dechlorinating filters

[Pondmaster]

Has anyone experimented with using a drinking water or shower dechlorinating filter for makeup water and water changes. It would eliminate the need for a makeup container and take some of the work out of water changes.

Thanks for your replies

 

[DrDave]

That might get a little expensive due to the volume of water.

 

[koiguy1969]

theres no need to dechlorinate if you keep your water changes under 15%....and if your doing top offs (replacing water lost to evaporation etc.) that are more than 2% your waiting too long! back to changes... doing more frequent smaller water changes is better for your pond and fish due to less stress adapting to changes in water chemistry....and you do not need to make up water in advance put the dechlorinator in the pond drop in the hose and turn it on.

 

[Pondmaster]

That's probably true, I use a 70 gal container and fill & drain 4 times or more. Do you use a makeup water container DrDave?

 

[koiguy1969]

i put the hose in my pond and turn it for 5 minutes or so every other day in the pre sunup a.m. as i drink my FOLGERS by the pond. i do a 10% waterchange every 10 days...only use dechlorinator twice a year, when i fill my pond in the spring, and when i fill my basement pond in the fall. except in my fry tank, they are especially susseptable to chlorine and ammonias....that said my water quality and parameters are ideal.

 

[Pondmaster]

Thanks KoiGuy, When I use the pondovac I end up sucking out 20% maybe if I learn to be a little faster I can get that under the 15% that you are mentioning.

 

[koiguy1969]

how often are you vaccuuming?

 

[Pondmaster]

I vaccuum once a week, any input here is appreciated KoiGuy. I told you wrong on the 20% it's 10% makeup after vaccuuming. If this is too often it's due to my past Discus keeping that dictated such pristine conditions. There it was bare tanks and daily vaccuuming. My Koi are thriving. however I have alot to learn and am not too proud to learn from you and others on this site.

 

[DrDave]

That's probably true, I use a 70 gal container and fill & drain 4 times or more. Do you use a makeup water container DrDave?

Nope, I have a hose plumbed right to the top of my waterfall and it goes straight in. I have done many 15 -20% top offs without declor.

I do have a 55 gallon drum ready for my nursery where I have 5 tanks. They don't have the eco system the posnds have.

 

[koiguy1969]

i only vaccuum once a season outside...when i close the pond.... the basement pond i vaccuum every couple days with a vaccuum i built and it doesnt displace any water.

 

[Pondmaster]

Again thank you DrDave & KoiGuy. I have set up a garden hose and fine spray head at the top of my water fall and this is going to make life a whole lot easier. And KoiGuy once a season in a liner pond? that is very interesting! I have a relatively light fish load so now I know I can relax a little. Thank you both for your input.

 

[PS3]

I vaccuum my pond every 3 to 4 weeks or so.and if i see a build up or junk
on the bottom.the water is crystal clear

 

[Pondmaster]

I use an Oase Podovac III and vaccuuming couldn't be easier, Since I need to do weekly water changes anyway and do not have a flushable pressure filter this is a good way of replacing 250 -300 gal of water. The Pondovac makes fast work of it.

 

[DoDad]

I never vacuum my koi pond.:fish:

 

[PS3]

i have a power vacuum when it fills up it shuts off and drains the water
by its self. this is the best thing i never got for my pond