New member

[Btbeam]

I have had my pond for about 10 years. It's about 1800 gal and am not currently very happy with my filtration. So I will be lurking around and trying to come up with a new direction.

 

[Mmathis]

Welcome to GPF. Lurking is allowed, but participation is encouraged! . As you'll find out, we're a nosy, friendly bunch and love to share ideas.

Tell us a little more about your pond: do you have fish, plants, or both; how deep is it; and what is your current filtration situation?? What has changed for you to become unhappy with your current set-up?

Oh, and we like to see others' ponds, so post pictures if you can.

 

[Btbeam]

Thanks for the welcome. I have three large koi aprox 16" and last year they had babies so I have a ton of small fish in there. It's about 14'x8' . 3' deep on one end ad 2 1/2' on the other end. I have used pressurized filters for 10 years but quite honestly they just are not keeping the pond clean anymore. I battled string algae all last season and its currently flourishing in the pond.

I had a Cypriio bio force to start then a pond master 4000 and now a Laguna pressure flo. I was considering running another Laguna in addition. Then I thought this is nuts there has to be a better way?

 

[addy1]

to the group, I don't have koi, but have read they are dirtier than goldfish. Sounds like the number of fish increased = poop increase.

Some here use a skippy type filter (diy build in the diy forum) I use a bog, which works great for me.

 

[Carolyn22]

Addy - I too was thinking it was the increased fish waste.

BT- how many fish are there in your pond? The baby fish are going to grow more in this year and perhaps the next before they start to slow down, which means there will be more waste. Also, your koi will spawn again this coming year. Have you decided how many fish you want to carry in your pond?

You could put in spawning mops and remove the eggs in the next spawning to a hatching tank if you wanted to try to keep the fry.

In the meantime, if you want to reduce the number of fish in your pond, you may want to check with fellow ponders for homes or perhaps put them on Craigslist.

 

[Koiqueen]

I fought this same battle. I have 1000 gal with 3, 12" koi and 7 goldfish the smallest being about 4". I added a bog garden and my problem solved its the only filtration I use now and water is crystal clear. All I have to do is backwash my pipes once a month.

 

[Btbeam]

Yeah I realize the increased waste with koi I would like to be at 4 or 5 fish. I am going to give away as any of he baby's as I can. I am not sure i know what spawn mops are? I am waning toward some type of DIY filter but not sure which one or how to integrate it in my cut tent pond?

 

[Carolyn22]

BT - A DIY filter is a great idea. If you google skippy filter, you will find a lot of information - I found this video on UTube, which will explain things

I too, have my water filtered through bog gardens and have found that without them, that we do have problems with keeping the water clear and healthy. The video above is the same principal as the bog gardens. I use pea gravel - KoiQueen, what type of medium do you use in your bog garden?

Filtration is very, very important - especially when you increase your fish load.

 

[Big Lou]

Welcome btbeam. Lots of bright pond folk here!

 

[j.w]

Btbeam
If I could do it all over again I'd add a nice big bog to my pond. You might want to research addy's pond bog link and see if that might be an option for you. Seems they really keep your water nice and clear.

 

[Koiqueen]

Carolyn22 I have lava rock and pea gravel

 

[mtpond]

Welcome Btbeam!

 

[Carolyn22]

BT - I am new to this forum too, but in the last couple of days since I have registered, I have found that the people here are so warm and friendly. It is a really nice place to hang out.

JW - Your pond it beautiful and it looks clear and healthy without having a bog filter. What do you do for filtration?

KoiQueen - I use pea gravel too. - lots and lots ot it!

Addys' link has a lot of really good information.

 

[Mmathis]

My pond is just under a year old, and approx. 3000 gal., goldfish only. I started out with a DIY SKIPPY, and while my water quality was never an issue, I wasn't at all happy with the lack of mechanical filtration from the SKIPPY. For some reason, all the crud that was supposed to "settle" at the bottom - so it could be drained out - wasn't happening. I'm in the process of converting to a bog.

 

[Btbeam]

Do you all think that using my current pressurized filter as a prefilter then run it in to a skippy would be the best of both?