Filter for duck DYI pond

[lhbisbee]

Well, I'm reading this with interest wondering what could be done. . . We're lucky living in Vermont as we have a well and an endless supply of water we don't have to pay for. So, pretty much--in the summer--after the pond gets filled with pollen, cattails and the like-our ducks revert to just hanging out on the edges of it and using the small pools. But, like I said--no problem to empty them out. In the winter, we put a heater in the pools since they still have to be able to dunk themselves to get clean. Those crazy ducks don't care what the temperature is outside. I don't know how a filter would ever ever work with all the duck waste that comes out of their little butts, but I'm watching the posts here.

 

[WhatTheDuckingDuck]

A couple 50 gallon drums, poly fill, lava rock, a high gph power head ( with 1 turtle I need double the amount in the pond for gph. ex. 120 gallon pond I use 350 gph power head.) that’s only 1 turtle. For my ducks I do it the hard way. I would need a very large pond with a very large filtration system. Ducks are 1000x messier than a turtle, you won’t be able to get the balance unless it’s a huge pond. Like a lake. Sorry probably not what you wanted to hear. This was a giant hole that filled with the rain. There is no filter so I keep a kiddie pool and multiple buckets for clean water for drinking. The pool gets changed every 2 days and the buckets 3x a day. Ducks are work, there’s no getting around it. The kiddie pool was changed the day before that pic was taken.

 

[Ratchnick]

This is the basic design you want.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ilters-please-help-with-design-specs.1163161/

 

[Guernsy]

When I had only 3 ducks, a metal trough worked well with this pump - but you will have to clean the filters at least once per week. https://www.thepondguy.com/product/...2/water-gardens-fish-ponds-all-in-one-filters I have 9 ducks now - and they have a pond. I swear by UV lights to keep the water clean/sterile - and beneficial bacteria to eat the duck muck (aka poop).

Thank you, I actually might try that. What are you doing now, with your nine ducks? I only have 4 right now, however, I could easily see my flock growing over the next few years. First, I have to figure out how to keep these girls happy.

 

[Guernsy]

That is a pretty neat little all in one pump/filter.

It would be nice to opt to attach a hose for the intake so you could get good circulation of the water.

Sounds like a good idea. How would I do that? When you mean intake, do you mean to attach a hose to have clean water go through the pump?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Julia, what did you find out from the big man-made pond down the street? Anything useful?

(I take it the three barrel DIY filter system I linked to yesterday isn't going to work for you - do you mind sharing why?)

/edit to clarify - LOTS of better minds than mine, and experience. Questions asked that I may benefit from both.

 

[CrystaBub]

Thank you, I actually might try that. What are you doing now, with your nine ducks? I only have 4 right now, however, I could easily see my flock growing over the next few years. First, I have to figure out how to keep these girls happy.

Yes we all strive for happy ducks! We put in a pond.... We laugh all the time at how many iterations of pools we went through as the flock grew. Amazing how ducks multiply

 

[Guernsy]

Julia, what did you find out from the big man-made pond down the street? Anything useful?

(I take it the three barrel DIY filter system I linked to yesterday isn't going to work for you - do you mind sharing why?)

My biggest problem is that I am not that good with plumbing. I also live in a somewhat rural area and our HD does not carry everything. It is actually awful. You can get only get half of the things that you would need to finish a project. I am a bit intimidated by the three-barrel project. I am not saying that I am not willing to try it. I am exploring all my options at this point. Just thinking, if I only had to screw a pipe into one barrel, vs three, I might start there and work myself up. I am a woman that just recently learned how do use power tools. I have to use Youtube to teach me everything, lol. Anyway, if I just could buy a big filter and route it into one barrel to begin with, I might start there. If that doesn't work. I will have to add more barrels.
I really appreciate all your help. I learn so much from it and hopefully will make the right decisions.
As to your question, I did not get any information, unfortunately. However, the weather is pretty hot right now, and the lake is stinky. So maybe their system is not working as well as it should, lol.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Julia, what did you find out from the big man-made pond down the street? Anything useful?

(I take it the three barrel DIY filter system I linked to yesterday isn't going to work for you - do you mind sharing why?)

/edit to clarify - LOTS of better minds than mine, and experience. Questions asked that I may benefit from both.

Where did you link it? This is the only post from you I see in this thread.

 

[Guernsy]

This is the basic design you want.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ilters-please-help-with-design-specs.1163161/

This looks interesting too. So many options. Thank you for sharing this. I am still trying to figure out what my best and easiest options are.