in layman's turms

[mrsclem]

I have the original drain holes on one side only plus I drilled 2 more holes- all 3/4". I had a box get plugged and overflow so drilled 1" holes 3/4 of the way up the side facing the pond.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

how many holes do you have to put in the planter .I wonder if the extra hoses I have coming from my uv would work or would the uv cause problems with the plants .I use my plant pockets but that would work also since pond water would be running through the roots and back into the pond .It would help clean the water

Water exposed to UV will have no affect on the plants.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

I have the original drain holes on one side only plus I drilled 2 more holes- all 3/4". I had a box get plugged and overflow so drilled 1" holes 3/4 of the way up the side facing the pond.

Are the bottom portions of your boxes still plugged?

 

[bettasngoldfish]

What is this numerical level for fancy goldfish?

The general rule of thumb is 40ppm or less although many people will try to keep it at 20ppm or less

 

[mrsclem]

Are the bottom portions of your boxes still plugged?

These window boxes are designed to fit over a deck railing. I only opened up the side over the pond and then added the extra holes. Usually by late summer I have plants growing out of the bottom drainage holes. I have grown everything from mint , day lilies, hibiscus, elephant ears and even pepper plants. I did have to anchor the pots to the rail as the first year, deer knocked two boxes into the pond. I use the foam designed to keep gutters open as a medium.

 

[bettasngoldfish]

I think you need a good amount of live plants to make any difference in the nitrate level. Some good submerged floating plants to try are anacharis and hornwort. Im just not sure how they will fare with Koi in the pond (I dont have Koi)

 

[Priscilla]

I'm having similar problems. I added water lilies and some other plants. I don't know what size your koi are, but mine were small when I added the plants. Thankfully to date they don't bother them. You have the problem of depth. How about some floating baskets? You'd need a lot but worth a try. Or you could try the dreaded 'weed' - water hyacinth - which no one seems to be able to successfully grow, even though its a weed (can you tell it frustrates me?!?!?!). My koi do eat that. But they leave my potted plants alone.

Do you have any kind of water catchment area before the water goes back into the pond? Waterfall bucket, small pond - something like that? You could plant that if you have it.

 

[sissy]

I put plants in my filters also but you do have to trim the roots often .I like how they hide the filter .Fountain grass really looks the best .Looks like your filter has a wig on