finally made a bio filter

14 years ago

After 4 years of fighting with 2 undersized pressurized filters, I finally made a bio filter.

I used a 45 gal Rubber trash can. I have a 700 gph pump feeding it with a 2 inch outlet. its filled with bio-balls, scrunchies, and cut up floor scrubbers, with batting at the top. I put in a drain at the bottom of the filter for clean-out. It seems to be working well. The pond is roughly 6 ft by 4 ft and 3 1/2 feet deep. its in full sun most of the day.

I also have a 500 gph pump running a spitter for added circulation. I do have 3 koi, a turtle, and goldfish.

How long do you think it will take for it to clear?

I changed the set up partly because we are going to have to rent out our home and want to make it a easy a possible for a renter. Anything else I could do to make it easier.

I have a small amount of plants because they don't seem to do well in the full AZ sun. The pond has no shelves for plants so anything I put in has to be almost 3 feet down. (the turtle eats lilies)

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Comments (5)

casiocarcharger
14 years ago
No answer for you, sorry, but I'd be interested in knowing how long it takes to clear since your pond is about the same size as mine.

How often do you have to clean out your filter?
diggery
14 years ago
You won't regret it; best thing you could do. As to this...

QUOTE: How long do you think it will take for it to clear?

Depends...is your water generally green, brown, just cloudy?
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nina_gretta
Original Author
14 years ago
wow! Water cleared in about 36 hours. I should have done this years ago. the hardest part for me is going to be to not clean out the bio-filter. I open the lid and see all that green algae and I want to clean it out. I will not clean, I will not clean, I just have to be strong.
Hopefully it will stay clear. I sat by my pond for about 2 hours tonight just watching the fish and turtle swim and the frog eat June bugs. It was great. Everyone should build one of these.
diggery
14 years ago
Excellent! Enjoy your aquatic friends now that you can see them:)

blessings,
~digger
granyhuskr
14 years ago
I built a Skippy filter this spring. It seems to be working. Looks green and slimey inside..ick. I'm with you..I will not clean..I will not clean. My water quality is better but it's still green. Hopefully it will clear up soon.