Keeping the Pond Clean

[ChickensForEggs2500]

This guy gives a very detailed description of his process. We are getting ready to start building our duck pond and are doing a replica, but 3/4 the size.

https://www.tyrantfarms.com/how-to-build-a-backyard-pond-with-diy-biofilter/

Thank you! this seems very useful. Are you going to use a filter?

 

[DuckDuckJuice]

Thank you! this seems very useful. Are you going to use a filter?

We are using a Laguna pump to pump the dirty water into a separate biofilter pond that is 30 gallons, via pvc pipe underground. The biofilter pond will waterfall into the main pond after being filtered through several layers of differing-density media sponge.

Edit: I should add, there is no need to install a drain in any duck pond. If you need to access anything beneath the surface, it is much easier to drop in a sump pump, rather than search around in the water for the drain. Keeps you much cleaner, too.

 

[DuckDuckJuice]

It's very difficult to filter solids(poop) out of a pond.

You can do it with a biofilter that uses media sponge, but a mechanical filter system definitely can’t handle duck waste. We are using three different densities for large, medium, and fine particulates. We will just have to pop the filter media out once a month or so, rinse it off, then pop it back in.

 

[aart]

You can do it with a biofilter that uses media sponge, but a mechanical filter system definitely can’t handle duck waste. We are using three different densities for large, medium, and fine particulates. We will just have to pop the filter media out once a month or so, rinse it off, then pop it back in.

Those are the mechanical filtration.
Mechanical remove solids.
Bio helps with nitrification process, which is not real important to waterfowl, but is a must for fish.

 

[CHlCKEN]

It's very difficult to filter solids(poop) out of a pond.

I do realize that.

 

[CHlCKEN]

You can do it with a biofilter that uses media sponge, but a mechanical filter system definitely can’t handle duck waste. We are using three different densities for large, medium, and fine particulates. We will just have to pop the filter media out once a month or so, rinse it off, then pop it back in.

Link for one of those?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I want a filter too though, because draining it would mean waiting a very very long time for it to fill back up.

I do use a drain on mine.
Mine is just 50 gallons and drains quickly as well as fills quickly.

I recommend having one installed in the event your other system fails to operate for any reason.

Ducks seem to LOVE putting rocks, sticks, leaves, mulch, feathers and more in the pond. It's like a weird contest lol.

 

[CHlCKEN]

I do use a drain on mine.
Mine is just 50 gallons and drains quickly as well as fills quickly.

I recommend having one installed in the event your other system fails to operate for any reason.

Ducks seem to LOVE putting rocks, sticks, leaves, mulch, feathers and more in the pond. It's like a weird contest lol.

Thanks. I’ll be having my run mulched so it will be very exciting for them to kick it all in

I would definitely put in a drain, for numerous reasons including that. It may be my best option.

Would a filter help at ALL though?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Thanks. I’ll be having my run mulched so it will be very exciting for them to kick it all in

I would definitely put in a drain, for numerous reasons including that. It may be my best option.

Would a filter help at ALL though?

Honestly...given what I see in mine when cleaning it I think you would have to have a massive system to even have a chance at keeping it somewhat clean using a filter.

I have just 7 ducks by the way.

To HELP keep mulch out a ducky deck works. It also helps keep the mud/wet around the pool controlled.



We call it the poop deck. It is slanted so splashes run to outside the run.

There are definitely things I need to change. For one my ball valve has frozen up several times this winter. I will be moving it so the ball valve gets winter sun.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Honestly...given what I see in mine when cleaning it I think you would have to have a massive system to even have a chance at keeping it somewhat clean using a filter.

I have just 7 ducks by the way.

To HELP keep mulch out a ducky deck works. It also helps keep the mud/wet around the pool controlled.

View attachment 2554420

We call it the poop deck. It is slanted so splashes run to outside the run.

There are definitely things I need to change. For one my ball valve has frozen up several times this winter. I will be moving it so the ball valve gets winter sun.

Thanks! I was going for a natural pond look, and it will be inside an add on to my run. Perhaps this extension could not be mulched, and rather floored with natural rock to imitate your “poop deck.”

We don’t have very cold winters, but things freeze on occasion. I would have to come up with a way to keep it from doing what yours did.