5 replies to this topic

[Kerry]

Hi all

I'm busy building a filter for my pond, and have been googling round for tips & tricks. Several sources say you should use activated charcoal in your filter to get rid of chemical imbalances in the water. Others say activated charcoal is rather expensive and normal charcoal does just as good a job (but not the kind sold for bbq's as that has burning chemicals in it). Other sources say it's activated CARBON you need, and that activated charcoal isn't the same thing. And many sources don't mention charcoal for your filter at all.

So all this contradicting information has left me confused - I have a few questions:
1. Does adding charcoal to a filter make a very big difference to the quality of the water?
2. What should I be looking for: normal charcoal, activated charcoal, or activated carbon?
3. Where would I find this stuff? Is a gardening shop likely to sell it?

Thanks for any help anybody may be able to give!

[koiguy1969]

activated carbon is what you want if you should decide to utilize it. its by no means a neccessity. but it does absorb / nuetralize some impurities and tannins in your ponds water. i would combine it with zeolite if i used it. but like i said its totally uneccessary. a good biofilter will take care of things on its own. adding some beneficial bacteria will aid in hurrying up the colonizing of the filter.

[DrDave]

Activated carbon will remove tint in water. It has an amazing ability to clarify water into absolutely clear water. I have made it before, but it is best purchased at Walmart. Making it is a dirty process and unless you have a fireplace, airtight chamber and good hardwood to burn, you can't even get started. Then you have to grade it into grain size. That is where the real mess is. Unless you have a laboratory grade seine vibrator, with all the seines, this is difficult.
I have one for sale if you happen to be in the area.

[Kerry]

Thanks guys

So I'll look around for some activated carbon. If I find some then I'll add it to the filter; if not, or if it's too expensive, I'll leave it out. I can always add a layer later if I decide to...

[koiguy1969]

you can fill an old nylon stocking,mesh bag, or mesh planterwith it and put it somewhere with good water flow or movement...it doesnt have to be in the filter.

[Kerry]

Wow, I never thought of that KoiGuy - Thanks! I think that's what I'll do - I'll put it where the water flows back into the pond from the filter/pump.