Cleaning filters

[Dani & glenn]

We have a clerewaterfall filter that uses lava rocks in a net bag & 2 synthetic round filters
(Coarse blond & Blue/white) cleaning is a huge chore & wastes tons of precious desert water (we water the trees with it while cleaning). The worst part is the grunge falls straight into the pond & makes it filthy to be filtered again! We’ve held buckets & nets under the fall while we pull out dirty filters but it doesn’t catch it all. Anyone have any ideas how we we capture all the yuck b4 it recontaminates our pond? TY

 

[Mmathis]

@Dani & glenn Hey there! We’ve heard from you a couple of times previously, but never got any feed back to know if your problems were resolved.

Did you ever upgrade from your 50 gallon pond back in 2016? I think you were concerned that your koi and newly added pleco were very shy. Then, earlier this year, it seemed like you might have upgraded to a 400-600 gallon pond, but now have 5 koi. You were concerned with string algae.

How big is your current pond, how many koi and how big are they?

I’m not sure what a “clerewaterfall filter“ is. Is it a filter that goes inside of the pond, or does it sit outside?
If it sits inside the pond, maybe you could switch to a different kind of filter — something that sits outside the pond. That way you clamp off the outflow, and no dirty water will go back into the pond.

I also wonder if your filtration is adequate for your fish -load. Could you post some pictures of your pond?

Or, you could switch to a bog filter. There is information on this site to explain what a bog filter is and how it works.

 

[Dani & glenn]

@Dani & glenn Hey there! We’ve heard from you a couple of times previously, but never got any feed back to know if your problems were resolved.

Did you ever upgrade from your 50 gallon pond back in 2016? I think you were concerned that your koi and newly added pleco were very shy. Then, earlier this year, it seemed like you might have upgraded to a 400-600 gallon pond, but now have 5 koi. You were concerned with string algae.

How big is your current pond, how many koi and how big are they?

I’m not sure what a “clerewaterfall filter“ is. Is it a filter that goes inside of the pond, or does it sit outside?
If it sits inside the pond, maybe you could switch to a different kind of filter — something that sits outside the pond. That way you clamp off the outflow, and no dirty water will go back into the pond.

I also wonder if your filtration is adequate for your fish -load. Could you post some pictures of your pond?

Or, you could switch to a bog filter. There is information on this site to explain what a bog filter is and how it works.

Yes we are many fish in a 1200 gal. pond now (our koi had babies) The filter sets above pond with a single unobstructed waterfall about 2’ drop & 12” wide. We controlled string algae by increasing our pond plants x2 so now 50% of our pond is covered. We added a huge shade netting over entire area & both tactics worked well.
Our pond pump & filter seem adequate, our problem now is keeping sludge from getting back into pond when cleaning filters. TY

 

[mrsclem]

If there is no outflow other than the waterfall many get a small pump and pump out the filter before removing media. If you can post a picture of your setup, it will help,

 

[poconojoe]

This may be a dumb question, but how exactly is that sludge working it's way to and over the waterfall? Are you not turning your pump off before starting your cleaning process?
If you are turning it off, and significant sludge remains in the filter, can you flush out the filter, siphon or scoop it out before turning the pump back on?
More details and pictures might help.

The suggestion about bog filtration is a good one. You wouldn't be cleaning anything. No rinsing of filter pads...nothing with a bog. Zero maintenance. Just sit back and enjoy your pond with it's crystal clear water.
Bogs rule!

 

[Mmathis]

@poconojoe I was wondering the same thing! It’s hard to visualize.

@Dani & glenn Yes, pictures of your entire pond, including the filter/waterfall set-up would be extremely helpful!