For those with soaking ponds

[Renee_H]

I drain rinse and refill until the water is clear. But inevitably there is mucho algae. Do you bother with the pond safe algae solutions or just let it be what it is?

 

[Yvonne G]

In my opinion, algae isn't unhealthy.

 

[DoubleD1996!]

I drain rinse and refill until the water is clear. But inevitably there is mucho algae. Do you bother with the pond safe algae solutions or just let it be what it is?

I allow mine to overflow once a week. You can also put a shade cloth over it to help.

 

[Renee_H]

Over a year later we’ve settled into our rhythm with the “pond” Leonora walks through it dozens of times per day! She always takes a drink as she walks through but I’ve only seen her soak once. Some days she looks cleaner than others so I suspect she does far more often than I’ve witnessed.
Leonora’s pond path

 

[Tom]

Over a year later we’ve settled into our rhythm with the “pond” Leonora walks through it dozens of times per day! She always takes a drink as she walks through but I’ve only seen her soak once. Some days she looks cleaner than others so I suspect she does far more often than I’ve witnessed.
Leonora’s pond path

My tortoises are the forces of destruction mentioned in the video...

 

[Markw84]

I build mine raised high enough to have a 3" bottom drain to quickly drain the pond, wash down and refill. No way around the algae, especially if it is a concrete pond like mine. I don't worry about the algae other than keeping in mind it gets slippery! I drain and refill about once a week. My tortoises use it a lot to soak in, sleep in, drink from, and poop in. Every 2 months or so I do pressure wash it.

This one is 16 feet in diameter - so larger than most need.