Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a small backyard pond that I just built especially for the frogs, mostly bullfrogs and leopard frogs in my area.

Question is: what chemicals are safe to use in the pond to eliminate chlorine and urine, etc. and will not harm the frogs?? I know nothing about water quality and things yet, only that it seems it doesn't take much time before you have mucky stuff in the bottom of the water and it isn't clear anymore. I don't understand the 'biologically balanced' products on the market and am leery of harming the frogs that I built the pond to help.

I live in north Florida.

JennaW

When you're filling the pond, just use any aquarium dechlorinator at the recommended dosage to dechlorinate the water. That's only necessary if A) you have animals you want to put in the water soon after filling or B) your local utility uses chloramine instead of chlorine (call them and ask). If the utility uses chlorine, and you're not going to put animals in right away, there's no need to add any chemicals: the chlorine will evaporate out into the air.

Likewise, if you're just topping off the pond from your hose, there's no need to treat the water. And don't worry about the nitrates from urine- your pond will soon develop a thriving population of denitrifying bacteria that will take care of that for you. You can jump start the bacterial population by rinsing off a filter from a well-established aquarium and pouring the rinse water into the pond, or else by dropping in a double handful of muck and leaves from an older pond.

Water quality control is much easier in an outdoor pond than in an aquarium. It will largely take care of itself.

Thank you so much!! I will follow your advice.

Jenna

do you have a filter in the pond?
most types of biological media supplements that are safe for koi ponds will be fine in your pond. i use biological clarifier for beneficial bacterial boosts and seachem's prime (used for freshwater aquariums for eliminating chlorine and some wastes. if you have a garden center that deals in true koi ponds (not home depot), then they should have no problem pointing you in the right direction.

No, not using a filter. Wasn't exactly sure what the heck it filters. I have sent for a vacuum thingy, though, to suck out leaves and debris from the botton. That ought to help for sure.

in order to avoid high bacterial growth levels and having stagnant water, which will give you poor water quality and can lead to bacterial infections and disease in your frogs, you should look into getting a filter or at least a small pump to keep water moving. using a tetra clear choice pond filter 1 (PF1)and 200-600 gph mag drive pump is what i would recommend for a frog pond of 75-300 gallons. most amphibians like slowly moving water and it will help you keep your water quality in check. even in ponds and bogs, where amphibians are common, there is usually still a small creek or undergroung spring that keeps the water in motion and helps keep the micro enviroment healthy. your best bet would still be a talk to someone at a garden center that deals in ponds to get a good idea of what is best for your area and situation.