Instead of the tiny sponges which take a lot of cleaning out , I changed to the large car sponges , it still did a great job of filtering. Your pond is impressive , I love it. 💕💕
I do aquaponics with my pond. I use three layers of cooler pad (duracool) in a 18"x30" container to filter the fish solids and debris. After 3 years I thought I should clean the filters. The red wiggler composting worms from the grow bed had found the filter media and were keeping it very clean. The apple snails were doing wonders on the surface, the evaporative cooler media looked brand new except for being stained brown from the water. BTW: I think the best use of aquaponics is to keep pond algae down. I haven't changed the water in 5 years and the nitrates are completely used up by the veggies. You can grow great tasting tomatoes and lettuce in AP too!
instead of using all those little pieces for the filter material, use larger pieces of filter pad. It comes in different densities... So layer them accordingly and cut them alittle bid larger and wedge them in. They won't have a tendency to rise up when filling. It makes it much easier, when it comes to rinsing them out..
get rid of the noodle materials because they are made to float. The rest of the materials will work ok. Also your clear tubing for your waterfalls will be totally green in a month due to sunlight growing algae. Use Black and you wont have that to deal with.
very creative filter media i would be sure to wash all those if you have fish in ur pond.. also i woud put the sponge material on the bottom lava rock on top and i would use a lot more rocks..
Fyi bating clothe is an excellent filter for ponds. Just be sure to get the cloth that is NOT flame resistant. Do not purchase Bating Cloth that is flame resistant.
I would have put the insert the way up and see if this would collect more but otherwise this is the very best! Nice job and excellent rocks. I am jealous! Richard
code3lego I have viewed multiple DIY filter and like yours best. Easy to hide behind my waterfall and is efficient. Can’t wait to star making mine. Wish I could privately reach out to you for guidance. Also, I know I could buy one BUT what’s the fun in that?!
I also noticed yesterday that my output line had hardly anything coming out of it. So, I removed my uv light tube that is inbetween my pump and the filter tub, as I think the debris was going through the uv light, and getting clogged inside it, restricting the proper flow of water into the filter. Once I removed it, the water output was much better, and this morning, I noticed my water was also much clearer. I have about 15 koi close to 12 inches long in my pond.
Nice job but based on what I have seen elsewhere, the coarsest filter media needs to be first because it's prone to clogging last where the most likely to clog should be last such as fine sponges. A separate tank or bucket with UV will be good someday. Looking forward for more from you. I've seen those long rectangular flower pots built as filters too. One can build a 3 tier system which is easy to hide because they have a much lower profile than bucket filters. All in all, very cool. Thanks.
Hey bud, lill suggestion, lava rock should be at top. Bottom to top > coarse pad, fine pad, big coarse pad, sponges, pool stuff, pot scrubbies (nylon mesh ones work great), then lava rock. You can put a foam sheet to prevent any debris settling from top. Use a lid or cover the top. 👍 for the video
Pads & scrubbies provide mechanical filteration, nylon pot scrubbers, loofas, bio balls or thick porous stuff like lava rock helps good bacteria colony to develop.
I would suggest using the waterfall as the outlet, and the waterfall pump as the filter pump. That way you can hide the filter itself amongst all the rocks making the waterfall mound. Nice job though, and I'd be interested to see how clear the water is a week later. BTW, I think your overflow when the outlet was in the pond was just because the outlet wasn't flowing as freely (because it was in the water).
Good vid. I created something like this 2 or 3 years ago from another video I saw on youtube. I use a 32 gallon tub, and have a drain at the bottom. For the media filter, I just wadded up a bunch of windows screen, as I read that works well too. Plus, it doesn't float like the foamies do. My question though, is how do you clean these out? I have cleaned mine before, more than once, but I know in doing so, I am also washing off all the bacteria that has built up. I've taken everything out and washed it off, as it builds up a ton of algae in the tub and clogged in the filter. Any suggestions on how others clean theirs would be helpful.
hi greg, i suggest u put an aerator inside ur filter since the bacteria in bio filter need oxygen, or u can change the 1st knee with T so u can get ventury effect, good luck
I'm building a small pond and would prefer to house the sub. pump outside in a tote. The pump would then push to a 2nd tote/diy filter which would drain into pond. I haven't seen this arrangement so wondering about problems. I could still put pump in pond but don't like the look or feel of it and think maybe the separate location would cut down on pump clogs (pond overflow would become a little creek to filter chunks while flowing to pump tote). What you say pond experts???
