Cheap $25 DIY Mini Bog

[GreatDanesDad]

To start off, I do have a mechanical bio-filter very similar to the 55 gallon DIY filters on this Forum and that is my primary filtration system. Over the last 6 months I have still had issues with ocasional algae blooms and murky water. In most cases a 10% water change and spraying a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide every two-three weeks keeps the water very clear. That being said, I still felt like I needed a little more filteration and more plants to absorb all the nutrients in the water in hopes to minamize algae. My main filter runs on a 3000gph pump but I have also kept a 1200gph pump not connected to anything just to circulate the water.

This weekend I decided pull my potted plants out of the pond and put in a mini bog. I didnt have extra money so this is on the cheap. $10 for a 55 gallon barrel from the local feed store. $15 for PVC fittings and adapters and a ball valve from Ace. ~$25 for the new bog because I already had the second pump.

Ok the design is a simple gravity filter. I took a 55 gallon barrel and cut it in half. Placed a perferated PVC pipe in the bottom of the Half. Placed a Barrier 4 inches from the end with the drain so one side is large and can hold plants and rocks and the other side is clear water (used the other half of the barrel and some "pond stuff" to secure it in place). Dug a hole next to my pond for the barrel. Filled the barrel with rocks and plants. Turned the pump on and adjusted the ball valve so there is slightly more water coming out than going in.

I hope that didnt sound confusing, it was the easiest thing I have built for the pond. Here are the pictures.

 

[granyhuskr]

This is a smart idea. I was thinking of doing this but I live in Nebraska and was concerned about it breaking during the cold winters. I love the "thrifty" ideas everyone comes up with. Just goes to show you don't have to be rich or spend a lot of money to be able to have a cool pond and enjoy it's benefits to your landscape.

 

[GreatDanesDad]

"Just goes to show you don't have to be rich or spend a lot of money to be able to have a cool pond and enjoy it's benefits to your landscape."

Ya if you had to be rich, I would still just have a beta in a jar on the counter. Ya I would be worried a little more in a location that really gets a freeze or snow. I'll say that is one more reason why I prefer weather over 100 to weather below 0.

 

[addy1]

Love it! What a great idea!

 

[shakaho]

It looks good, but I'm I'm having trouble figuring out the water flow. What is the pvc device in picture 4?

 

[GreatDanesDad]

LOL picture four is just a flow reducer. A long slit was cut into the PVC to let the water flow thru and then it was placed in the bog to all the water to flow in.