More water flow + mechanical filtering and possibly UV??

[Conner]

So, I'm wanting to add both more water flow/movement and additional mechanical filtering to my 3,500g pond, as well as (possibly) a UV sterilizer.

My question is, should I invest in a pressurized pond filter that combines both mechanical and UV filtration, with a back-washing option, or should I just use a ~30g plastic drum that I have sitting around to build my own mechanical filter, and just buy a self-contained UV to place after it?

I'm looking to add anywhere from 2,500-3,500gph to the pond, so whatever filter I add needs to be able to handle about that, with either the whole flow or a smaller amount T-ed off to the UV.

The return will either be placed into the bog filter to just return to the pond through the plants and waterfall, or else be directed straight back into the pond.

What do you guys think?

 

[tuggerd]

Do you have some pictures? What size of pump do you have? How many fish? Are they big or small? How big is the present size pond?

 

[Conner]

I loaded some pictures recently in the pond photo gallery. They're in this page about half way down:

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85027&page=22

The pond is 3,500g, with about a 300g bog filter. The water flows into a surface skimmer, where a 3,500gph pump sends it up to the bog filter, where it up-flows through the gravel and plants, and then it drops down a series of waterfalls back to the pond.

There's plenty of surface agitation, but I don't think the bottom is getting turned over very well, especially right in front of the skimmer box, where it is deepest. Unfortunately I wasn't able to install a bottom drain when I built it.

As far as fish, there are about 50-60 feeder comets ranging in sizes from 2-4" in length, as well as 10 tadpoles who are starting to grow legs. I haven't adding anything large or very nice yet, as I want to get the landscaping done to help stop any muddy runoff from entering the pond. I'd also like to get started on controlling the algae.

The bog filter is getting pretty well developed at this point. It started with 11 water hyacinths that have since split into about 50 or so, a rumex, a water baby's breath, two umbrella plants, and two zebra tails.

 

[Conner]

I was thinking I could put a 2-3,000gph pump in the low part of the pond and run it to a mech filter, and then put a ~1,000gph pump in the bog filter to feed a UV sterilizer, so that it was taking filtered water out of the bog filter.

 

[hankn]

So, I'm wanting to add both more water flow/movement and additional mechanical filtering to my 3,500g pond, as well as (possibly) a UV sterilizer.

My question is, should I invest in a pressurized pond filter that combines both mechanical and UV filtration, with a back-washing option, or should I just use a ~30g plastic drum that I have sitting around to build my own mechanical filter, and just buy a self-contained UV to place after it?

I'm looking to add anywhere from 2,500-3,500gph to the pond, so whatever filter I add needs to be able to handle about that, with either the whole flow or a smaller amount T-ed off to the UV.

The return will either be placed into the bog filter to just return to the pond through the plants and waterfall, or else be directed straight back into the pond.

What do you guys think?

Do not go with the pressure filter. They get clogged and the GPH drops off quickly. I'd go with the 30G drum. Make sure your pump can do 4000GPH if you want to add 2500GPH since the flow rate drops off over time as it gets gunked up unless you plan to clean it weekly.

I have found that aquarium media bags makes the best initial mechanical filter before you get to your sponges and ceramic rings and mosquito netting.

See: www.interall.co.il/filter.html for further details.

 

[mshill90]

You are better off making your own filter, you will have less money into it, and will probably filter better. You don't need to run 2 pumps. I would just tee into the line from the bigger pump and just put a ball valve right before going into the UV. The slower the flow for the UV, the better. I recommend making sand gravel filter, but you will want to make it out of 55 gallon barrel. Problem with sand gravel filters, you can only flow about 1000-1500 gallons into them, with out pushing the sand out of the filter. I run s/g filter on my indoor tank, filter catches all the fine particles, water is super clear. I have my uv right after my s/g filter. If you put 2 s/g filters on your pond, you will be set for filtration. You could have one dump into your bog and other back into the pond. Don't want to much flow going into the bog and pushing the plants into the pond.

 

[Conner]

I'll try looking into a s/g filter, but I'm looking for something simple and effective.

I also want to try to add significantly more water turnover, so that is why I'm adding another pump. I don't think the pond has enough as it is right now.

I really think my biggest problem is not having enough mech filtration, and that's about it, other than the low turnover rate.

 

[Muske]

Is the pump you the max. size for the skimmer?

If you can go bigger w/the pump, I'd do that. I would also get a compressor style pump and rn a couple of big airstone from the bottom.

 

[Conner]

Is the pump you the max. size for the skimmer?

If you can go bigger w/the pump, I'd do that. I would also get a compressor style pump and rn a couple of big airstone from the bottom.

I believe the skimmer can handle up to 5,000 gph, but I'm not 100% sure about that. I'm running a 3,500gph pump right now.

So you think just increasing the size of the skimmer pump and adding airstones to the bottom will be enough to handle the filtration?

Maybe I'll get a larger pump for the skimmer box, then just set my 3,500gph pump on the bottom pointed up. That would increase the flow towards the skimmer box, plus it will move the water at the bottom towards the filtration. And I won't have to buy an air pump as well. What do you think about that?


Would there be any benefit to adding air into the line going into the bottom of the bog filter, so that oxygen is bubbling up through the gravel, aerating it more?

 

[Yanbbrox]

What head height are you pumping too? A 3500gph pump will not be pumping anywhere near that depending on head?