Hi everyone! I'm new to this hobby/passion in the Fox Lake IL area

[CometKeith]

So @ToneDude did you decide what to do? I know it feels like winter right now... but I think it will eventually warm up and you will want to enjoy your pond when it does

 

[ToneDude]

OK, after much more research and the purchase of a good pump I believe I'm ready to build a bog filter, which would be my preference based on all the recommendations here on this forum and elsewhere. I've seen some bad designs - I'm asking the team here for a good design.

 

[GBBUDD]

The design can be almost any shape you desire. that's is almost irrelevant. There are two types of bogs a matrix bog and a pea stone bog. There are very successful ponds here on this forum with both types. I myself prefer the matrix bog. The key to the matrix bog is to have the centipede cut into the soil in a channel this way when you do decide to shut down and clean the bog the water being drained out of the bog can help wash any sediment to this lowest point where you can drop a pump in the snorkel where it is a foot lower then even the centipede. Allowing for a collection of any sediment. This is all locked in by using 2 to 3'' stone. The rock is brought flush with the top of the centipede where the ground height is also flush . Figure out the width and length of the matrix blocks allowing again for a few of rock along the outside of the blocks, locking them in place. I believe one layer is preferred over two as surface area is more important then is volume. PLACE A 3 TO 4" rock in a layer about 6" thick then step it down to 1 to 2" for 6" of river rock then a layer of 1 to 3/4" river rock or pea stone. Some take this down to as low as 3/8" pea stone to me it's a bit to fine but like i said before many here have had success with exactly that. The main reason i like the matrix is it allows sediment to drop out of the water column. and also anything that's does fall in this area can be devoured by micro and other aquatic insects and organisms. then once those are broken down the organics still in the water column can be absorbed by the plant roots as it makes its way to the surface.

 

[addy1]

I prefer basic, pvc, pea gravel, plants = bog add water to the list

 

[CometKeith]

OK, after much more research and the purchase of a good pump I believe I'm ready to build a bog filter, which would be my preference based on all the recommendations here on this forum and elsewhere. I've seen some bad designs - I'm asking the team here for a good design.

Hey Tonedude I suggest if you haven’t done this already is start a new thread in the construction section. Then post step by step information as you plan and build your filtration system. Lots of pictures really help too as it helps people visualize what you are doing with the pond and how everything will look. I think you will get more feedback than here. This section is more of a welcome page for new members.
Good luck! CK

 

[SarahT]

Welcome! check out the Midwest pond and koi club, too. Great group of people in the greater Chicagoland area.