Re-evaluating filtration

[Andrew]

Last year I built my above-ground pond, about 600 gallons, and went with this filter/pump combo. That got us through about three months of clear water with a population of 3 koi, 5 comets, two water lilies and a couple of tadpoles. Since August though I've had that pea-soup green water though (no string algae).

Now that Spring might actually be here I was thinking of upgrading to this external filter for the UV sterilizer, but I was wondering if you guys had any thoughts about a) whether that's the right way to go and b) tips on how to set it up to hide the hoses going in and out of the pond. I did receive this waterfall kit as a Christmas gift but unfortunately the spillway isn't long enough to make it over the lip of the pond. Also, neither the filter nor the waterfall would fit between the pond and the fence, so I'd have to set something up off to the side. Tips?

 

[morewater]

Your existing "filtration" is no more than a pump-prefilter. For your set-up, the pressure filter/UV combo should suit your needs.

Check that your existing pump has sufficient GPH capability to supply the pressure filter that you've selected.

 

[adam9280]

Have you thought of adding some plants that will feed on the nutrients? I have a lot of irises in small pots a few inches below the water surface.

 

[jakkbauer]

For your spillway you can extend it with a flat rock foamed onto it overhanging the ledge of the spillway. For your filter I would get a Laguna external filter that you can backwash on a regular basis. As for hiding it, use plants or something I'm not sure. With that build you are going to have to deal with some visible plumbing unless you pull something apart and rework it somehow. If you get that external filter I am talking about you will be able to easily water change some of that pea soup out and hen just add fresh.

 

[sissy]

The head on the pump as said may not be enough to supply the filter with enough water .You can buy a uv and first try the plants .green water is just a way of saying your water may be a little off .Do you test your water and how much you feed your fish matters also .Plants will eat up the excess nutrients .Green water also goes on water temps raising up as water gets warmer

 

[Andrew]

For your spillway you can extend it with a flat rock foamed onto it overhanging the ledge of the spillway. For your filter I would get a Laguna external filter that you can backwash on a regular basis. As for hiding it, use plants or something I'm not sure. With that build you are going to have to deal with some visible plumbing unless you pull something apart and rework it somehow. If you get that external filter I am talking about you will be able to easily water change some of that pea soup out and hen just add fresh.

Is the Laguna filter that different from the one I linked above? I'd planned on getting that one for a while but I'll take a look at some Laguna products. My current pump is 700gph so I'd think that's sufficient for now.

I'll definitely add another plant or two, was thinking another water lily for cover since I get a lot of direct sun. Garden shops around here probably won't have any plants for another month but I can at least get a test kit this weekend.

 

[Tula]

I tend to stick with brands that are well reviewed and I can get replacement parts for easily. For example, a pressurized filter needs it's seals and UV light., replaced periodically.....I replaced both annually when using this type of filter. I'd also increase your water movement and use an aerator. Very pretty pond

 

[sissy]

laguna are more energy efficient and have a great warranty .I bought mine from webbs with a 4 year warranty .My 2900 gph says it uses 100 watts but can use less energy because mine with a bigger hose and shorter length uses about 85 watts and i also have a 2400 gph laguna and the aerator .But most aerators all use the same parts if you look at them there is not much difference between them .

 

[jakkbauer]

What sissy said. Just get the Laguna.

 

[Andrew]

Sorry guys, I went with the "Best Choice Products" filter I linked in the original post instead of a Laguna, more so due to an abundance of Amazon credit than stubbornness. It's been running for about 24 hours now and no real difference yet, hopefully that UV light starts to pay off in the next couple days.

Right now there's no filter media in the waterfall itself though I'd like CTO get some lava rocks or something like that. Advice?

We did see our fish yesterday for the first time since October. It took them a few minutes to show when we tried feeding them but they eventually all came up. It's great to finally know that they all made it through the winter.

 

[Nepen]

Try get something to shade the water. It'll help with the algae growth May be add more lily? or floating water plants.

 

[Andrew]

I'll definitely be getting some more plants, none of the garden stores around here have them out yet though. I'm still waiting to see if last year's water lilies come back.

 

[TAHOE]

I'll definitely be getting some more plants, none of the garden stores around here have them out yet though. I'm still waiting to see if last year's water lilies come back.

What location of Ohio are you from ? There are a couple nice stores in the Cincy area that specialize in pond plants, they should have them out by now or at least have some available.

 

[sissy]

The only place here does not have them here yet and the aquascape store in NC just starting getting them in and that is an hour from my house .They said the weather is the cause of the late start

 

[Andrew]

I'm in the Cleveland area. Last year places didn't really have their pond plants out until mid May.