Koi Pond Sand Filter - Ask T.P.D. #31

[@yvettesolis1466]

I built a wetland filter for my pond and I absolutely love it! I haven’t had to do anything else to clean my pond. And the water is clear, beneficial bacteria in the pond is perfect and my fishies are happy and healthy.😊

[@vernhuber]

I use a pool sand filter and only need to backwash 1/month. I run it a couple times a week - a couple of hours each time (to get the water clear). What's probably helping me is that the intake line is buried below the gravel on the bottom - which is acting like a first stage filter. That said it sounds like I could get more water throughput by retrofitting it to beads.

[@hellosujay]

Hi Vern, i'm new to all this. I bought a house with koi pond and the flow began to slow down. Someone suggested to replace the sand media and while doing so replaced the previous k1 media with sand. Now I have to backwash everyday to get the flow to normal. Can you suggest some tricks to backwash not so often?

[@adgartech]

I have a skimmer with filer pad and then a bio media pressure filter and a submersible filter with bio balls and filter pads. Water is looking good, ammonia levels very low and fish seem healthy.

[@barryhampton8801]

I use a white filter bag from petco and fill it with pillow filler and it quickly clears up the small particles in a few mins.

[@natemurphy4367]

I have 4 ibc totes with lava rocks and a 5 inch void at the bottom 4 inch pvc pipe the connect all 4 it filters from the bottom to the top and then a sand filter connected to the last one running into a 5000 gallon pond with koi and one albino channel cat so far so good

[@rayphonia16]

Hey how about using sand filter in a gravity fed system? There wont be pump problem, but is there any other drawback?

[@dkphantomdk]

20000 liters or 5200 gallons Kinshi Sieve 5 + Blue Eco 900W pump, then a Large Bakki shower with about 40kg of Bacteria House from Aquaking - it works well, BUT I really need a fine mechanical filtration, since the Sieve does not take the fine particles. So, I just got 3 barrels ( 200 liters each ) - and will try to create something to improve it

[@ThePondDigger]

I love sieve filtration. Thanks for sharing.

[@GasMusK]

I have a pressure/UV filter that feeds the first bog filter, the flow from it then splits in to a creek/waterfall and some of it is diverted to my second gravity fed bog filter and from that in to a bottom feed aquatic flowerbed and back in to the pond. I also run a second pump that just has a drilled rock at the end placed in the center of the first bog filter to get some extra visual effect and flow of water. My winter pond setup is two pressure/UV filters one feeds a above pond planted sump and the other one feeds a custom trickle/biological filter.

[@ThePondDigger]

Hans Hartman Thanks for sharing Hans!

[@michaelmachadojr9906]

DIY’ers find side jobs! LMAO!! I could not stop laughing after that comment.

[@zacharylee7683]

I am running a diy filter that I built myself. Wrighty, on facebook, has plans for an excellent diy filter. I changed mine just a little to fit my pond and budget but it works great. I only clean once every 2 weeks. Pond is about 15 to 1700 gallons.

[@ThePondDigger]

sounds awesome!

[@zacharylee7683]

going to be building a new pond based on the videos you did building the round pond. planning to use helix skimmer and moving bed waterfall on that build. thanks for all the great videos and information. keep up the good work.

[@sevensurvival]

I made a baki trickle filter that i run through a moving bead filter with k-1 micro. k-2 and k-3. From there to a stream bed with volcanic rock, gravel, stones, and plants back into the pond. The water is crystal clear.

[@chrisbrookerd]

Ok, so I have squired a sand filter and high rpm pump for free! So I want to try and make it work as a filter for my 2000 gallon koi pond. My thoughts are centered around using a base layer of sand with a top layer of pea gravel in the filter. I don't really mind fairly frequent backwashing, as with this type of system, backwashing is super easy. I am also anticipating to not have to run this rpm pump as long thoughout the day as I currently have to run my pond pump system, which would balance the cost of running it.... Thoughts on this type of setup considering the 0 cost of entry?

[@anthony7557]

Is a pool cartridge filter design for a koi pond

[@istoppain62]

Can I modify my Hayward sand filter to change to bead filter?

