Filter Basics....

[shw104]

Hi everyone...

Getting ready to put shovel to dirt and start my first small pond....

I need some help with filter basics.. (i'm a rookie)...

My pond will be relatively small... 24-30" deep, roughly 5' wide at it's widest point. I'm going to have a few gold fish and some plants. I'm probably going to build it in two phases.. phase 1 being the pond and phase 2 will be a small rock/water fall later in the year.

It looks like there are two main types/options for pumps for ponds of this size. There in the type the are inside/under the water.. they would be 100% underwater.. such as the following: http://www.123ponds.com/pm02200.html

Then there are the larger, above pond filters... such as the following: http://www.123ponds.com/tp26549.html

Can someone give me a rundown on the advantages of both? Can I get by with a small submersible or do I really need a larger, above water type?

Any recommendations? Are UV filters overkill?
Thanks for the help!!!

Scott

 

[addy1]

I like external pumps. Don't use a uv, but a lot use them briefly at the green water stage, usually beginning of the season and like what they do i.e. kill the green small celled algae.

 

[j.w]

I like my submersible pondmaster mag drive pump and it has been faithful for 10yrs straight and still is but if I get another one I would prolly get a nice Laguna Max-Flo 4200 Waterfall & Filter Pump cuz I would save a lot more in power usage than w/ the pondmaster one. And I like the cage that is built around it also. You can make your own filter here in the DIY section of the forum.

 

[HARO]

shw; I believe you are confusing pumps with filters. The two pictures you posted are filters, and either one will need a pump to either pull or push water through it. If you are only planning on a few goldfish, either filter will work, but probably won't be an absolute necessity. The underwater filter, by the way, can be a real PITA to clean; when filled with sludge the thing can be quite heavy and you do have to lift it out of the pond to clean it. The pressurized filter has the advantage of already being on dry land, so it's easier on your back! And UV "filters" are great for getting rid of microscopic algae that turn your water green, but they are NOT filters, they simply kill the algae, and it's up to your filter to remove it from the water.
John

 

[27goldfish]

I have 3 pumps, all submersible. Here are pics:

http://www.petmountain.com/product//11442-503240/pondmaster-garden-pond-filter-system-kit.html

http://www.pondbiz.com/tetra-dhp-debris-handling-pump

And another 500 gph pump.

Filters:

The one I linked at pet mountain has it's own filter

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002APPUS...e=394997&creativeASIN=B0002APPUS&linkCode=asn

http://www.lagunaponds.com/lagunaengeu/filters/pffalfiltspil.php?link=158 (has filter inside of it)

Also have an older version of this:

http://www.123ponds.com/tp26549.html

All ran by submersible pumps

I also have a 9 watt uv light.

 

[sissy]

You can build a filter of your own I have 2 of those filters in my basement and 2 heavy to pull out of the pond to clean and even home depot closed them out they had them at ollies here for 29.99

 

[sissy]

I know I had a pic but can't figure out which one

 

[sissy]

still not right darn

 

[JohnHuff]

shw104. You don't have to stick to just one type of filter. I use both types of filters, submersible and external. (In fact, I have 2 submersible filters, 1 skimmer and 4 external filters in one pond.) Personally, I'd use both types.

1) http://www.123ponds.com/pm02200.html This is a pre-filter that filters the water before it gets to the pump. I swear by it (pre-filters), it prevents gunk from getting to your pump. But I'm blown away by how expensive that model is.
Try Tetra from the same store: http://www.123ponds....nd-filters.html, they seem to be a lot cheaper. You can hook up a couple of the Tetras for 1/2 the price. And you can even build your own quite easily if you are so inclined. The one shown is just a plastic box with a foam filter (and a handle!) These things are basically mechanical filters that remove physical debris or gunk from your pond. They don't provide bio-filtration.

2) http://www.123ponds.com/tp26549.html This is an external filter. I have a store bought external filter but I much prefer the DIY ones. And I'm blown away by the price too. If you are hands on, you can build your own that is just as good if not better and much more satisfying.To see a product review, go to amazon.com and look up the same product there, I've found the best reviews to be on amazon. These filters provide bio-filtration, they help remove toxic chemicals in the water by providing a place for good bacteria to work. Though it's possible that you don't need an external filter at all. If you have a very small fish load, the pond and waterfall surfaces should provide enough surface area for good bacteria.

If you're just going to get one, get an in pond pre-filter. I don't use UV, but some people swear by it.

 

[Waterbug]

UV are needed if you don't want green water. Most ponds will clear on their own, UV forces the issue. Only thing that is 100% effective in clearing a green pond in 3-5 days. UV should be a stand alone unit, not part of a filter containing other media.

I think both filters listed are pretty poor. I'd consider them worthless. Any filter that has to ever be cleaned can't be considered a good bio filter. The stuff that has to be cleaned off reduces bacteria action to very low levels. I prefer a trickle tower if a bio filter is needed at all. You can tell if you need a bio filter, or a larger bio filter by testing water for ammonia and nitrites. Having a bio filter is never a guarantee it's taking care of your ammonia and nitrite. Testing tells you.

Your waterfall would be a type of trickle tower. Self cleaning 24/7, lots of O2, so bacteria can be happy there. With the falls you may never measure any ammonia or nitrite and so never need any bio filter.

All hobby filters that say they "clean" the water are close to worthless. It is true some crap does accumulate in these, but not much. You certainly won't have a "clean" pond because of them. Without these filters you can remove just as much crap, or more, by just scooping around on the pond bottom with a small net. You'll remove more crap and way easier than cleaning a filter imo.

Most hobby filters are built of cheap plastic that sometimes splits open. If you use these you might want to position the filter, and/or the pump, so if it splits it doesn't drain your pond.

 

[27goldfish]

The links I posted was for demonstartion only. My pond is also heavily populated and I don't have the room for a 55 gallon drum or anything like that. Where I put my pond, space is at a premium. Everything is at least 3 years old. The only crack I have is on the lid of the pf1, which I did accidentally with my waterfall cap rock (about 200 lbs).

 

[sissy]

I had one in the pond and it did pick up stuff but hard to get out .I had bought these and this is where they sit on my basement shelf for pond supplies .