Filter Media

[ShawnLimy]

I have been reading where a lot use quilt/pillow batting for filter media.

I have these two filters, would you use that in either of the two, if so, what else would you use with the batting, or just use the batting?

Also, these two filters came with the pondliner and pumps, ( bought all this stuff used ) if you notice on the filter that is turned up it's end, there is a hole in the bottom of it, does anyone know what the hole is for, am i missing a part?

 

[Mmathis]

We're using the quilt batting as a supplemental-type filter media, primarily aimed at removing the tiny algae cells. It's not usually used in-line with regular media, but mostly to catch the final water as it leaves [for example] a waterfall, before going back into the pond. It's a pretty fine filter media, in danger of clogging your system, and would have to be changed out very frequently or you'd be in danger of having an over-flow.

 

[sissy]

you could use anything .I happen to like lava rock but have been reading lots another material called haydite and thinking of trying some ,That opening could be for a clean out or maybe to put water from the bottom to go out the top .It is missing a tank adapter maybe .I also use sump pump hose cheaper but since your cold climate colleen from Canada can give you better info .There are lots of video's on you tube on how to build your pond
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:53602]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:53419]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:53415]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:52797]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:52793]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:52790]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:52792]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:52794]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:52795]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:52119]
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:42777]

 

[JohnHuff]

The first one you have is a Laguna PowerFlo Max;

http://www.lagunaponds.com/lagunaeng/filters/plomaxmiounderfilt.php?link=155

It's a pretty good design. It has several compartments, when one gets clogged, the water flow switches to the next compartment, but I would caution you to only use the foam it comes with for mechanical filtration. It uses bio-max for the bio-filtration. You can use that or something else.

The second filter you have is a Laguna PowerFlo:

http://www.lagunaponds.com/lagunaeng/filters/plo1000.php?link=152

I would also recommend using the filters it comes with because they are custom made for them. Search for and download the pdf manual online. Thing in the bottom is a drain.

What size is your pond? I generally don't like store bought filters, they will usually clog up very quickly. In the growing season, you will probably have to clean up both Lagunas every few days or a week at the most. I definitely would not use quilt batting in either of your filters. You should use exactly what they come with.

Or you can build your own filters. It all really depends on how big your pond is, how many fish and what else is in there. This is just the beginning of a very long journey that can also be very fun.

 

[sissy]

down side they are not cheap .John for a cheap start could he just use the lava rock or something similar for now until he can get more money .I mean it reminds me of a tote to start with .Money can be tight these days and there media is not cheap .i checked it out online .

 

[ShawnLimy]

The first one you have is a Laguna PowerFlo Max;

http://www.lagunaponds.com/lagunaeng/filters/plomaxmiounderfilt.php?link=155

It's a pretty good design. It has several compartments, when one gets clogged, the water flow switches to the next compartment, but I would caution you to only use the foam it comes with for mechanical filtration. It uses bio-max for the bio-filtration. You can use that or something else.

The second filter you have is a Laguna PowerFlo:

http://www.lagunaponds.com/lagunaeng/filters/plo1000.php?link=152

I would also recommend using the filters it comes with because they are custom made for them. Search for and download the pdf manual online. Thing in the bottom is a drain.

What size is your pond? I generally don't like store bought filters, they will usually clog up very quickly. In the growing season, you will probably have to clean up both Lagunas every few days or a week at the most. I definitely would not use quilt batting in either of your filters. You should use exactly what they come with.

Or you can build your own filters. It all really depends on how big your pond is, how many fish and what else is in there. This is just the beginning of a very long journey that can also be very fun.

Thanks John, i don't think we will use either of those filters, i think we will build our own filters, possibly a skippy, and the a bog filter.

The pond is just small, around 10 x 6 x 3 ft, and 3 ft in most of the area, we will only be putting in 4 or 5 shubunkins and Lilys.

