Plant and Filtration

[agibson987]

Hey there, I've had ponds before but have always struggled with algae.
So this pond is newly refinished this spring, it's open for about 2 months now, it's about 12x7 on the straight sides. and 3 feet deep
theres are some goldfish/minows in there
looking for recommendations on if I have enough plants and or filtration
This is the filter I have:

Amazon.com: TetraPond Filtration Fountain Kit, Includes 3 Fountain Attachments, 75 to 250 Gallons: Pet Supplies

Buy TetraPond Filtration Fountain Kit, Includes 3 Fountain Attachments, 75 to 250 Gallons: Filtration - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[poconojoe]

That filter is probably not large enough for that size pond.
Plus, as your fish load increases, it will get even worse. The fish will grow and also multiply.

One of the best things you can do to help with filtering is to add lots of plants. They will keep the suspended algae in check. The larger plants will starve out the algae.

But, you need more filtration.

Also, when you clean the filter, don't use chlorinated water and don't make it hospital clean. Just rinse the heavy gunk off in a bucket of pond water. You don't want to kill off the beneficial bacteria living in the filter.

A lot of us filter exclusively with an up-flow bog filter.
It's proportional to the size of your pond and can be built in many configurations or in multiple containers.

 

[Jagsfan]

@agibson987
one thing you want to do is get an idea of how many gallons your pond is. just a quick calculation shows that your pond can hold about 1885 gallons. Now if you have shelves in the pond or a lot of rock below the water line, that number will go down. but the largest filter you linked goes up to 500 gallons. So you can see, its not sufficient for your pond. There are multiple different filter setups you can choose, but keep in mind your total water volume when choosing or designing it. Its usually better to get a filter rated for higher than your water volume if possible.

 

[poconojoe]

Agree. I don't think you can ever have too much filtration.