Skimmer-insufficient filtration?

[Joe3zz]

My 700-800 gallon pond was build with a savio compact skimmer. It has been suggested that is not enough filtration. If its not, what would be recommended? Also, if I add a filter, can I put it inline with the skimmer, so should I have it as a separate circuit so to speak, maybe drawing from the bottom?

Joe

 

[koiguy1969]

you absolutely should have a draw from the ponds bottom...most fecal and vegetative matter settles on the botom.. and a second pump may not be a bad option if operating costs arent a problem...there are plans for several DIY biofilters in the DIY section here you could make one and down size it to even a 20 gal. or if your not handy...a submersable pump and a pressure filter would suit you fine.

 

[rdk]

I have my pre-filter 1 foot above the bottom of the pond. I did this if the pump emptied the pond ,the fish would have someplace to swim. Right now I put in a float valve to shut the pond down. Should I now move the pre-filter to the bottom of the pond to get more of the junk off the floor bottom or should I just forget it ? Thank You RDK

 

[DrDave]

Protect your fish. Mine were found one day in only a few inches of water when I got home from work. I since have moved that pump 18" above the bottom.

 

[koikeepr]

are you saying that your skimmer is the only form of filtration you have? If so, you definitely do not have enough. Skimmers do fit a bit of filter material in them, but it is not enough. You need to build yourself a barrel filter. You'll find plenty of examples in our DIY section on how to do this.

 

[rdk]

Koikeepr I now have your 30gal barrel filter running strong. Thank you RDK

 

[koikeepr]

rdk. Good for you! Send us a photo of it. How is the pond doing? Give us an update with photos. And I know how koiguy loves video! Show us!

 

[rdk]

I am buying a video camera in the next week or two and will then post some detailed pictures of my new set up. RDK

 

[koikeepr]

If you've got a 30 gal barrel and a skimmer stuffed with bio material (what do you have in there?) for your size pond, then it sounds like you have enough.

When did you officially kick everything on? It does take a while for the pond to cycle with goof bacteria. My pond has been on for 3 weeks now and is still not fully clear yet. It gets a little better every day.