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Title: New Issues In Pond
Description: New Issues in 5 Year Old Pond


vtgayda - August 23, 2006 01:57 PM (GMT)
We have a swimming pond at our house which is very clear. We have never had any issues until this summer. I have two questions:



We found a very small leach in the water yesterday sitting on rock. How do I know if it is a plant eating leach or a blood sucking leach? When I say small, it was smaller than a dime (about ¼ the size). I am concerned that where there is one there is many.
I have also noticed plant life beginning to grow in the pond. I guess this is normal but the plants are kind of bushy and I am unsure of how to stop this or what to do.


We do not have fish in our pond although I am thinking we should. We have loads of frogs and two visiting ducks (which annoy me as I am not sure what kinds of things they bring in). The pond is 5 years old and we have never had any issues. We all swim in it and it is not only spring fed but we have a well dedicated to the pond.



Any advice or insight would be great?


Robyn - August 23, 2006 04:56 PM (GMT)
Parasitic leeches would be attached to their hosts, not driving around the pond. They are most likely detritus-eating leeches that are eating dead and dying plant and animal material. As far as parasitic leeches go, those that attack fish are pretty common but, since you have no fish, they probably aren't in the pond. That species does not suck on humans. Most human-sucking leeches are tropical species and not found in the US. Where do you live?

What do the plants look like? Some plants would be good. Others can be invasive. Various animals like the ducks, some fish, turtles, etc. may eat some plants. It would help to identify the species of plants in the swimming pond to determine if they're good to have or if they should be pulled up before they get out of hand. I advise avoiding herbicides if at all possible. They do a lot of harm to amphibians and other animals including us. The ducks will add fecal bacteria to the pond but, unless you have an immunodeficiency, your body will easily fight off such bacteria. Most animals bathe and drink from ponds that are full of various animal wastes, dead and live animals and plants and such, and they do fine. Since your pond is spring fed, it will get constant water changes to dilute any pollutants.

We'd love to see your swimming pond. My new site, http://www.pondshowcase.com lets you put up photos and information about your pond. I even have a swimming pond category (with no entries).




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