Q&A for How to Build a Frog Pond

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  • Question
    Will it become a mosquito pond?
    Karin
    Top Answerer
    Yes. Stagnant water will become prime mosquito habitat. But mosquitoes are a part of nature; they can attract not only frogs, but damselflies, dragonflies, birds like fly-catchers and other songbirds, and other insects that feed on mosquito larvae. By building a frog pond, you create a habitat for many other wetland species. Don't panic, give yourself a pat on the back.
  • Question
    Should I plant something in the pond? And if yes, what type of plants and where do I find them?
    Community Answer
    You should plant pond or riverside plants, like duckweed, pondweed, lilies, cattails, etc. to provide natural food and shelter for the frogs and their young. You can find these basically anywhere. I heard that some "land plants" can also grow in water. Just do a little research before you buy anything.
  • Question
    Do pellets dropped in a pond for mosquitoes harm frogs?
    Community Answer
    If they are to keep mosquitoes out of the pond and away that is probably poison and shouldn't be used where other animals could ingest it. Yes, it could possibly harm frogs.
  • Question
    Can I use a garbage bag instead of a pond liner?
    PreuxFox
    Top Answerer
    Although a garbage bag might superficially resemble a pond liner, garbage bags are really not meant to hold water for a sustained period of time and be subjected to the elements like this. Even if it is a very tough and thick garbage bag, the heating and cooling of the water will probably compromise the bag and cause it to thin and split. For a very temporary setup, like for a garden party, this might work with a heavy-duty bag, but it will not work as a long-term substitution.
  • Question
    Will an algaecide hurt the tadpoles?
    Community Answer
    It might if the chemistry is too harsh, so check that before adding it.
  • Question
    I have a big clay water basin outside with about twenty gallons of rainwater plus lilies, mosquito larvae, and some plants. Will that be suitable for frogs?
    Community Answer
    Sure! The frogs would love that. Just make sure the frogs have shallow areas to hang out in.
  • Question
    What should be the absolute minimum size of the pond?
    Community Answer
    The pond shouldn't be less than a foot (30.5 centimeters) across in all directions. It can be as deep as you would like, but should have shallow areas for the frogs to relax in.
  • Question
    Can I use an old metal bathtub that has been buried?
    Community Answer
    You could use a metal bathtub, however, make sure it has been properly cleaned and there is no rust inside of it. You would also need to plug the drain so the water would not escape.
  • Question
    When is the best time to catch tadpoles?
    Community Answer
    When they are still very small so you get the chance to watch them grow up through all the major cycles. Usually frogs lay eggs in late spring which hatch in early summer, though you can catch them at any time if you're only doing it to get frogs in your pond.
  • Question
    Why do frogs need water?
    Community Answer
    To keep hydrated, to drink through their skin and to lay eggs in, which will become tadpoles.
  • Question
    How many years will a 1-inch brown lizard live?
    Community Answer
    The average lifespan for a brown lizard kept in captivity is about 4-5 years if it is kept in a nice cage. However, this can vary.
  • Question
    I want to make a frog pond in a large plant container. How high should it be so the frogs can get in and out?
    Caitlin123
    Community Answer
    The height doesn't really matter. As long as there are a lot of plants on the surface and drooping over the side, the frogs can just climb them to get in and out. However, if there are not many plants, then I recommend having it a few centimeters off of the ground so then mud and dirt can't pour into it. You could also use planks of wood leaning on the pond for the frogs to use like a ramp.
  • Question
    In the winter, will they freeze or hibernate?
    Community Answer
    Frogs will hibernate to protect themselves from the cold.
  • Question
    Where can I find lilly pads?
    Eli Reader
    Community Answer
    The fragrant water lily can be found in the still, relatively shallow water (5-7 ft.) of ditches, ponds, and similar water bodies that have silty, mucky beds. Fun Facts: The fragrant water lily is the most common white water lily.
  • Question
    Where are leopard frogs found?
    kingbooglyboo read3r
    Community Answer
    Leopard frogs can be found from South America to southern Canada and westward to Colorado. They are found near marshes, fens, swamps, and ponds.
  • Question
    Will the frog eat the fish?
    Monica Bass
    Community Answer
    Adult frogs will hunt and eat insects, worms, snails, dragonflies, mosquitoes, and grasshoppers. Larger frogs will also go after small animals like mice, snakes, birds, other frogs, small turtles, and even small fish from our ponds if they can fit in their mouths.
  • Question
    Do frogs like moving water? I have a fish pond that I am ready to change over to a frog pond, but it has a waterfall. Is that okay?
    Community Answer
    Yep! Frogs are used to living in the wild. They can swim in constantly moving water. It's a perfect habitat. Make sure to add a few lily pads.
  • Question
    What can I use as a substitute for the pond liner?
    FutureHow
    Community Answer
    Just get the pond liner. It will only cost you 20-50 dollars depending on the size of the pond and works best.
  • Question
    Will my frog run away if I put it outside? If so, how do I keep him from running away?
    Community Answer
    Frogs generally stay close to the body of water they were born in. They return to this same body of water to spawn and lay their eggs.
  • Question
    Where can I get tadpoles?
    Ally
    Community Answer
    Search online for "buy tadpoles near me". You can see what pet shops near you carry tadpoles, or you can order them online.
  • Question
    Do I need a filter in a frog pond?
    Ally
    Community Answer
    Not if the pond is not large. Frogs thrive in water that contains organic matter.
  • Question
    Can you make a frog pond with a jar?
    Julia
    Top Answerer
    A jar is far too small for a frog pond or a frog. A jar should not be used to keep a frog, frogs require much more space than just a jar and need a small aquarium at the very least.
  • Question
    I don't have a pond liner what else can I use?
    Emily
    Community Answer
    You can use clean bin bags, or even a duvet cover. Anything that is strong. Bin bags may not allow any animals in your pond.
  • Question
    Is there any way of "naturally" keeping the mosquitoes to a minimum? For example, adding some way to keep the water moving? Or with that deter the frogs?
    Emily
    Community Answer
    Don’t leave any still water around the area you don’t want mosquitoes. Frogs will not want to live in this area. An alternative method would be to have a filter in your pond to keep the water clean this way you can still enjoy the frogs.
  • Question
    How do I protect my frogs from predators?
    Community Answer
    If you are keeping them outside, there isn’t a lot you can do. You could ask neighbors to keep cats inside. If they are wild frogs, the best thing to do is just let nature run its course.
  • Question
    Could I make a ledge in the pond using rocks for the frog to leave the pond when needed?
    Dale M
    Community Answer
    Yes, and aside from being decorative, a ledge would provide shade from the midday sun. It would also help them get out of the pond as well.
  • Question
    Will plants alone provide enough oxygen for tadpoles to to survive to becoming frogs?
    Dale M
    Community Answer
    The addition of a small aerator will most certainly hedge bets in your favor.
  • Question
    Will gypsum harm frogs if used in a pond?
    Arson
    Community Answer
    It can be used to clear muddy ponds by removing suspended clay particles. Gypsum is a neutral salt that will not affect the pH of the pond.
  • Question
    Will stones work instead of gravel?
    Community Answer
    Yes, stones will work, just as long as that's not all you have in there. Habitat diversity is important.
  • Question
    Can weeds inside the pond affect fish oxygen?
    Community Answer
    Possibly, as live plants do produce oxygen. However, the weeds should not be a main source or worry when it comes to the oxygen levels.
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