Sand Filter Question

[joesandy1822]

I have posted on other threads here about converting my 13,000 gallon swimming pool to a pond. We've decided to wait until next Spring to put it all together, and use this time to do research on what type of pump, filter, etc. to put together. However.....

Since we are not using the pool, there are no chemicals in the pool, and the water is now nice and green, I decided to do a test to be sure the liner was absolutely fish safe. I purchased 20 feeder goldfish, and put them in the pool after having tested the water (no chemicals, and the limits are correct). They've been in for several days now, and are doing fine, but my only filtration right now is my existing sand filter, which I've been running off and on. I know this is NO permanent solution. I was just trying to provide some circulation and oxygenation to the water for the fish. I also know there is no biological filtration going on right now. I was not too concerned about it, because I know goldfish are survivors. But I am wondering if anybody knows if I can empty my sand filter and fill it with 1/2" poly strapping, and maybe I can use it that way until I close it for the winter. Maybe I can get a small amount of biofiltration going on, even though it will not hold nearly enough media for this size pond. Anybody? Would the water have to be flowing through the filter 24/7 for the bacteria to survive, or as long as water stays IN the filter, would they be alright (the bacteria)?

Any input would be appreciated. I know I can do it fairly easily, but if it won't help anything, it will be a waste of time. I was just hoping to get the water to clear up a bit so I could actually see the fish. Right now it is pea soup. I plan on building my Skippy filter with a 300 gallon stock tank and the poly strapping, but as I said, not until next spring.

Thanks!

Sandy

 

[addy1]

I can't see a problem in trying that approach. It may clear up that pea green stuff for you.

 

[FredrikAnderson]

Sandy you would probably have to run the pump 24/7 or at least a lot. My understanding is that the bacterial will start to die if they run out of oxygen. After a little while they will use up the oxygen in the water just sitting there and start to die off. That doesn't mean that you couldn't turn it off and on and off and on but that my become more trouble then its worth. The strapping will give you some filtration without clogging up as fast Vs. your sand giving you more filtration (mechanical and bio) but will tent to clog much faster. I fear that you may have a hard time using a filter that is undersized (with strapping) to try and clear up your water. You may have to try to get it cleared up first (i.e. water changes or UV light) and then use the filter to keep it at bay longer before it starts to go bad again. I just couldn't say if the undersized filter will be able to catch up what is there if you don't feel it is able to keep up in the end.