One thing I didn't get is that your filtered water is going straight to the pump area, wouldn't that just cycle and not make it to the top. Wouldn't it be more beneficial if the outlet was going to the top of the pond?
Michael Bur ? Surely the opposite? The flow of from bottom of filter so course to fine, add a polish material and that’s mechanical filtration set. Finally add bagged biological media for easy cleaning such as stone, lava rock etc
That's good for large fish tanks or a small water garden but not for big a pond. Thing about this design is you can make this for any sized pond, and the cost wouldn't be that much more because larger tubes and media are cheap.
UV light is just to kill Algae which is pointless. In his case, he could plant wildlife/aquatic plants in the restoration zone at the bottom which he currently is filtering and by that, produce less Algae problems. And since he wants to see the fish, the bottom tank won't be damaged from having plants plus it would hide some of the pumps and stuff as well.
Evan Roach Yeah, the bio material is most effective going in last because dirt will actually coat lava rocks. Then mechanical, coarsest media goes first and then finer ones. I'm so glad folks put these videos up so all can learn and grow. Much appreciated.
Hope you can make a video update, it's been 7 years. Would love to see how your pond is doing! Looks great!
Very informative sir thanks for your time and effort to show us this fitter method I am excited to try your steps in the spring.
Instead of the tiny sponges which take a lot of cleaning out , I changed to the large car sponges , it still did a great job of filtering. Your pond is impressive , I love it. 💕💕
🇭🇲 what you put in your filter for your fishpond is what I do see I think you're doing a good job
I think your system is awesome for beginners .I have tried this and seems to be working great .Pond experience is awesome and im enjoying it .
I loved your video. It really helped me. I love how you show things and explain it step by step! Really appreciate it!
Good point on the concrete. All original fish in good shape and doing well!
Also you can put all your media in mesh bags it makes it easier to clean out after ! 😁👍
Wow! Love it!! A beginner like me.
Thanks for the video, very good attention to detail. Great work!
I do aquaponics with my pond. I use three layers of cooler pad (duracool) in a 18"x30" container to filter the fish solids and debris. After 3 years I thought I should clean the filters. The red wiggler composting worms from the grow bed had found the filter media and were keeping it very clean. The apple snails were doing wonders on the surface, the evaporative cooler media looked brand new except for being stained brown from the water. BTW: I think the best use of aquaponics is to keep pond algae down. I haven't changed the water in 5 years and the nitrates are completely used up by the veggies. You can grow great tasting tomatoes and lettuce in AP too!
Jim Troyer what's under the basket
instead of using all those little pieces for the filter material, use larger pieces of filter pad. It comes in different densities... So layer them accordingly and cut them alittle bid larger and wedge them in. They won't have a tendency to rise up when filling. It makes it much easier, when it comes to rinsing them out..
Paul Dersch what's under the basket
get rid of the noodle materials because they are made to float. The rest of the materials will work ok. Also your clear tubing for your waterfalls will be totally green in a month due to sunlight growing algae. Use Black and you wont have that to deal with.
gregg stephens what's under the basket
very creative filter media i would be sure to wash all those if you have fish in ur pond.. also i woud put the sponge material on the bottom lava rock on top and i would use a lot more rocks..
Well done you..I'll be doing mine soon but on a smaller scale
Fyi bating clothe is an excellent filter for ponds. Just be sure to get the cloth that is NOT flame resistant. Do not purchase Bating Cloth that is flame resistant.
I would have put the insert the way up and see if this would collect more but otherwise this is the very best! Nice job and excellent rocks. I am jealous! Richard
Richard Habicher what's under the basket
Can you do an update video? I would love to see how it looks today.