[@JCJourney]

my pond is 1500 gallon and I use a 5 gallon bucket filter I made. fill with fiber filter. only take me 5 - 10 min to clean once a week.

[@ThePondDigger]

J Chu A five gallon bucket filter is a little small for a 1500 gallon pond. Before your fish get big consider making a 55 gallon barrel filter for your pond. Your fish will thank you! Thanks for sharing!

[@mortgagefinancing5558]

Where to you buy external filters?

[@Musabe009]

I'm using this kit 30' x 30' Extra Large Koi Pond Kit, Big Bahama BF2600 Filtering Waterfall & Crystal Falls PB1311 Skimmer, 6,100 GPH Pump - XLH0 also have two fast falls with an additional 6100 gph pump. Each fast fall is 18 in.

[@ThePondDigger]

Musabe009 Sounds like a nice project!

[@Musabe009]

The best part of the project is the reevaluating as you go. Seeing different perspectives and adding the vision in your mind to the project is a different expression artistically. I'm glad I bought a large enough ( oversized to the original plan) liner, I've expanded my pond as its being built 3 times, allowing for a more natural look. I'm glad I started watching your videos as they have been a treasure trove. Just wished I would have before I bought the equipment; would have went with helix.

[@sarirbolah]

I had a bog filter as you know but I had to torn it down as the root of the plants started to block everything and even got some leaking. So I need to make a new - stronger one.

[@ThePondDigger]

More routine maintenance is probably needed.

[@ericastanton2010]

i have a sand filter that i want to convert to a bead filter. other than modifying the laterals, does the flow of water have to go in reverse if using the Kaldness media? I believe the sand filter water flows down and into the laterals and with a bead filter water flows out the laterals (reverse direction)

[@ericastanton2010]

I reverse the internals with the laterals up on top. then run in backwash mode with waste output is now the clean water output

[@iansouthoz3773]

Hi, I have a 40000 litre pool now a pond. I keep Australian native fish (river murray rainbow) and shrimp in it. I run the sand filter an hour a day and it does clog frequently. For a complete new modern pond filter system what would you recommend I purchase. Cheers

[@big2cat]

I have a pretty intense pond pump/filter set up...but I have no idea how to get it running (I just bought the property). Where can I go for help?

[@Davidj3]

It does work to make your own. But you must also make the internal jets.

[@toreandersson3852]

We use proficlear premium filter - Drum filter with moving bed.

[@ThePondDigger]

TORE ANDERSSON Thanks for sharing!

[@borisbuliak3626]

Have three indoor aquariums, can only expand to balcony or sleep there according to old lady. So I decided I might do a little plywood outdoor pond(balcony is fully screened and closable to elements if I choose to, but then again I live in S.Fl) What species do you recommend, enclosed, outdoors about 50 gl.? I was thinking of same filtration as I already have canister and sponge, plus wave maker if need be.

[@quintanakoiponds]

Hi im out of the rancho Cucamonga area im doing a pond for a customer and he just bought the bead filter from mystic koi should i install a skimmer and seev we have it from his old pond or can the bead filter handle it alon he does have about 50 koi half are over 18 inch and the pond size will be 30 × 15 6 ft deep with that expensive bottom drain.

[@DoctorTimHK]

I converted a sand filter into a biofilter for my koi pond by removing the laterals and sand, then filled up the filter with ceramic rings and bioballs. The pond cleared up after 4 weeks. Need to backwash and rinse the converted filter fortnightly.

[@ericastanton2010]

did you have to reverse the flow of water. i was told that a bead filter, flow has to be in reverse of that in a sand filter because media floats ( water comes out of the lateral instead of going into the laterals for return of water back to pond)

[@DoctorTimHK]

@@ericastanton2010 yes, I have to backwash the filter for 15 minutes at least once a week.

[@stantonporsche]

@@DoctorTimHK How do you reverse the flow ?

[@DoctorTimHK]

@@stantonporsche there is a handle on the top of the filter, you rotate it to different positions to control the water flow direction

[@staqzit8613]

Wouldnt a sand filter kinda b like a moving media bed if portioned properly digesting particles to be pulled out by way of decomposition

[@staqzit8613]

Shallow pond

[@ThePondDigger]

Not exactly. The biggest issue with sand filters is they require frequent cleaning and high volume pumps to get them to backwash correctly.

