New pond and filter sponge

[Trina]

Hello,
I have a new 1200 gallon pond with 6 small Koi 3 potted plants and floating plants. The pond is 3 weeks old with the plants and 2 koi. I added the other 4 koi 6 days ago. I have brown stuff/algae all over everything under water that just appeared overnight a few days ago. I understand that it is probably just part of the cycling process. My question is: I have a Danner filter that has a sponge inside. Do I need to take it out and clean it?
Ph is 6.5 nitrate 0 nitrite 0

 

[Mmathis]

Hello and welcome.

Is that your only filter? If so, yes at least check it to see if it needs cleaning, and when you rinse it out, use some pond water in a bucket so you don’t destroy your beneficial bacteria. IOW, don’t hose it off with tap water! Don’t worry about the brown algae stuff.

Is this your first experience with koi or a pond in general?

 

[Trina]

Hello and welcome.

Is that your only filter? If so, yes at least check it to see if it needs cleaning, and when you rinse it out, use some pond water in a bucket so you don’t destroy your beneficial bacteria. IOW, don’t hose it off with tap water! Don’t worry about the brown algae stuff.

Is this your first experience with koi or a pond in general?

Thank you, how often should I clean it generally.?
Yes, my first pond. And I am very excited.

 

[GBBUDD]

WHEN YOU CLEAN YOU WANT TO DUNK AND SQUEEZE not blast witht he hose unless you leave 25% of the sponges and let the bacteria spread

 

[j.w]

@Trina