anybody using bucket filters/drums on their ponds?

[Crispy]

Just built approx 30g bucket filter from a thick plastic garbage can which spills into the waterfall basin. 3650gph at 1' head (we're running it with 5' head) and it's gushing out 2" output beautifully. media is poly and lava rock ontop. Lots of space for both.

It pumps into the top, down 1 1/4" pcv where it branches at the bottom. water fills up in the pail, goes through media and spills out top.

Anyone have good success with these? I just set it up, so I have no longterm experience with it yet. Stocking of 2000g pond is only 4 small koi atm. Figuring it may need changing once a season??

 

[dragonsong]

Yea they work great for me, the only problem is cleaning...I'm making 2 sand filters for my pond and you actually have to hook up an air blower to the bottom of the drum so you can clean it later...air stirs up the gravel and all the yuck goes out (preferrably into the garden ).

 

[Muske]

Keep an eye on the flow with the lava rock. They can get clogged and then divert water around the media instead of through.

Is this the only filter on the pond, or is the waterfall basin also a filter?

 

[Crispy]

Keep an eye on the flow with the lava rock. They can get clogged and then divert water around the media instead of through.

Is this the only filter on the pond, or is the waterfall basin also a filter?

Always keeping an eye on the flow. The lava rock will be easy to remove and rinse.

Only other filtration so far is lots of plants.

 

[silenttears]

I currently have to 55gl barrels for filters in my pond which is 2000 gallons. They work wonders I have not had use my uv light all and the pond is crystal clear....yes algea grows on the walls but thats it. I used lava rock but when you put so much in there its hard to clean it out. So I used a nylon mesh bag and put them all in there and then filled another bag with a bunch of sponges. I have had the pond running for a year and a half and its been super great. The only problem I have is keeping plants to make it look more attractive but my fish eat everything and usually kill my plants over time....I wish I could afford one of those floating island things that would be so pretty in my pond lol! Good luck with your filter

 

[marksuttonjr]

I have a coldwater tank in my garage with similar filtration to this what you describe. Om my setup the water goes out of an overflow in the tank, and drops thru plumbing all the way to the bottom of the 30 gal. barrel. The barrel is filled 3/4 way with lavarock, and my return pump sits on top of the lavarock. I have air line run to the bottom of the barrel with an airstone, but I do not think that is a necessary part and I plan on removing it when I clean the lavarock.