Pond world Virgin

[DouglasHoover]

Are Pond Filters Really Necessary, If So Why?

In nature, ponds normally have a source of incoming fresh water and an outlet which provides a natural clean environment, unlike a man-made pond structure, which can become stagnant.

Why is there so much controversy about pond filtration? The simple answer: Because there are scores of variables and circumstances. Here are a few:

Size and volume of pond, number and size of pond critters, size of pump (volume of water circulated) shape and configuration of pond, type and number of plants, sump pump or centrifugal pump, skimmer, venturi valve, bottom anti-vortex drains, location of drain in relationship to waterfall, bog filter, bio-filter (back-flushable pressurized bead filter or "sludge box type"). Then there are decisions such as whether to put rocks and gravel on the bottom for hiding the liner and collecting decaying fish waste and rotting debris vs. using smooth concrete sealed withThoroseal to prevent leaking and leaching; also for easy cleaning without emptying the pond. Finally, there' deciding whether to use chemicals to control algae or rock salt, depending on the number of times per hour the pond volume of water passes through the filter...

There are many more, but I type with two fingers and I have carpal tunnel from handling millions of pounds of rocks over the last 30 years so I'm stopping here. You got the idea.

A million situations and circumstances creates 5 million opinions and attitudes.

This first paragraph could easily generate hundreds of comments, suggestions, theories, questions, fears and frustrations. Did I mention articles?

My purpose for this post is to help out you DIYourselfers solve your "little pond problems related to dirty, stinky, water.

I am retired and one of my incomes is from selling DIY plans for an incredible bio-filter for ponds up to 1000 gallons that can be built with items purchased from Home Depot or Lowes for just $75 to $95.

I'm making it available FREE to all members of Garden Pond Forum- I only ask that you not reproduce, broadcast, publish, post or share outside the forum, it is trademarked and copyrighted material. PLEASE- this is a portion of our retirement income.

Download from the Amazon Cloud secure server: DIY Bio-Filter Plans Shalom, Douglas Happy koi, peace and joy

 

[DouglasHoover]

Biological Pond Filters

Contrary to common belief, biological filters do not process or filter the solid waste of fish in your koi pond. They continue to build up and putrefy, creating a breeding ground for harmful species of heterotrophic bacteria which are pathogenic to koi fish. As stated, the biological filtration process utilizes Nitrosomonas bacteria to break down ammonia into nitrite and nitrobacter, further converting nitrites into nitrates, which is less harmful to koi fish.

Plants now utilize the nitrate and phosphate for fertilizer; if you have not provided an adequate ratio of water plants to koi fish, "hard" algae (growing on rocks and koi pond walls) and "free- floating" algae use nitrate and phosphate to reproduce. The key to preventing this condition, called "algae bloom," is to provide enough nonsoil bearing plants such as water lettuce and hyacinths to compete for the nitrate and phosphate. Since these two plants are tropical and can only survive in warm climates, hardier varieties such as Elodea and Anacharis will perform well in cold climates. These plants are commonly used in bio-filter ponds.
A bio-filter pond is used in conjunction with shallow koi ponds with small populations of koi fish. It will also eliminate the need for a mechanical bio-filter and a second pump to operate it. The bio-filter pond is located higher than the main pond for two reasons. It prevents the koi fish from eating the plants and it allows the water from the waterfall to be filtered as it passes through the plants prior to spilling into the lower koi pond.
An adequate ratio of plant cover for the koi pond's surface is approximately 20 to 30 percent. This is a basic rule of thumb and many factors can change this equation. For example: koi fish population, water temperature, and debris accumulating from leaves or over-feeding the koi fish. I have said many times that the Koi Pond is the koi's living room, dining room and toilet.
Please invest in the health of your fish. Purchase a koi pond test kit from any pet or pond store. Invest the time to read the directions and start regularly testing your koi pond. Remember, clear water does not mean clean! As in the water we drink, just because the water looks clear, smells good, and tastes good does not mean it is clean.
Most of the most toxic, cancer-causing priority pollutants listed by the E.P.A are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Do not ever forget the simple facts: You have a toilet in a separate room of your house. Your scaly friend's living room is their toilet, and they have to swim in it. Keep it flushed and clean.
A pound of prevention is worth a pond cure. dh
If you do not have a bio-filter, that could explain why your koi pond is a tad green, stinky, or cloudy, and why your finned family is gulping air on the surface. Trust me. That will not be for long. Fish gulping air to survive would be like you -- in an attempt to avoid breathing poisoned air -- gulping water to survive. LQ (laugh quietly, not out loud)

 

[oneman1pond]

Thank you for the great info !!