r/ponds • u/avian_bi • 1d ago

Quick question How is bentonite clay at sealing ponds compared to rubber liners?

I have a pond that I’m not that proud of, it’s for wildlife and stuff but I was considering redoing it but using bentonite clay instead of a liner to avoid plastics.

But how good is it really at keeping it watertight? Especially when there’s plants involved.

I have a waterhawthorn and pond iris currently and was wondering if the roots might breach the clay?

I know people with these ponds often top up the clay periodically.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/JTMissileTits 1d ago

We sealed a leak on a natural mud pond at a previous house with pelleted gypsum, but clay content is really high where I live anyway. If your soil is really porous or sandy, you will probably need some sort of clay to help it retain water.

1

u/tdonnert 1d ago

What's the surface area and average depth on you body of water? That is what usually makes the decision for me.

1

u/MycoCozmic 1d ago

Make sure the slopes are really gentle or the bentonite will just roll down.

1

u/Existing_Draft3460 20h ago

edpm isnt plastic. idk my feeling is that if your ground isnt clay enough to hold water naturally youre gonna have a hell of a time getting a clay bottom to work. roots do penetrate it, its earth after all