Bog building, also called upflow filter, eco filter, wetland filter

[Timothy]

............................ I know with the tree right there, I’ll have to do a skimmer.

A skimmer is a good idea, but won't keep up with the leaves from the tree in the fall....you'll be cleaning it out two-three times a day. Consider a net stretched across the pond to prevent the leaves from even getting wet. If you live in a breezy area most of them will get blown away off the net.

 

[JamieB]

Here’s my rough drawn layout. I’ve got the pipe from the pump running along the 12” deep ledge, but I’m thinking I may need to change that and just run it straight along the bottom max depth, do a 90 degree turn to climb to the bog, then another 90 degree where it will then t- off into two or three pipes to feed the bog. I’m thinking I’ll set up the pump in a cage of sorts to filter out the big stuff.

 

[JamieB]

A skimmer is a good idea, but won't keep up with the leaves from the tree in the fall....you'll be cleaning it out two-three times a day. Consider a net stretched across the pond to prevent the leaves from even getting wet. If you live in a breezy area most of them will get blown away off the net.

Good idea, I was thinking I might need a net with it being more accessible to herons than what I currently have. Somehow I doubt those birds would be scared off by my cats. But boy would the cats have fun stalking them!

 

[JamieB]

I got the iris all moved from where they were, since the guys finally are getting around to fencing in an area for the dogs. Have to move several plant beds. I shifted all the iris I could get over to where the well house where we have a seep. I got some tiger lilly dug up for Addy, I need to get it cleaned and packed. And dig more for others who want some.

 

[addy1]

^^and thank you very much!

 

[JamieB]

Pics of the pond layout. The western 1/3rd will be raised up about 2’, hollowed out

a good bit to become a bog, with a small waterfall into the pond. I’m aiming to drop the level in incriments, a 12” ledge, a 30” ledge, then a flat bottom, maybe with a slight depression for the pump. I won’t have this done in time to move them over this year, but after next spring, ( to allow for any flooding) I’ll get it done. Excess dirt will go into making a berm around the pond, raising the level for the bog, and filling in dog dug holes and my driveway moats! Oh and on a high note, my mystery lilly has a flower bud rising! Dad and my younger boy jumped in to help, so did the Great Dane, and one of the cats thought it would make a great litter box.

 

[JamieB]

I’m sore. It’s going to be a rough day at work. But I’ll probably end up digging more after work today, and the day after, and my day off! Digging and shoveling, my arms, shoulders, and abs all hurt!

 

[JamieB]

Addy, I’m thinking you are the Bog Boss! What kind of leaf skimmer do you use? I think I’ll need one, at least till I get netting up, I have to work on a netting plan that will allow bugs and birds in but no leaves or herons/ predatory birds.

 

[JamieB]

I might try a screen awning over the top, sloped to allow leaves to fall off, but I still risk leaves blowing in.

 

[addy1]

What kind of leaf skimmer do you use

I use a pool skimmer, hayward, wide weir. I placed it down wind side of the pond.

Most of the leaves missed the pond, the wind blew them away from it.

 

[JamieB]

Ok, I’ll add one to my list of needed supplies. I’m thinking I’ll try doing 4-6 support posts, slope them away from the gazebo, do 2x4s to support the screening, maybe something like the gauze fabric so I could buy larger quantities, or maybe if I can find large size screens.

 

[qclabrat]

Finished rebuilding my infinity bog. I decided to lower I by one coarse as I'm not convinced the 5 feet rebars and cement will hold up a full 32" column of pea gravel. Also only filled with 2/3 gravel, but still a good 20" for plant roots.

Working on the second bog now, sort of a back up and I have a ton of gravel leftover. Can have too much bog right? It will feed the water fall. My setup is fairly awkward. The infinity bog comes off my deck into the partially sunken in pond, about 2000 gallons. The second bog is on the side feeding the waterfall. Really having trouble with the excess liner and odd masonry work. Disappointed so far how ugly it looks. I'm an engineer not decorator. Really jealous with those who have both skills.

 

[addy1]

Can have too much bog right?

Never can have to much bog. Plants do a great job filtering the water

 

[JamieB]

So long as you water isn’t going green, gunky, stinky, you’re good. This is the puddle that takes up 70% of the land out here. Pretty tiny pink flowers!

 

[Molly1]

For everyone who started a new pond with a new bog, how did yours cycle? Did you have algae, how long did it last, did it go away on its own? Just wondering what I could expect.