Re doing bio filters

[warren]

I’m currently in the process of up grading my up flow bio filter. It has worked well but I’m getting too old to be dragging out all of the lava rocks to clean. I’m basically locked into an up flow because of the water fall I have. System was built close to 30 years ago before google.My system is very simple. Water is drawn through a 24”by12 sponge pre filter pumped to the bottom of a holding tank up flow though 8 bales of lava rocks than flowing though the roots of a area of water hyacinth than over the water fall.I would like to change the media to something easier to clean. I also was wondering if adding a vortex to inject oxygen to the water entering the media. I also would like to know if here is an ideal ratio of surface area to gallon of water? As well as ratio of gph per cubic foot of media. Sorry for the novel and thanks for any advice

 

[Lisak1]

What lovely pictures! Your lotuses are GORGEOUS! I just ordered two for this season and now can't wait for them to get here!

I can think of two solutions - use filter mats instead. They might be slightly easier to clean. Or ditch the filter media completely and turn your up flow filter into a bog filter by dropping in some plants.

 

[BKHpondcritters]

Beautiful pond! You could switch out the lava rock for what's called 'bio balls', which are much lighter to lift/handle. Here's what they look like:

The Pond Guy BioBalls Filter Media

Make your pond water clearer and cleaner with these Bio Ball filters at The Pond Guy! These are biological filter media that help sustain beneficial bacteria.

www.thepondguy.com

(I'm not endorsing this company, or suggesting this is the best/least expensive place to get them. Just the first google hit for a decent picture.)

 

[TheFishGuy]

Awesome pond! I think that one of your best options would be some pea gravel and plants for a little bog. In that case you would need some sort of pre-filter to keep gunk out.

 

[TimsPond]

I used black and green Matala ridgid filter media sheets cut to fit and stacked from bottom to top. The Matala media will provide lots of surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize and can be much easier remove, clean and replace. The top layer can grow out simple bog plants.

Sheet Matala Filter Media - Matala Filter Media

matalausa.com

 

[GBBUDD]

What lovely pictures! Your lotuses are GORGEOUS! I just ordered two for this season and now can't wait for them to get here!

I can think of two solutions - use filter mats instead. They might be slightly easier to clean. Or ditch the filter media completely and turn your up flow filter into a bog filter by dropping in some plants.

They'd want to eliminate the lava rock and go with river rounds or pea stone