Just chiming in here to say hello and make a comment about my bog/upflow wetland filter. The pond water is crystal clear. I do have some string algae in the shallow bog water - as well as some brown "crumblies" in the surface gravel.
I was thinking maybe I had gunk built up in the filter at the bottom, so I got my sump pump out and prepared to pump out from the bottom of the snorkel.
When I opened the lid, I was surprised to find NOTHING but super clear water, all the way down to the bottom of the settling chamber.
I think the brown crumblies and string algae are all a part of how the bog functions - part of the system.
All my water tests are perfect.
I'm really happy with how everything is working!