[@KingWillTheBrave]

I have a gravity fed filter system with 3 filter chambers, a settlement chamber, static bed media chamber and a moving bed chamber. That brings me to a question: for the moving bed filter, what would be a good (optimal) media to water to air ratio be? I have a 20 000 litre pond with a 280 litre moving bed chamber size. I have what you might refer to as K1 media and have 100 litre of media with a 60 litre per minute air pump. Because the filter chamber is square, I am unsure that I have enough air. I also would like to add more media so I can add more fish.

[@ThePondDigger]

Willie Swart The square chamber does complicate the movement. What you have described seems appropriate. The media needs a few months to become really active and neutrally buoyant. Once you have good movement add a couple cups of new media to the mix and keep an eye on it until you think you reach max capacity of media

[@kingfish2137]

I have 2, 3 foot Bakki shower filters (DIY), a waterfall filter and a collection tank.

[@ThePondDigger]

KingFish Shower filters are bad ass!

[@LiloUkulele]

so...what is a easy maintenance, low cost filter?...not everybody can spent tons of money on a pond...or is the answer, "don't have a pond....please help

[@ThePondDigger]

Look up "Skippy Pond Filter". It is a very affordable DIY pond filter. But keep in mind the pond hobby is not necessarily a cheap hobby. Best of luck to you.

[@hawksight200]

pressure filters as my mine maniacal filter this leads to a box filter for bio with tons of biohome volcanic rock this drops in a settling pool with plants and more biohome. on my skimmer line this is a k1 moving bed with filter floss and more biohome on top. apart from the pressure filter i have home made the rest.

[@ThePondDigger]

hawksight200 Sounds well thought out.

[@tufaraway]

I dug a giant hole in my back yard for a Koi pond and now I am afraid to do anything else!! Thought I was getting a kit offline, but not even sure where to begin.

[@paulgelburd6338]

I have a 6200 gallon koi pond with a large Dayton sand filter (600 lbs. sand version). It's been running for years, doing a poor job (water rarely clear). The sand filter is filled, not with sand, but with filter gravel: 3/4" at the bottom, 1/4" at the top half. The sand filter pumps into a large rubbermaid tub with an activated charcoal "rug". Not sure the charcoal is doing anything. Half the pump output goes through a UV. I am cleaning out the sand filter, but prefer not to buy a whole different set-up - I'd like to use the Dayton. I know you strongly recommend against sand filters for ponds, but is there a work-around so that I can continue to use it? Perhaps different filter media?

[@paulgelburd6338]

And, I can cut wider slots in the laterals.

[@hellosujay]

Hi Paul, i'm in a similar situation. Did you figure a way out?

[@paulgelburd6338]

@@hellosujay no guidance. I’ve continued with my sand filter to this day with barely adequate results.

[@eltonchang2192]

thanks a lot to Eric for sharing all, i use nexus 210 from bottom drain and another ultima 2 connected from a savio skimmer, personally i don't like ultima 2 as it needs a lot of water for backwash. one question for you as comparison between gravity and pump fed system ?

[@ThePondDigger]

Charlie Chen Great feedback!

[@WelcomeTECH]

hi, i have a small pond (2500L) and am going to make it bigger, right now i have a pressure filter, can i just buy another one and daisy chain them, or run 2 pumps running to 2 separate filters, or should i just get one big filter, for a bigger pond. Thanks

[@ThePondDigger]

WelcomeTECH I would prefer the dual systems instead of they daisy chain.

[@WelcomeTECH]

thanks :)

[@50f150]

Do u know of any kind of vortex kockney style filters made in the USA I can buy if so what dealer?

[@ThePondDigger]

50f150 Matala USA has this style filters available.

[@50f150]

ThePondDigger thanks Eric!

[@lisaluu7148]

If I ask u to build a pond how much will the pond be?

[@ThePondDigger]

+jayden Luu IT really depends on the scope of work you need to build the pond of your dreams. There are are many different ways to build a pond. Our base model ponds start to at $7,500.00

[@NanoAL22]

Pressurized pond filter (Aqua UV)...Works great.

