DIY Pond Filter

[L!NUS]

So this summer we upgraded to a 125 G pond for our big RES. We had this ugly, bad little basket filter in our old 80G pond that we simply transfered over for the first week of the new ponds life to speed through cycling. Anyway, our 125G pond(hard liner) came with a 600GPH pump. The 2 together cost us only $80 . We decided to put the pump to good use. We made a canister filter.

Supplies:
5 gallon Bucket
600 GPH Pump
assorted glue and silicones
clear plastic tubing

Sorry that they're are no construction pictures, and that I didn't upload through this sight, and couldn't figure out how!

Anyway, so the filter was set up in July. I've cleaned it once. I haven't opened it in awhile due to a huge amount of insects living inside it. I don't know how they survive, but they do.

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3935.jpg

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3972.jpg

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3976.jpg

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3973.jpg
Foam

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3980.jpg
Carbon

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3981.jpg
More Foam!

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3982.jpg
Bioballs

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3983.jpgWorms!

The turtles
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/IMG_3949.jpg
8" F RES. She usually hibernates in the pond but got sick this year so she's inside.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/IMG_3952.jpg
5" F Belize Slider. Tropical so she must be brought inside during non-summer months.

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_4207.jpg
The pond right now. Conatins 9 6" Goldfish(2 black) and 2 little minnows.

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3937.jpg

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/kinglinusII/?action=view&current=IMG_3940.jpg

 

[chesterthehero]

use the "direct link" option for photobucket links...

 

[chesterthehero]

so how long do you think it will take for your canister to clog/explode and drain your pond onto the patio?

 

[L!NUS]

Thanks for posting the pics!

Uh, well actually once something big got through the filter and partially jammed the output whole. This made the water shoot outside the pond. When I came out the next morning, I found the pond half empty.

 

[Muske]

Might be time for a new design....

As you know, turtles can tax filteration and BB. A stock tank is a great filter. You can use a upflow design (my preferred) or a top filled that has a gravity return, kind of what you have. If you go with a top filled, a drip tray is a good idea to spread out water distribution.

 

[JakeH]

Why not use a strainer/screen of some kind on the intake? That could help with the big stuff getting into the canister...

 

[L!NUS]

^ There is a piece of foam on the intake. The one time it happened may have just been a build up in the filter.

I don't see why I need a new filter design. The filter and plants keep the chemical levels perfect and it's doin 600GPH in a 125G pond.

 

[Jgray152]

May want to see if you can use some crushed pea gravel for a filter media to remove large waste.