The benefits of pond cover

[chrism]

The new pond and plantings were done two years ago and now that the acer and Chinese rhubarb have matured, 80 percent of the pond is shaded and hidden. The amount of duckweed and algae has dramatically reduced compared to previous years as a result. It's much better for the frogs and the hassle factor. The Ramshorn snails are thriving and there seem to be Daphnia as well.  

We don't have fish in the pond, and I wonder if I should buy some more Daphnia as a top-up?

[ladybird]

I had to look Daphnia up, I thought it was a plant. Lidl have 2 pond plants atm

[seaburn]

The daphnia [unkindly called water fleas in my opinion] should be about to breed so you wont need to buy more. We have fish in ours so although there is lots of life daphnia doesnt stand a chance. About twice a month I add some as a treat for the fish.