7 replies to this topic

[OrandaPond]

Hi everyone, hope your fishies are doing great! I have a small pond approximately 120-130 gallons with 6 fancies. There is a 210 gph pump in a prefilter which is connected to a diy Rubbermaid filter. I have been doing some research on how to control algae bloom, but some info is really confusing. I live in Texas and many of the recommended water plants are illegal in this area from what I read. I do have 2 water lilies, though. I have also read that chemicals to get rid of algae can be harmful to my fish and I been trying to avoid this use.
I think that my diy filter is not working properly because my pond is green, but the water itself is pretty clear when it comes out of the filter. I use cotton as filter media and all of it is green! I been thinking on purchasing a new filter that comes with a uv sterilizer, what do you think? Would this help? Or should I try other things before purchasing a new filter. I’m new to the pond hobby and any advice will be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

[addy1]

OrandaPond said:

Hi everyone, hope your fishies are doing great! I have a small pond approximately 120-130 gallons with 6 fancies. There is a 210 gph pump in a prefilter which is connected to a diy Rubbermaid filter. I have been doing some research on how to control algae bloom, but some info is really confusing. I live in Texas and many of the recommended water plants are illegal in this area from what I read. I do have 2 water lilies, though. I have also read that chemicals to get rid of algae can be harmful to my fish and I been trying to avoid this use.
I think that my diy filter is not working properly because my pond is green, but the water itself is pretty clear when it comes out of the filter. I use cotton as filter media and all of it is green! I been thinking on purchasing a new filter that comes with a uv sterilizer, what do you think? Would this help? Or should I try other things before purchasing a new filter. I’m new to the pond hobby and any advice will be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

Welcome, read the diy area of the forum, there is a lot posted on how to build a good filter. Cotton is probably not the best medium. post some pictures!

[DrDave]

Cotton works for temporary fines filters where you throw it away after it is saturated with muck. Not a good permanent filter.

[PS3]

do small water changes every week and get some Hyacinth floating plants.
and get a small uv light

[OrandaPond]

Hi everyone, hope your fishies are doing great! I have a small pond approximately 120-130 gallons with 6 fancies. There is a 210 gph pump in a prefilter which is connected to a diy Rubbermaid filter. I have been doing some research on how to control algae bloom, but some info is really confusing. I live in Texas and many of the recommended water plants are illegal in this area from what I read. I do have 2 water lilies, though. I have also read that chemicals to get rid of algae can be harmful to my fish and I been trying to avoid this use.
I think that my diy filter is not working properly because my pond is green, but the water itself is pretty clear when it comes out of the filter. I use cotton as filter media and all of it is green! I been thinking on purchasing a new filter that comes with a uv sterilizer, what do you think? Would this help? Or should I try other things before purchasing a new filter. I’m new to the pond hobby and any advice will be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

[addy1]

OrandaPond said:

Hi everyone, hope your fishies are doing great! I have a small pond approximately 120-130 gallons with 6 fancies. There is a 210 gph pump in a prefilter which is connected to a diy Rubbermaid filter. I have been doing some research on how to control algae bloom, but some info is really confusing. I live in Texas and many of the recommended water plants are illegal in this area from what I read. I do have 2 water lilies, though. I have also read that chemicals to get rid of algae can be harmful to my fish and I been trying to avoid this use.
I think that my diy filter is not working properly because my pond is green, but the water itself is pretty clear when it comes out of the filter. I use cotton as filter media and all of it is green! I been thinking on purchasing a new filter that comes with a uv sterilizer, what do you think? Would this help? Or should I try other things before purchasing a new filter. I’m new to the pond hobby and any advice will be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

Welcome, read the diy area of the forum, there is a lot posted on how to build a good filter. Cotton is probably not the best medium. post some pictures!

[DrDave]

Cotton works for temporary fines filters where you throw it away after it is saturated with muck. Not a good permanent filter.

[PS3]

do small water changes every week and get some Hyacinth floating plants.
and get a small uv light