Duck pond cleaning

[kirkyanne]

I'm here in California where water saving is a lifestyle.
I have a small pond with a large water filter system...
Once the weather is a little better I'm going to make a video of my set up.
I don't have to change the water ever.
I do have to add maybe 3 gallons because they splash it out.
I clean the main part of the system daily... Most of the time my water is almost as clear as tap water

I've seen a few setups and ways to do it now. I'm thinking the most simple way, but would be great to see your setup. I've just been sitting here drawing my diagram so my dad can cut holes in bucket for me lol

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

That looks awesome! I would have thought the pump tube would need to be at the top and the drain tube at the bottom so gravity would pull it out. I've never made one though. Let us know how it works for you!

 

[aart]

I've seen a few setups and ways to do it now. I'm thinking the most simple way, but would be great to see your setup. I've just been sitting here drawing my diagram so my dad can cut holes in bucket for me lolView attachment 1972019

You'll want some varying mesh sizes under the bioballs.
...and a drain in the bottom to flush the poop out of bottom of filter.

 

[Steven Bussell]

I've seen a few setups and ways to do it now. I'm thinking the most simple way, but would be great to see your setup. I've just been sitting here drawing my diagram so my dad can cut holes in bucket for me lolView attachment 1972019

After running my system for 6 months I would advise that you don't filter from the bottom up..
I pump from pond to a large strainer lined with fish filter water polishing fabric. This get clean daily and replace once a month .
I use 2 - 50 gallons barrels and 2-50 gallons tots...
I use lava rocks for bio filter and pond plants in tots

 

[kirkyanne]

After running my system for 6 months I would advise that you don't filter from the bottom up..
I pump from pond to a large strainer lined with fish filter water polishing fabric. This get clean daily and replace once a month .
I use 2 - 50 gallons barrels and 2-50 gallons tots...
I use lava rocks for bio filter and pond plants in tots

OK I've seen a few different ways I will change my plan

 

[kirkyanne]

Would this, be a better idea?

 

[aart]

Would this, be a better idea?

That's basically the same thing, an upflow filter.
I think your first design was simpler.
Put the cleaning valve as low as possible.

 

[kirkyanne]

That's basically the same thing, an upflow filter.
I think your first design was simpler.
Put the cleaning valve as low as possible.

Yes you're right.. Hmm I'm just going to go with first design with added valve. The pond isn't that big. I'll just have to ensure to put mesh around the pond pump so it doesn't get caught with debris. I'll have to scoop the rest.

 

[aart]

I'll just have to ensure to put mesh around the pond pump so it doesn't get caught with debris.

That mesh will have to be cleaned pretty frequently, keep a close eye on it.
Putting pump in a large mesh 'box' wrapped in finer mesh might make it easier to get it out and clean it.
Removing the poop and other detritus is difficult....sometimes cleaning a filter system takes as much water as changing out the whole pond.

 

[kirkyanne]

That mesh will have to be cleaned pretty frequently, keep a close eye on it.
Putting pump in a large mesh 'box' wrapped in finer mesh might make it easier to get it out and clean it.
Removing the poop and other detritus is difficult....sometimes cleaning a filter system takes as much water as changing out the whole pond.

Im starting to think just continuing to use my submersible dirty water pump every couple of days might be easier