go ahead and put it in, but then line it with a pond liner.