![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.esearing.com\/pond\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/filter1.jpg\")
<\/a>I also added a temporary barrel filter with bioflow9 media. This barrel operates from a small pump in the skimmer as an upflow mechanical filter and will hopefully establish a good bacterial colony. The output is gravity fed back to the pond. I plan to make this more permanent after a couple more weeks of testing. Cost to build the filter including all the bulkheads, barrel, media, and pvc valves was around $200 which is far cheaper than most of the large filters being sold today. I will warn you not to use uniseals on a round flexible barrel, it will leak. Note the bucket supports are temporary until I determine final pipe lengths and plumbing. <\/p>\nMaintenance on the Airpump was required this year after 10+ years of running 24×7. I replaced the diaphragm and inner seals with a $7 kit from Danner. I also replaced the UV lights which seemed to help begin to kill the algae. I also added some small barley bails to the main filter and added some starter bacteria. Within a week the pond was much clearer. <\/p>\n
This summer will be the year I finally get around to landscaping the pond. I have finally found a surround fencing material I like that will not only protect the fish but allow me to use fine netting to keep out the herons and other critters. I have had some success with ferns growing out of the rocks and an explosion of pond lettuce this year. Last year I had lettuce and hyacinth but the hyacinth took over and had to be thinned regularly. Next year I might try Parrot Feather. The plants are doing a great job of keeping Nitrates near zero. The big Bradford Pear tree above the pond finally split and had to be removed. This is giving me a larger sunlit area that now needs some planting. <\/p>\n
Happy Ponding 2022 Return to the Pond – new filter, repair work, and general maintenance required. Continue reading
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