re-make project

[[email protected]]

Hello,
I am new to pond keeping, I have kept fish inside for many years and I am now moving outside. I will be re-making an unkept leaking 10x8x2 foot oval into a 10x3 foot circle. My main question is about filtration, this design will have just over 1700 gallons of water to filter. I am interested in using the Pentair Aquatics All-in-One system in addition to a skimmer and waterfall with full biological and chemical media. The All in one system states it will work well for up to 1500 gallons; by adding the skimmer and watefall, will the triple combo provide enough filtration for the system. The pond is not in a heavy sunlight area so I think algea production will be less than most ponds.
Thanks!

 

[j.w]

(e-mail address removed)

 

[Waterbug]

Filters filter stuff. So what filters you need depends on what you want to filter and how much of it you need to filter. Almost everyone building a new ponds thinks getting some filter that sound good will create some idea in their head. Rarely works out that way.

If you're planning on a large fish load, like Koi or 100 goldfish then filters are very important. Too important to just pick a filter that sounds good.

If you're planning a small fish load, like say under 10 goldfish, you probably don't need any filter.

If you're concerned about how to keep the pond clean, if you want easy keeping, there are things in the pond's design you can do that is more important and any filter.

When a filter says it can handle X number of gal pond that's only a very crude estimate. Just like keeping an indoor tank that has 1 fish or 50 fish.

Sunlight...I know every web site you'll ever read talks about sunlight and algae. It is true that sunlight can make green water greener. But what most people want is clear, not less green. In those cases sunlight is relevant because you want to kill all algae, not just some algae.

I've never been a fan of all in one filters for many reasons. But I know first time buyers love them.

 

[addy1]

Welcome to our group! I just use a bog so can't help you with filters, but others will chime in.

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the reply Waterbug, I do plan to keep fish, but like many plans in the early stages, things have changed. After looking at the set-up of the current pond, we have decided to extend the dimensions to a 10x15 oval instead of 10x10 circle. The additional 5 feet will allow me to now keep koi and eliminates my "dilemma" of the all-in-1.

I was wondering how people feel about skimmers that are placed inside the liner like the Easy Pro Melody compared to conventional skimmers that must be attached to the liner.

 

[addy1]

I had a retro fit skimmer on a different pond, it worked ok, My pool skimmer that is cut into the liner works better. in my opinion.

 

[Waterbug]

I hadn't seen the Easy Pro before. I think it's fine. It can be a little tricky for a DIYer to cut the liner correctly for a regular skimmer, so not having that step is good. Less stress for sure.

Another option would be what's generally called a "no niche" skimmer. These have the benefit of being a lot cheaper and fish don't get trapped inside and killed. Bars can be placed in the regular skimmer door to keep fish out. The down side is they take some extra thinking to hide. Of people who have these I haven't heard of any complaints on looks.

 

[addy1]

Never had a fish get caught, but the frogs sure like it in there and they get back out without any issue. Have one that likes to lay on the weir door.

 

[Waterbug]

I've never had a fish caught in a skimmer either. Unfortunately that doesn't mean it isn't a risk or that it won't happen in the future. Google "fish caught skimmer" if you interested. Lots of cases, lots of ways to fix skimmers to reduce the problem.