POND for my babies! It finally happened!

[Enten4life]

Is there anything specific you'd wish you'd done differently?

It's probably still too
early to tell, but nothing so far. Maybe more mechanical filtration up front, but I'm adding more when I setup the aquaponics

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I've spent the last few months WAITING anxiously my pond to be installed that I've been wanting for YEARS. So last week, it happened! This pond has a HUGE upflow bio filter into a waterfall and a skimmer on the other end. Evacuation pump installed in the low end so I can pump out any sludge/mud/poo that doesn't get broken down. So far, the chickens are eating the plants so who knows if they will survive on the pond edges, but I plan on also pumping water through a hydroponic system to aid in filtration as well as growing leafy greens that the girls can eat. tagging @Mimi13 since you were saying you wanted to see the pond installation when it happened

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And a chicken Photo Bomb.
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This is georgous!

 

[Enten4life]

I wouldn't call it wastewater per say. I just have duck poop instead of fish poop and fish food as my biological matter. My Ammonia levels have subsided, along with Nitrites, and the Nitrates are stable. Since I use the pond water for watering, the Nitrates get diluted out, but there ARE plants in my pond that also feed on it (and the normal algae that builds up in a low flowing pond).

The UV clarifier probably won't kill all the bacteria since it's not classified as a UV Sterilizer. And, admittedly, ponds are relatively new for me, but I have always had aquariums, including saltwater reef systems and fresh water planted system.

I originally thought the duck's recycled food would be too much, but the water is actually clear as of today to the bottom. I give major credit to the dosing of beneficial bacteria to make sure there is enough present while they establish themselves throughout the pond and it's upflow filter.

I still have to nuke the algae bits that are still in the water column, but the filter socks have mopped most of it up. But I would tell past me to invest in a larget skimmer/filter, even if the flow isn't needed. I want more volume for mechanical filtration to keep the water clearer. I'm currently still rinsing the filter pads out every 2 days and that's not ideal, so hopefully the UV Clarifier cleans up those large diatoms and gives my pads a break! We'll see!

Thanks everyone for the advice and compliments

Water and wastewater is actually my expertise.

I was going to suggest UV for the sterilization of the pond water alone. This is what many wastewater plants have converted over to vs chlorine. The algae control is just an added benefit of it.

Additionally- I would highly recommend some plants in the water. Your ammonia will only increase, which will increase nitrites which in turn will increase nitrates. The algae is feeding on the nitrates primarily as well as the excess nutrients from the duck poop. Adding a UV clarifier will kill the floating algae and cells that are water born; but you’ll still have to contend with the “sticky” algae on the side of the walls and rocks. Luckily the ducks will help with that some. But it’s only going to get stronger as the nitrates increase.

Ergo- you need plants. Very very simple one is watercress (which you can eat as well). It’s simple as going to the grocery (or an Asian grocery if you’re doesn’t have it)- buying a $1.99 bushel or two of it- and then floating it in a basket in the water. Once roots start taking- go ahead and “pot” it with rocks in the basket and it’ll flourish and contain itself. Then you have access to watercress to eat as well (the chickens and ducks might eat some but it’s basically a mild cilantro so they won’t annihilate it).

The other plant I’d recommend is hornwort, pennywort (also edible) or duckwort. All of these are basically weeds in the water. And ducks LOVE to eat the duckwort (hence the name)- but it grows so fast they can’t kill it. And what do fast growing plants use to grow? Nitrates.

Bottom line- UV will help with clarity and kill salmonella or other nasty parasites that will fester in the water. But you still have to find a way to rob nutrients (specifically nitrates) from the water so the algae can’t have it all and flourish. Enter: Fast growing Aquatic plants to the rescue.

 

[Mimi13]

I've spent the last few months WAITING anxiously my pond to be installed that I've been wanting for YEARS. So last week, it happened! This pond has a HUGE upflow bio filter into a waterfall and a skimmer on the other end. Evacuation pump installed in the low end so I can pump out any sludge/mud/poo that doesn't get broken down. So far, the chickens are eating the plants so who knows if they will survive on the pond edges, but I plan on also pumping water through a hydroponic system to aid in filtration as well as growing leafy greens that the girls can eat. tagging @Mimi13 since you were saying you wanted to see the pond installation when it happened

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And a chicken Photo Bomb.
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I have no idea how I missed this tag, but I’m grateful I happened up on the thread. And I LOVE IT! I still haven’t done anything with my “ponds.” Maybe this will get me inspired.

 

[PicklesMom]

I wouldn't call it wastewater per say. I just have duck poop instead of fish poop and fish food as my biological matter. My Ammonia levels have subsided, along with Nitrites, and the Nitrates are stable. Since I use the pond water for watering, the Nitrates get diluted out, but there ARE plants in my pond that also feed on it (and the normal algae that builds up in a low flowing pond).

The UV clarifier probably won't kill all the bacteria since it's not classified as a UV Sterilizer. And, admittedly, ponds are relatively new for me, but I have always had aquariums, including saltwater reef systems and fresh water planted system.

I originally thought the duck's recycled food would be too much, but the water is actually clear as of today to the bottom. I give major credit to the dosing of beneficial bacteria to make sure there is enough present while they establish themselves throughout the pond and it's upflow filter.

I still have to nuke the algae bits that are still in the water column, but the filter socks have mopped most of it up. But I would tell past me to invest in a larget skimmer/filter, even if the flow isn't needed. I want more volume for mechanical filtration to keep the water clearer. I'm currently still rinsing the filter pads out every 2 days and that's not ideal, so hopefully the UV Clarifier cleans up those large diatoms and gives my pads a break! We'll see!

Thanks everyone for the advice and compliments

Did you do the UV filter and did it work out? We just did a similar sized pond about a month ago and the algae is kicking in. I've tried putting plants in, too, but the ducks keep decimating them so appreciate any advice you have there!

 

[Enten4life]

Did you do the UV filter and did it work out? We just did a similar sized pond about a month ago and the algae is kicking in. I've tried putting plants in, too, but the ducks keep decimating them so appreciate any advice you have there!

Yes. UV worked. I'm not even dosing anything anymore and the filter pads are no longer clogging up quickly. Also, have a handful of goldfish that are thriving off the bloodworms and poo. Good for them.

For the plants, So far, only a couple of the grasses are left and two garlic plants. The ducks love to eat the papyrus so those are tricky. The rest of our plants are up on top the waterfall and behind wire.