I know this post is old, but I wanted to inject more than I said earlier. I've learned to hardly use a deicer at all, and not a big one. It's only to let a small hole open to allow gases to come out. I believe when I had all those frogs dye, it was because I used the large deicer way too much and they probably went in and out of hibernation too often. I've learned my lesson and keep the pump running absolutely as long as I can (without it freezing), and only use the deicer to keep a small hole open. And, of course, I always have a lot of leaves and muck in the bottom for them to get comfy in.

You won't need rocks actually IN the pond for the toads. They're air breathers, and they will prefer to sit in a sheltered, cool area outside the pond during the day. When you initially fill your pond, go ahead and use tap water. The chlorine will evaporate before the toads and frogs find the new pond. But when you need to "top off" the pond, that is add water after some of it has evaporated, you can "age" the water by putting water in a bucket and allowing it to sit out for 24 hours or so before adding it to the pond. That allows time for the chlorine to evaporate. Yes, you are correct. A liner is a strip of (usually) black rubber, very flexible, and can be shaped to the size you want. Mosquito dunks are donut shaped objects that you place in the water to prevent mosquito larvae from hatching. You can find them at any garden center, but if you have a small pump in your pond to keep the water moving, you won't need them. Mosquitos cannot lay their eggs on water that has a current. If you can get at least two feet wide and 12 inches deep on your pond, I think you'll be okay. Remember, the smaller you go, the bigger the water loss due to evaporation, and that will make it harder to maintain a healthy balance for the tads. You will get algae in the pond. Tadpoles eat algae, so if there is none, you can buy algae wafers at pet stores to feed the little guys.

I also have a frog that appeared as a baby last spring and as of today, 12-30-12, he is still there. it is a small round plastic tub that holds about 5 gallons of water and is about10 inches deep. I have a heater that has kept the water right at 40 degrees. The other tanks that make up the garden have frozen. This is a green frog, don't think it is a bull frog. I have gotten frogs from somewhere over the past few years. This past summer,I had 3. The other two smarter ones left but this one stayed. This pond has a lot of dead leaves on the bottom and also a thick patch of green moss that is still alive and just barley pokes out above the water. I saw "Fred" just a few minutes ago with his head and nose up out of the water so I know he is not hibernating. I bought some aquarium frog pellets in case he should eat since he is active but I bet that was a waste of money. I feel better buying it anyway. Wonder if he will make it over the winter....if he does I wonder what effect not hibernating over the winter will have on him. There is absolutely no other water I know of around me, it is a mystery each year where these come from....several have been itty bitty but some come back a couple years then I don't see them anymore and a baby takes its place. I am attaching a picture from today Am I fighting a losing battle?

Hi Two funny stories about that behavior. had a neighborhood cat that every morning would jump up to the edge of the pool get a drink and groom a bit. I put in some large Koi . The cat started his ritual BUT the Koi grabbed his whiskers ,cat was so startled he jumped 3 feet into the air landing in the water. Koi helped him get out.lol Night herons quickly learn that by disturbing the water surface they can get the fish to come to them. I've watched them use a stick and the fish will gather in a group expecting food lol One caught 12 fish in a row even with that the fish still didn't scatter !!! All he had to do was hold still and they came running right back lol. gary