Filtration

[Squidhead]

As far as filtration is concerned what will I need for a 900 gallon pond with a 6-8' stream and waterfall? The 900G approximation does not include the water in the falls or the stream or any filter. I was under the impression that the surface area of the falls and stream would be more then enough for biological filtration. I thought maybe a DIY 55G drum with some sort of sponge/foam material and possibly some type of chemical media (activated carbon, etc.) would be good. Just to note, I am going to have stones and some gravel in the stream bed.

 

[digginponds]

you need a filter..DIY could save some money,and a learning experience

 

[koikeepr]

go to the DIY section of our site, and you will see stickies for a number of barrel ideas all based on the same principals. You need bio and mechanical filtration. Activated carbon isn't really something that's necessary (you're still thinking about aquariums).

Stones/gravel in a stream are fine, but not in the bottom of the pond or in the filter, which will make clean up hard.

 

[Squidhead]

you need a filter..DIY could save some money,and a learning experience

I have built many DIY filters in the past. I have made "canister" types. I have made sumps out of acrylic,glass fish tanks, and storage containers. I like the 55G drum for my set up the best so far.

 

[Squidhead]

go to the DIY section of our site, and you will see stickies for a number of barrel ideas all based on the same principals. You need bio and mechanical filtration. Activated carbon isn't really something that's necessary (you're still thinking about aquariums).

Stones/gravel in a stream are fine, but not in the bottom of the pond or in the filter, which will make clean up hard.

I have seen the stickies and like them very much.

I thought that the gravel and stones in the creek and waterfall would be a good amount of surface area for my benefical bacteria to grow. I dont mind using other media like the "box binder tape" stuff though in the filter, I guess there can never be to much surface area to grow bacteria.

About the activated carbon ( AC) Although it would take about 1 gallon of AC per 1000 gallons of pond water, it would be really beneficial to remove "crap" from the water. This may cost a small fortune to do routinely considering the amount of water ponds have so I guess thats why it isn't done. It can really make a difference in water clarity. I had stopped using it in my planted freshwater tanks because it was believed that it removed too many nutrients the plants where using. I started using it again and my plants actually did better and the water was crystal. I used to have what some people called "jungle" tanks, totally loaded with plants. Anyway, I just came up with AC as an example though. I just meant some other type of media weather it be mechanical, biological or chemical.