[@ThePondDigger]

enanoaL We use them often.

[@kingfish2137]

Have you ever shown your personal pond on one of the videos?

[@ThePondDigger]

KingFish We've shot many photos of my ponds but no film. You know the "Cobbler's Kid Syndrome" don't you? My best ponds are not at my place! I am retrofitting a 3,000 gallon grow out pond I have here at my place to HELIX LIFE SUPPORT!!! We just might film that one!

[@kingfish2137]

Can't wait. I'm sure it will be a masterpiece.

[@tlbohlen]

Hi Eric I've watched all your videos my question is: can a bead filter be set up for a gravity feed system?

[@ericastanton2010]

reconfigure the internals. assuming side mount sand filter, place laterals up on the top instead of the bottom. run the pump in backwash mode with output back into the pump now is the waste pipe. this way you get reversal of flow to be upflow. meadia floats to top so needs to be upflow

[@tatmanmyownbossdannydraco]

Thanks for saving me the headache

[@majikmesa3786]

#asktheponddigger Typhoon season is here (At least in hong kong). I am really worried about my fish being stressed out from the sound of rain and power outs. I just cured a fin rot out break that wiped out half my pond. I have 3 fish left and two of them are my first ever koi. Is there anything I can do to prevent stress or is their no stress at all. The good thing is nature does a 50% water change for me.

[@ThePondDigger]

Mesa's Tank Glad to see you are successful at treating your koi! That is very important to master. The sound of the rain is not a problem but the power outage is not good! If it is raining while the power is out the oxygen in the pond should be fine but if the rain stops and you are over stocked it could be dangerous. Keep a close eye on your remaining koi and respond with treatment as soon as you see anything out of the ordinary.

[@majikmesa3786]

Thanks!

[@jonasjeurissen4280]

#asktheponddigger Hi Eric, I was wondering how much I should care about bacteria pressure? What does it mean exactly and do I need to monitor it? Ty. Jonas (from Belgium)

[@ThePondDigger]

Jonas Jeurissen If you are referring to bacteria under pressure in your pressurized filter system, we are not putting the bacteria under much strain in our low pressure systems.

[@jonasjeurissen4280]

ThePondDigger No, if I understood well (on the internet), bacterial pressure is an indicator for the balance of good and bad bacteria...?

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

I have a waterfall filter

[@AliMohamed-jg6bv]

dear friend. I'm planing to do an aquarium. i know its not your filed but need your help in choosing sand filter (tank) size. i have an aquarium with 1500 GPH and 5.52 m3. i would like to circulate the full gallons (1500) around 5 to 7 times per hour means i need a pump capable of (in) flow of 7300 GPH to 10300 GPH and i found it. my concern about sand filter (TANK) size. which size is suitable to produce an out flow equal to in flow of the pump. keep in mind that i have 5.52 m3, so should i chose tank that 5 to 7 times my (m3) area? like i chose a tank with capacity of (5 to 7) time which is in my case 25m3/hr to 39 m3/hr? am i right? so i can equal the in and out to my aquarium? please give me your opinion

[@ThePondDigger]

Back when I was cool, I started my business in the field of aquarium installation, design and maintenance. I don't recommend sand filters for ponds our aquariums.

[@olivergarsideconeron]

We use Aquaponics. Its the best.

[@ThePondDigger]

Noam Chongsky Agree!

[@SmallEngineGenius]

On my pond I have a big pressure filter which then leads to a big bog filter with gravel, lava rock, and plants. And then just down my stream.

[@ThePondDigger]

Koi Yungster Must be pristine!

[@Viet174]

Aquaponics...Plants do the cleaning

[@staqzit8613]

I hate wen aquaponic ppl say buy koi pond filter from the store my logic behind aquaponic is the it brought efficiency and better productivity to gardening plantsz (4 poor ppl) yall just trying to ruin everything by the $$$mentality...

[@rickjj91]

This guy wastes so much time repeating his points over and over and over. Ok we get it - MOVE ON., dude. It was a waste of time. He could have got this point over in 15 seconds.

[@JohnSmith-zp5oo]

Thumbs down, you only complain but did not offer any solutions./