pond filtration question

[h0nkzz]

So I built a small 300 gallon outdoor pond at my sister's place. It is exposed to direct sunlight all day.
What kind of filtration does it need ? and how to make the water NOT green ?
any tips on DIY pond filter ?
it's my 1st time dealing with pond.
any help is greatly appreciated.

thanks

[mrairportjunke]

Re: pond filtration question

hey i dont have one yet cause of baby but i have been doing tones of research.  there are some great DIY pond filters made outta big plastic drums.  300 gallon you could use one big barrel and make a SWEET filter.  im lookin for the one i was gonna dublicate.  the water pumps in the top, through filter pad, bio, carbon whatever you want, and then gravity feeds from a drain in the bottom.  but if it clogs up it has a hole higher up to act as a safety overflow.  search online fro diy pond filters and u find nice stuff

[fishboyt]

Re: pond filtration question

I once made one of those filters out of the flower pots, it grew the bacteria but it would not clean the water.    Maybe I should have goten the special bacteria in the bottle like they sell at the pet store.


 FB

[sunrise]

Re: pond filtration question

I just started a 100 gallon pond out of a stock tank from a farm /ranch supply house.  I used a powerhead and a 2 quart cranberry juice plastic bottle.  
1. I cut the bottom of the bottle,
2.  siliconed a 1 inch hose nipple (hardware store),
3.  cut a piece of stainless screen to fit inside the top of the bottle where the main body starts angle to form the top,
4.  filled top part with 100 % polyester  batting from (Hancock fabric by the yard),
5.  Add charcoal or what ever you want in the middle,
6.  add some more polyester batting,
7.  finally add a layer of foam (prefilter) that is for the window air conditioners or the blue filter material (hardware store).

Use a 1 inch hose to connect the filter to the powerhead ( put end of hose in boiling water to soften hose before connecting to connection).  The power head that I used was a 350 GPH.    I also used an ice pick to put a few holes along the sides of bottle to prevent burning up the powerhead incase of the filter totally plugging up due to neglect.  This is a cheap easy do it yourself filter.  Cost under 40 dollars.  The pond water is clear enough to see the bottom now!  sunrise

[76dragon]

Re: pond filtration question

I made my filter out of a big plastic pot, powered it with an internal pump in the pond. Inside the filter is 3 layers, foam, charcoal, and fiber. As for the green stuff, I use an internal UV Sterilizer. At the beginning , i left it on all the time, but now I just turn in on when the water starts to not be crystal clear. It takes about 2 days to clear things up again.

As far as water change, 1- rain, 2- python out the poop and add tap water.

In the morning I usually scoop some of the water out of the pond and water the plants with it. Then when I feel the need , I add water back in the pond.

That's pretty much it.

I clean the pond probably 1-2 times a week depending on how lazy I am .

[wesleydnunder]

Re: pond filtration question

This is the filter that one of the members of AquariumBoard.com uses on her 6,000 gallon pond. It keeps her water crystal clear and her koi are huge. It may give you some ideas.

http://www.russellwatergardens.com/Filters/hydrovortex.php

Here are some pics of her pond and filter:

http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/coolwater/7233.htm#post89660

Mark

[armthehomeless]

Re: pond filtration question

Things to help with reduce the likelihood of ending up with green water: plants, shade, and a UV sterilizer.

[76dragon]

Re: pond filtration question

That's a nice setup

[JStrider]

Re: pond filtration question

for the algae you really need to get some shade, plant some lilies in there

[PhishPhreek]

Re: pond filtration question

Some daphnia will help also.

[thor]

Re: pond filtration question

What you should do to control the algae is create a "bog" system...that's what I used when I did an outdoor pond for my mom's house.