I'm not sure if this has already been discussed in detail or not. I have a 800 (roughly) gallon pond and using two side by side trashcan filter, I currently am using quilt batting as mech filter media but it doesn't seem to be cutting it so far. I have the ability to get buffing floor pads cheap from work I have some of these in the bio side of the filter, so I know they are safe, no one has died. Do these pads work well for mech filtration is the question, if so does it depend on the color/density of the pad. Thanks.
Buffing Floor pads
- Thread starter bretthogan
- Start date
I've made many large filters incorporating cut up stripper pads over the years (240gal and up). They stand up well from crushing and have more surface area than standard bio-balls. Approximately 350 cu/ft of surface area in the pads (going by an article I read years ago) compared to 130 cu/ft of surface area with bio-balls. I cut my pads into pizza slices and just toss them in the wet/dry biochamber. Never had a clogging problem or restricted water flow.
so the stripping pads for bio , got it. what about the buffing ones, could they be used for mech? they seem to hold up pretty well
no luck so far, even inside the trashcan, which is what im using as the filter, the water is green once it passes through filter media.
This material is in no way meant to perform any sort of fine filtration. You have to give it at least a month for beneficial bacteria to culture over the surface of the polyethylene before you start seeing results from the BB utilizing the nutrients keeping the algae alive.
If you were looking for fine mechanical filtration, you'd need to employ either filter socks, diatomaceous earth, pleated cartridges, or fine polishing pads rated down to 5-10 microns for removing algae cells.
If you were looking for fine mechanical filtration, you'd need to employ either filter socks, diatomaceous earth, pleated cartridges, or fine polishing pads rated down to 5-10 microns for removing algae cells.
If you can afford a UV sterilizer, that's an easy way to get rid of your green water.
You could also try adding more pond plants to consume the excess nutrients in the water.
Mechanical filteration probably isn't going to work.
I have a diatom filter that I use occasionally in aquariums.. it clogs up pretty quick.. I can't imagine using one 24/7. I'm sure it could be done, but UV sterilization would probably be more efficient and less maintenance.
I'm a little hesitant using UV, and are there any winter pond plants? my pond did not freeze but it has dropped to the low 30's a few nights here.
also I realized, someone has been using an algae-cide in the pond, is that harmful to the BB in the bio filter?
also I realized, someone has been using an algae-cide in the pond, is that harmful to the BB in the bio filter?