 

[sissy]

easy to build your own but looking at the tank filter there it is just like a tote so why not use it like a tote filter.Plenty of video's on you tube how to build filters .For that small and that few fish you could get away with it .Remember your fish will have babies .So starting out with few fish means you have space for a few babies

 

[ShawnLimy]

down side they are not cheap .John for a cheap start could he just use the lava rock or something similar for now until he can get more money .I mean it reminds me of a tote to start with .Money can be tight these days and there media is not cheap .i checked it out online .

You are right Sissy, they are expensive, especially here in Canada.

 

[ShawnLimy]

easy to build your own but looking at the tank filter there it is just like a tote so why not use it like a tote filter.Plenty of video's on you tube how to build filters .For that small and that few fish you could get away with it .Remember your fish will have babies .So starting out with few fish means you have space for a few babies

Great idea, i will have a look on youtube to see what i can come up with.

 

[ShawnLimy]

down side they are not cheap .John for a cheap start could he just use the lava rock or something similar for now until he can get more money .I mean it reminds me of a tote to start with .Money can be tight these days and there media is not cheap .i checked it out online .

You ain't kidding Sissy, i just came home from picking up an impeller unit for the Laguna pj 2000, it was 57 dollars and change, the ceramic cylinder was broke, but, i needed it.

 

[JohnHuff]

I took another look at the Laguna website at the filters this morning and I think the previous owner set up the first unit as a prefilter and the second unit as the main filter. Those units are pretty expensive when new so I think you should hang on to them whether you use them or not.

But since you aren't be keeping a lot of fish in your pond I think you can reuse them without the original media. For the first unit, you can buy some kind of foam. Perhaps you can go to a store that carries them and match the foam. For the second unit, do you have the trays still? If you do, you can put any kind of bio-media in the first two and matting in the 3rd.

To go cheap, you can use gravel. One thing I've had my eyes on are plastic pellets for bb guns. See if you can get them bulk or on sale.

 

[ShawnLimy]

I took another look at the Laguna website at the filters this morning and I think the previous owner set up the first unit as a prefilter and the second unit as the main filter. Those units are pretty expensive when new so I think you should hang on to them whether you use them or not.

But since you aren't be keeping a lot of fish in your pond I think you can reuse them without the original media. For the first unit, you can buy some kind of foam. Perhaps you can go to a store that carries them and match the foam. For the second unit, do you have the trays still? If you do, you can put any kind of bio-media in the first two and matting in the 3rd.

To go cheap, you can use gravel. One thing I've had my eyes on are plastic pellets for bb guns. See if you can get them bulk or on sale.

I just bought a new impeller assembly for the laguna pj2000, it was over 50 dollars, so, i will be keeping those two filters, and use an alternative media like you suggest.

I didn't want to put a lot of money into this pond project ( yeah right ) but, it looks like i am going to be spending a lot just on the border rock, etc, so i will try and match up the foam, it is over 20 dollars here. Yes, i have all the trays, just missing the plug on the bottom of the tote filter, i think it is just a drain, so i was just going to silicone a piece of plastic over it.


Thanks John.

 

[ShawnLimy]

you could use anything .I happen to like lava rock but have been reading lots another material called haydite and thinking of trying some ,That opening could be for a clean out or maybe to put water from the bottom to go out the top .It is missing a tank adapter maybe .I also use sump pump hose cheaper but since your cold climate colleen from Canada can give you better info .There are lots of video's on you tube on how to build your pond

Bingo, that lava rock in your one picture is what i think i will use, it is easy to be found. Thanks for the tip Sissy.

 

[sissy]

I borrowed my rocks from mother natures streams here .You can buy a tank adapter with a plug fitting

 

[sissy]

I have been using lava rock for years and love it even though some think it is old fashioned way to filter it sure works for me .I am cheap and try to save every where .I soaked mine and picked out the rougher bigger ones and the ones that floated got put in the plant pots with the kitty litter .Just call me cheap :cheerful: and proud of it .