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Stop Pond Leaks with Sodium Bentonite Clay
Sealing ponds with sodium bentonite clay creates a natural seal that is almost impenetrable. However, there are other options for sealing ponds. Selecting the appropriate liner material can be a confusing choice for first-time pond keepers. Is sodium bentonite the best material to use in your pond? How does bentonite work? What is the definition of bentonite? If you find yourself asking these questions, keep reading!
Pond Sealant OptionsThere are basically three options for sealing your pond -- a synthetic liner, an enhanced soil liner, or a liner made of natural clay. (Sodium bentonite is used as an additive in an enhanced soil liner.) Each method has advantages and disadvantages.Synthetic Pond LinersSynthetic pond liners are made from plastic or rubber and are usually the option chosen by the novice putting in a backyard pond because they are readily available at home improvement stores. These liners, however, only work well for small ponds and are cost prohibitive for larger projects. These liners can tear or crack so care must be taken to remove rocks and sticks prior to the installation and to keep the area clean afterwards. If used in a garden setting, plastic liners are not the best choice for ponds where fish and other aquatic animals will live as they do not stand up well to the inevitable food and waste residue and require frequent cleaning.Enhanced Soil Pond Liners
Enhanced soil pond liners, such as bentonite products, are a more affordable solution even though they require professional installation to ensure a thorough sealing. These liners absorb waste from the water and, if sufficiently thick, will withstand the pressure of animals, such as deer, entering the pond to drink. Consequently, they are suitable for ponds in which fish and other aquatic life will be kept as well as in settings where wild animals will be attracted to the pond as a source of water.Natural Clay LinersNatural clay liners are designed to look like the base of a naturally occurring pond. Such a liner also requires professional installation or the pond must be placed in an area where the environment provides the clay surface -- not always a geographic option. For this reason, natural clay liners are not always an option for personal pond projects.
Continue to: What is Sodium Bentonite?
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