Harrison McNeill what's under the basket
code3lego I have viewed multiple DIY filter and like yours best. Easy to hide behind my waterfall and is efficient. Can’t wait to star making mine. Wish I could privately reach out to you for guidance. Also, I know I could buy one BUT what’s the fun in that?!
LaTasha Overshown see part 1 & part 2.
I was just wondering how well its working for you after you been using it for a while. Thank you
I also noticed yesterday that my output line had hardly anything coming out of it. So, I removed my uv light tube that is inbetween my pump and the filter tub, as I think the debris was going through the uv light, and getting clogged inside it, restricting the proper flow of water into the filter. Once I removed it, the water output was much better, and this morning, I noticed my water was also much clearer. I have about 15 koi close to 12 inches long in my pond.
Nice job but based on what I have seen elsewhere, the coarsest filter media needs to be first because it's prone to clogging last where the most likely to clog should be last such as fine sponges. A separate tank or bucket with UV will be good someday. Looking forward for more from you. I've seen those long rectangular flower pots built as filters too. One can build a 3 tier system which is easy to hide because they have a much lower profile than bucket filters. All in all, very cool. Thanks.
Nice filter!👍👍 i would suggest that the Bio media should be the last thing the water hits before going back into your pond👍
Nice job, is it still working ok?
That is correct! And it's working great! Thanks for watching!
Hey bud, lill suggestion, lava rock should be at top. Bottom to top > coarse pad, fine pad, big coarse pad, sponges, pool stuff, pot scrubbies (nylon mesh ones work great), then lava rock. You can put a foam sheet to prevent any debris settling from top. Use a lid or cover the top. 👍 for the video
Pads & scrubbies provide mechanical filteration, nylon pot scrubbers, loofas, bio balls or thick porous stuff like lava rock helps good bacteria colony to develop.
doesn't the pump get clogged by debris? shouldn't the filter be at the inlet of the pump so that the pump is pumping clean water only?
it's very cool, man!
thanks for the vid
how big is your main pump? GPH or LPH. thanks
How is it I would say with your size pond if u want to make another it wouldn't hurt expecially with fish in your pond
How do u prevent over flood fro rain? Beatiful pond btw thanks
it looks good
I would suggest using the waterfall as the outlet, and the waterfall pump as the filter pump. That way you can hide the filter itself amongst all the rocks making the waterfall mound. Nice job though, and I'd be interested to see how clear the water is a week later.
BTW, I think your overflow when the outlet was in the pond was just because the outlet wasn't flowing as freely (because it was in the water).
Big Dave
wouldnt it be better if the inlet was on the opposite side from the outlet (and the waterfall)?
Great job
Good job
Good vid. I created something like this 2 or 3 years ago from another video I saw on youtube. I use a 32 gallon tub, and have a drain at the bottom. For the media filter, I just wadded up a bunch of windows screen, as I read that works well too. Plus, it doesn't float like the foamies do. My question though, is how do you clean these out? I have cleaned mine before, more than once, but I know in doing so, I am also washing off all the bacteria that has built up. I've taken everything out and washed it off, as it builds up a ton of algae in the tub and clogged in the filter. Any suggestions on how others clean theirs would be helpful.
So are you getting good clear water without using a uv light ?
If light cut off? Is ur bucket will be empty or not water goes back from bucket to pound or not? I think by ur idea of making this water goes back
that is good well done
Great Job! Well done..
But why you put some of fake turtle rocks on it instead adopting the real one?
lol funny guy, nice video.
Cichlids 4U
hi greg, i suggest u put an aerator inside ur filter since the bacteria in bio filter need oxygen, or u can change the 1st knee with T so u can get ventury effect, good luck
I'm building a small pond and would prefer to house the sub. pump outside in a tote. The pump would then push to a 2nd tote/diy filter which would drain into pond. I haven't seen this arrangement so wondering about problems. I could still put pump in pond but don't like the look or feel of it and think maybe the separate location would cut down on pump clogs (pond overflow would become a little creek to filter chunks while flowing to pump tote). What you say pond experts???
