Pump recommendations?

[tragic59]

Hello,

I have a small pond for my ducks, approximately 60-70 gallons, and would like to set up a DIY gravel filter system. Can anyone recommend a good pump?

I want something that will be durable, and relatively energy efficient. I will probably set it up on a timer to run a certain number of hours each day, but depending on how much it has to run to keep the water clean, I don't want to kill my electric bill...

Any tips will be appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[treldib]

With 60 gallons you want at least an 120 gallon per hour rated pump. More if you have ducks. We have a 700 gallon pond w/ 3x filtration...which means it has a 2100 gph pump...its crystal clear

Also, http://www.skippysstuff.com/biofiltr.htm

MUCH better than a mechanical filter...you never have to clean it...in fact, its bad to clean it!

 

[KansasKid]

Quote:
What type of pump/filtration system do you have, the gravel filter, or skippy?

 

[treldib]

Laguna Max Flo Solids Handling Pump (pretty heavy duty...it slurps up the duck poo

) and a 70 gal. Skippy's Filter

 

[tragic59]

Thanks for the replies!

If I build that Skippy filter, my filter tank will be as big as my pond!!! Think I could get away with a smaller version of that filter? Maybe use a 5 gallon bucket, or something???

I used the exact same type/size of rubbermaid stock tank for my pond.

 

[treldib]

Quote:
Yep...just make a scaled-down version

 

[KansasKid]

How many ducks will be using this pond? so far i have a 600 gallon pond that 8 call sized ducks have access to and i used a "skippy like" filter made out of a 5 gallon bucket and within a week it was all clogged up and needed a good cleaning. You might be able to get away with it though.

 

[tragic59]

3 adult Muscovies. And, possibly their offspring once or twice a year. Although, I'm considering using a tractor for the ducklings to grow out in. That way, they can be kept on special food, and away from the adult drake.

 

[tragic59]

I suppose I should also add that I plan to run my pumped water through some "gravel filters" that will double as planters for some plants I am going to be planting around the duck house.

I can't remember who it was on the forum, but someone had posted a description of their gravel filter where they run their pond water through a series of gravel-filled water heater drain pans that have potted plants sitting in them to feed on the water and nutrients in the water.

So, I'm planning to do something similar with my pond water.

But I want to have an additional filter of some sort at the end of this process.

 

[tragic59]

I found the thread I was talking about. It was Wifezilla's "Duck-ponics" post... Good read.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=146829