"Colin Eberhardt" wrote in message
oups.com...
I recently purchased half an old barrel to create a pond. The barrel is
about 90cm in diameter. I originally stocked it with a few plants, some
oxygenating plants and added a small fountain.

However, within a few weeks the water started to smell. I also noticed
a number of small grubs in the water - some of which have grown to the
size of maggots. The water also has the oily surface that you get on
stagnant water.

I have drained the barrel and started all over again!

Does anyone know what I might have done wrong and how to avoid this
next time round? Also, are the plants OK to use again? Their soil seems
to contain a lot of the white grubs.

Thanks.
Colin E.


Have you used garden soil in the pond? If so, get rid of it and change the
water again. Don't use garden soil in the pond

You can use pond soil if you want, purchased from an aquatic supplies
company, but I plant my water plants roots in small pebbles and don't use
any kind of soil. Pond soil is good though

Also, consider placing a small filter on the pump inlet, and leave the pump
running constantly

Pete