Mitchell Sevens
What is your schedule of cleaning the filter?
One thing I didn't get is that your filtered water is going straight to the pump area, wouldn't that just cycle and not make it to the top. Wouldn't it be more beneficial if the outlet was going to the top of the pond?
Malkesh Vaghela Good point! My main pump is in the bottom pumping to the top. I thought about that but was a bit lazy to be honest!
Greg. How is your filter working? I'm wondering if it cleared up your pond, and if you are still using it? :)
put holes on top of yur basket to let the water thru. get rid of the noodle things.
pappy&beers what's under the basket
I don't think anything is under the basket
good video but I would like to see some course sponge on the bottom instead of lava rock.
Hi Greg good job , BUT you will need to keep an eye on your Water PH if you are using rock in your filter it will raise your PH levels
thats perfect i did that with a 20 gallon trash can
Excellent thanks a lot!
I would like to make one like yours but how about a update?
How often and how do you clean the filter?
Great ideas and system.
Bill Wright Maybe once every six months. Really no issues at all!
You did good, only concern I would have is the concrete.
how come the filter is not pumping from the bottom and filter back down, you you have 2 separate pumps?
1 pump for waterfall and 1 for the filter.
another idea instead of just filtering you could run the filter to go over the water fall thus aerating the water along with filtering the water..
The way your water flows you should have fine sponge, medium sponge then course. Then your lava rocks.
Michael Bur ? Surely the opposite? The flow of from bottom of filter so course to fine, add a polish material and that’s mechanical filtration set. Finally add bagged biological media for easy cleaning such as stone, lava rock etc
oh u did....good one
Great! : )
PondGregPare how about an update video on your pond color now with pump
Will do. Water is clear, clear, clear! Not lost a fish or plant!
Looks like that would be a PITA to clean.
hi,from experience i can tell you cement or concrete will kill fish,i made a filter like yours but bigger in 1987 still works ok,all the best, bryan
Thanks for that info!
check valve, and some activated carbon
99$ is too much for this basic system. I brought my filter system with bio balls and UV light for $120.
from where?
Yes....from where?
That's good for large fish tanks or a small water garden but not for big a pond. Thing about this design is you can make this for any sized pond, and the cost wouldn't be that much more because larger tubes and media are cheap.
UV light is just to kill Algae which is pointless. In his case, he could plant wildlife/aquatic plants in the restoration zone at the bottom which he currently is filtering and by that, produce less Algae problems. And since he wants to see the fish, the bottom tank won't be damaged from having plants plus it would hide some of the pumps and stuff as well.
That pond looks like it's around 1000 gallons.. You're not gonna buy a filtration system for a pond that size for around $100
Pool noodles are closed cell foam, made to float, not like the sponges.
... bro you have to rince your lava rocks before putting them in looolll and plastic cola bottle caps work good to !
How about using spongebob squarepants
OMG, the WASHING you will have to go through later :((((( - Update Video? LOL
how much did you spend on all that flag stone
Built the flagstone a few years ago. Maybe $300 total for the flat ground part. The small pieces around the pond were scraps at 10 cents a pound.
Anyone else notice that the filter media was put in the opposite order that it should have been?
Evan Roach
Yeah, the bio material is most effective going in last because dirt will actually coat lava rocks. Then mechanical, coarsest media goes first and then finer ones. I'm so glad folks put these videos up so all can learn and grow. Much appreciated.
I rinse my lava rock first.
CONCRETE NOT A GOOD CHOICE FOR CLEAR WATER
Your swim noodles are not supposed to socked up water, they 're built as water resistance and float........ not good, take them out.
I PREFER TO BUY A FILTER POND IN EBAY WITH UV LIGTH,
crazy about filtration lol
Я бы сначала положила все эти губки ,а потом лаву чтобы не забивалась.
swim noodles are pretty useless here
you u forgot to prime the filter system up with some dog manure to get the biological microbes activated🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀
unckadan lol for real?
if you spend 99$ for this.... you better buy a bio system .... :D..... cheaper and faster...
Appalling photography - he should have had a separate camera man
Wont work just a waste
Great job