Bog bacteria

[tbendl]

I am a bit confused and could use some help. I have a bog and no fish and have heard that keeping a pump running to the bog 24/7 is the only way to insure that I get "good bacteria" growing in my bog, you know stuff that will break down the nitr's and phospers.... I have some confusion since I don't have fish if I even have any good bacteria and if so does it require moving water 24/7?

 

[HARO]

I am a bit confused and could use some help.

I've noticed that!
As for the rest of your post, the bacteria are mainly for the fish. Since you have none, I wouldn't worry about it. As plants decay, and bugs die, your pond will eventually grow enough bacteria to maintain itself. Adding LOTS of fish might require a constant water flow to keep bacteria in sufficient numbers for the fish population.
John
Sorry, couldn't resist!

 

[dieselplower]

Ammonia and nitrite are very harmful to fish. Nitrate is only harmful at higher levels. As far as I know, Phosphorus is harmless to fish. Since you don't have fish, that's not a worry for you. Having those things in the pond does provide a food source for algae. One thing I will say is that turning the bog pump on and off will cause debris in the bog to come loose and return to the pond. The bacteria will live as long as they stay wet and have dissolved oxygen in the water.

 

[tbendl]

Sorry, couldn't resist!

I would have been disappointed and frankly think you'd been hacked had you passed up the opportunity.
So since I don't have fish I can run my bog pump when I want and for how long I want? ABSOLUTE POWER!! Muahahahaha!!

 

[tbendl]

Ammonia and nitrite are very harmful to fish. Nitrate is only harmful at higher levels. As far as I know, Phosphorus is harmless to fish. Since you don't have fish, that's not a worry for you. Having those things in the pond does provide a food source for algae. One thing I will say is that turning the bog pump on and off will cause debris in the bog to come loose and return to the pond. The bacteria will live as long as they stay wet and have dissolved oxygen in the water.

And I would like to be algae free which is why I built the bog. So I will get bacteria even if I don't have fish poo? And if I get the bacteria in the bog, I'm assuming the water pumping into it helps with the DO until I turn it off right?

 

[dieselplower]

And I would like to be algae free which is why I built the bog. So I will get bacteria even if I don't have fish poo? And if I get the bacteria in the bog, I'm assuming the water pumping into it helps with the DO until I turn it off right?

You certainly will get the bacteria without fish. The bacteria will multiply to the point that there is enough debris etc for them to convert. Bugs will die in the pond, flower pedals will drop into the water, etc and these things will all add to the food source for the bacteria as they break down.

 

[tbendl]

Ok awesome. So convertible bacteria..Check! Now, do I have to run the pump 24/7 for it to live? I've also gotten mixed info on it dying in the winter, is that true as well?

 

[Meyer Jordan]

With or without water flow through you 'bog', you already have bacteria. Specie and diversity will vary depending on what other organisms populate your pond. If you are using the 'bog' primarily for algae control (I am assuming that the 'bog' is planted) then it would be advisable to maintain water flow 24/7/365.

 

[tbendl]

I am and it is, (algae control and planted). I was hoping to turn it off in the evening but you're saying my bacteria will die?

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Ok awesome. So convertible bacteria..Check! Now, do I have to run the pump 24/7 for it to live? I've also gotten mixed info on it dying in the winter, is that true as well?

Unless your pond freezes solid, you will have active bacterial colonies year round.

 

[tbendl]

Nope, I'm a Southerner like you. Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

 

[dieselplower]

No we are not saying they will die if you turn the pump off. You can turn the pump off. What I have noticed when turning my pump off is that debris trapped in the filter can dislodge and when the water comes back on, debris will work it's way back into the pond.

 

[tbendl]

Ahhh, I have an on/off valve at the bog that should keep that from happening. So I can turn it off at night without killing it?

 

[dieselplower]

Killing what? I think you will get debris flowing forward from the bog into the pond when you turn the pump back on. Could just be a small amount.

 

[dieselplower]

Also as you noted the water would drain from the bog back out through the pump if you don't close that valve. Good call.