Affordable filtration for a larger outdoor pond.

[Racersk]

I currently run a 100 gallon preformed pond with a couple of feeder comets in it, filtered solely off of a single small air pump and undergravel filter plates designed for a 55G tank. I have some plants growing (lilly sprouting this week!) and besides the algae growth really clear!

So my question is- What is the feasibility of using nothing but air power to filter a large pond-say 10x15 x 2.5-3' deep?

I would scale everything up, using a commercial type air pump built to handle multiple tanks, but thinking lighting 'egg crate' on top of bricks or rocks, then sitting on top of the pond liner. 1 - 1.5" uplift tube(s) in the middle with air plumbed to the bottom of the up tube. I would use lava rock for the substrate to help with bio area-like in my current pond.

Besides liner, egg crate, and the air pump, this should be a very cost effective build.

Would a setup like this should support my growing green sunfish, Bowfin, and a channel cat? Should I look around for a waterbead heater to suppliment some heat in the winter with this stock?

Thanks!

 

[Andyroo]

There's a pond on this forum someplace that has air-lift into the sand filter. Can't handle more than a couple of inches of head, but that's just a question of planning. It does seem that with a little thought a 100Watt air-pump can move way more water than a 100Watt water-pump.
Air-drive is my plan, when I eventually get the opportunity. 100Watts on a solar panel or home-make windmill is pretty easy.
As it's an (outdoor?) pond, attach a riparium / hydroponics setup for nutrients polishing and that'll reduce your filtration needs further.