need pond filter ideas

[midnight]

how would you change this filter system?
i have a 258gph pump "in pic"
crate over it so it doesnt suck up the media
then i just throw scrubbies and sponges in
then cover that with sheets of felt cloth
then throw filter floss on top of that
well this isnt working all that good anymore.
its a 150g pond
also have another "tube" filter on it.
heres a pic with no media in it.can get a pic with media if needed.
"theres more pics of the setup in my diy thread below,its the 150g pond one.

 

[hayden]

i would find a way to put some filter socks in it, but you would have to find one with some pretty large holes in it to avoid cleaning it every 12 hours.

 

[fishdance]

If your unable to change the white bucket, the simplest fix would be to drop the pump into the bucket and fill the bucket with 8mm gravel. Same idea as what you have been using but gravel has much better mechanical filtration than what you were using with excellent biological filtration too. Gravel will take quite a while to clog so you dont need to clean for long periods. The big downside is that it is a big job to clean when you do. You could put gravel in nylon mesh bags for slightly easier removal and rinsing.

If you are able to use other buckets - ie above the pond or taller than the water level than you have other options. Settlement basin, bakki tower or upflow filter (easy backflushing) for example. Let me know if you have much interest or amount of details you need.

 

[midnight]

thanks for the replies
i was thinking maybe get a tupperware and drill holes in bottom.
then fill with filterfloss and hang it under the pipe.
this way the water cant flow "around" the media.
8mm rocks?gravel size?or bigger?
would cut up pieces of pvc in bags do good?

my main problem i think is that everything is flowing around my media and not through it.
and the pump/pipes get clogged.
also thought of making a platform for the scrubbies and sponges to sit on.

keep the ideas/help coming.

 

[frasertheking]

i use gravel in all my pond filters and it gives great mech filtration but alot of the surface area is not actually usable as it is inter locked with other peaces of gravel if you know what i mean .

if your bioload is low then its fine but if you need a little extra you can just let the gravel filter clean the water for a while then just add filter floss .


plus the easiest way to clean gravel i found is to divert the flow into a drain or bucket and stir it up with a stick. works a treat .

Fraser

 

[midnight]

so how much gravel should go in the barrel in the pic?
im thinking of bagging it up.
so gravel will help me?

what about river rock?

any other ideas?

 

[fishdance]

Sorry, I thought my first post was clear enough. I know the water is going around your media ... and there are a few solutions to this but I am unsure what your constraints and priorities are. As per my initial post, it will depend on how much modifying you want to do. The simplest and easiest fix is to FILL your bucket with 8mm pebble. Larger size gravel will have bigger gaps allowing dirt to go through too easy and smaller size gravel will pack too fast or may get into your pump and damage it. The gravel will be both your mechanical and biological filter so your pump and pipes will only get clean water and have no more clogs. Putting gravel into bags is recommended since you can lift bags out for easier cleaning. Adding new gravel may give you a temporary ammonia and nitrite spike since it will need to cycle. You dont need river rock or PVC.

If you want other ideas, let me know what your priorites (and budget) are. Maybe you want to hear from other people so I will stop posting.

 

[frasertheking]

at least a foot of gravel is good but the more the better lol

 

[midnight]

If you want other ideas, let me know what your priorites (and budget) are.

i will be adding rocks in a bag soon
have ya seen my diy threads below?
i like to make stuff,and use this instead of that kind of thing.
thats why im asking for ideas.lol
this pond also has another filter on it.
also will be asking the same thing on my 480g ponds filter.
but this one needs help before the 480

 

[Dr Joe]

Hi Guy,

How about that filter on the kiddie pond? Cleared up yet .

For your own benefit always use a pre-filter...on anything.

Use lava rock instead of pebbles...more porosity.

If it's a down flow, fill 3/4 with lava rock egg crate then 1/8 scubbies then egg crate 1/8 A/C filter material then a drip plate on top of everything and put a knee high (nylon) over the pipe and tie wrap it on (it will tell you how much garbage is coming out). Keep the water level half way up the scrubbies.

You should only have to clean the rock every year or so with a pre-filter (if you keep the pre-filter changed regularly) by stirring it and letting the water drain out to the lawn till it runs clean.

Use felt for polishing the water just before it goes back into the pond (not really necessary for a pond tho).

We'll work on the big one next.

Dr Joe

.