Pond Waterfall Setup Help

[Acedink]

Hello,

I have had a 125 gallon pond in the backyard for the better part of 9 years. I had bought a cheap 5-in-1 kit from Lowes that had pump, filter, fountain, UV light, and general light at night.

Needless to say, it did the job, but was on the lower end of quality. I want to set up a waterfall instead of the fountain. I had a bacterial bloom a week ago, wiped out my fish ecosystem, so looking to start from scratch. I am attaching my pond (empty) along w/ the type of waterfall I'd like to put in. I have no idea all the equipment i would need, and also the gph for the pump, etc. Algae build up usually sneaks up on me, and ends up clogging the old unit. I assume I'd need a pump for the waterfall, tubing, a separate filter unit, the spillway (would love an LED color changing spillway), and would also be interested in a UV or ionizing unit if that works fairly well.

If I do struggle with clogs, is there a way to help reduce those? Are those mesh-like housing units effective? And would I need that only on the pump to keep the waterfall clear?

Thanks in advance. I have had Shubunkins

, comet goldfish in the pond in the past, and usually throw in a few tadpoles in the spring, along with various floating water plants.

 

[sissy]

I used my first pond which was preformed for my lily pond last year . They make great baby fish holders extra plant holders . I had to redo my my gutter drain lines to a rock pit after new roof was put on and new 6 inch gutters so figured it has been sitting in my shed for years use it . . Now I am in feer because my mail lady told me there are 4 big bears just down the road , So if you decide to change it more never get rid of the preformed

 

[GBBUDD]

Myself personally have never found a preformed i was happy with the plastics are generally cheap. Here in New England they rarely survive a harsh winter it i wanted a area to hold water the first choice is the epdm . Which I get intimidates some. But a rubber made trof is hands down going to outlast a home depot preformed 100/1

 

[GBBUDD]

But to answer so.e of your questions. That waterfall your showing is probably between 100 and 1500 gallons per hour of water or gph . I know it sounds like a lot but it's not. In a small tub pond it is going to make the water far more turbulent than it was not a bad thing. Just saying.
To achieve such a waterfall is actualy pretty easy. Making it look attractive and not like a volcano is another story.
Your photo shows a waterfall unordered not to be more work than it's worth due to loosing water I would start with an over sized line of epdm and make a box sorta speak taking the sides of the liner bending them up as tall as is your waterfall. With the exception of the side tha meets the pond it will laydown into the pond at least 6 inches this is to help keep bubbles from getting behind the liner and making a leak.

You basicly sandwich the liner inbetween rocks or what ever you use on the outside to hide the liner but it has to be strong enough to support it and rocks leaning against it.
Run the water line up to the top but you don't want the water just spilling out of the hose. You want it to empty into a bucket of some kind so the water comes out evenly across your waterfall. Here's a tip if you take i piece of epdm lay it out and trace with a marker around the bucket / container. Now your going use this marking to draw another line that is inside the one you just made by a 1/4 inch all the way around. This is the line your going to cut. So you make a hole in the middle of this liner . Once that's done slip it over the bucket epdm is very elastic. And will almost make a completely water tight seal . Fold those edges up like a box again like before with the exception the side that will make for the exit to the waterfall. Having a torpedo level is a must to get the water to disburse evenly and not make like a faucet. But more like what your showing.
The higher the water drops to any area the further the splash will be causing potential leaks .
Waterfall foam will help stop water flow from going under your rocks and make it go where you want . Some have used great stuff. I have not.