DIY fish pond filter cheap easy.

[@jodyvollmer4125]

I have to tell you this is my favorite video on KZbin I think. I have watched it many times in the last three years and ordered all the components to make my own filter.

[@leecalladine]

Thanks for the feedback. It's a great filter simple to make and effective.

[@rickyheck6780]

I wish I could share my build I did of this with pictures... My friends 1200 gal pond was totally green... I built this filter for her to replace the 5 gallon pond filter... The pond cleared in literally 24 hours crystal clear!!! Ive never seen a diy filter do so amazing!!! Thank you!!!

[@leecalladine]

great to hear it worked well. Please send me some pictures to my email [e-mail]

[@williamking6534]

What size fittings and pipes did you use for your mates filter my pond is the same size cheers

[@tonyfowkesautomobiles3931]

Lee, I just want to thank you (and Wendy) for this and for selling the necessary to me. My pond is transformed and my fish have a new lease of life. They are just so lively now! Like most things, I just wish I had done it before… 👍👍👍

[@leecalladine]

Glad it all worked well.

[@michaelelstob9067]

Made a rookie mistake with filter on a new pond Knowhere near good enough and built this in a rush to try and fix it. When I installed it I had bad ammonia, phosphate and water I couldn’t see an inch into. Made this filter with some alpha frog in the bottom and writhing 24 hours the ammonia was gone, by the end of the week water was absolutely crystal. Been running two months now and everything is perfect. Was only supposed to be a stop gap till I got a new filter but I’m honestly scared to change it now. Only thing I’d say is it’s a bit of a chore to clean out but well worth putting up with. Thanks lee

[@leecalladine]

Your very welcome. Glad it worked so well.

[@stevemoran3640]

Great video, I want to change the media in my filter from the packed square sponged to something easier to clean, even if It means more regular cleaning so this video helped me realise I can use alternatives. Thanks man

[@jimrojas62]

I built 2 like this for my outdoor 200 gallon Koi pond, and my 110 gallon turtle tank. I used two 25 gallon drums. Instead of burying it with all that foam, I put all my filter media in a 5 gallon bucket filled 3/4 of the way. I drilled holes on the bottom. Now, I just pull out the 5 gallon bucket out for much easier cleaning. I placed 3 sets of 1 gallon buckets filled with lava rocks under the 5 gallon bucket. I put my pump on the bottom because it tends to leak. I just added the clean out valve like you show, and also put the overflow T fitting. Thank you for the tip.

[@michaelloach9461]

Thanks Lee that was brilliant. I have just been given one of those barrels from a friend & will soon build a filter like this for not a great deal of money. Hopefully this will get rid of the dreaded string algae in my stream. I have watched your follow up vid but I don't think I will need any other filtration stuff because its a wildlife pond & stream. Your home pond looks amazing. Thanks again & all the best.....

[@enzed1190]

A very helpful tutorial. It's given me ideas about how I might adapt the design for a small 260 litre pond and yes, I'd be interested to see a follow up video from your project.

[@Dead_Empire]

How did you go for a small pond? I am doing the same

[@Thinksamuel]

What an amazing channel! I am working with smallscale aquaculture and I am always looking for this kind of DIY/lowcost solutions. Very helpful!

[@alistairjohannaross1913]

Excellent. Best DIY filter video I’ve looked at.

[@philf4086]

What a great project! Very straight forward explanation and instructions. Thank you!!

[@Rooler88]

Great video, 1 question though,if the water is GJ oing in through the top, and being pulled from the bottom to go back to the pond, does that not pull all the waste that would typically settle at the top back into the pond?

[@alan_cycles]

Thanks lee. I have just completed my filter build following your steps. I’m into day 3 of service. Really excited to see how my new pond cleans up as it got very manky after just 6 weeks sitting with no filtration

[@funnybusiness6491]

A year later, how did this work out for you? If you had it to do over again, would you have gone this route?

[@HairyPatch1]

I did this design but instead put two 2 inch outakes to increase the flow with a 5,600 gph pump. I also added many different types of filtration that differ from yours. This filter setup has kept my 3,000 gallon pond spotless. I have a heavy fish load as well. If anyone is looking at this video for inspiration build it!

[@leecalladine]

I am very pleased your filter worked so well. This design is a good starting concept. There are many modifications and upgrades possible.

[@HairyPatch1]

Yeah its super affordable as well. I currently work at San Diego Pond And Garden in California. I plan to do a bog and wetland filtration system on my next project.

[@leecalladine]

@@HairyPatch1 A well designed bog filter is perfect for natural ponds. You just have to try and in corporate some mechanical pre filtration. Then they are outstanding.

[@HairyPatch1]

@@leecalladine Okay I’ll keep that in mind!! Thanks for the tip

[@GA-pe3bt]

My flow rate is 5000g/hour didn't work with 3 inch pipe return. I don't know what is wrong

[@boxtriker]

Good cheap filter build Lee and well explained walk through of the build thanks

[@leecalladine]

Thanks for the feed back. More videos on the way this year.

[@ej8_felipe]

Wow this was such a great video full of great info thanks

[@krebel8172]

So this design is great! I actually made one for about 100$ just I had to increase the output to two 3" pvc due to running a submersible 1/3hp pump at about 2800/hr otherwise it would just overflow

[@bryanmeza9974]

If you reverse your Inlet and Outlet on that exact setup your filter will work much better. Because water will always take the route of least resistance once your pads start to get a little dirty the water will then start to go straight to your overflow. But if you're in that forces the water to the bottom of the filter which would then Force the water up through the pads this one this will make sure that you always have a much cleaner system

[@leecalladine]

I completely disagree. If you bring the water in at the bottom the muck will be impossible to clean without draining out the filter and lifting all the media out. In at top, stop the dirt with a fine filter that is easy to access, then let the bacteria thirve in the bottom.

[@leecalladine]

I do accept the water will go over the overflow, that's essential to prevent the filter overflowing. When this starts to happen the sponges must be cleaned.

[@drumcrazy72]

This video was very informative. Thank you for taking the time to explain this project in such detail. Much appreciated.

[@clarkriccobuono3903]

I like the barrel filter. Makes it so easy

[@amandamelka6138]

Wonderful and informative video! Thank you for taking the time and producing this video. Quick question, l have a pump that pumps 4235 gallons per hour. What size PVC pipe would you recommend me using?

[@leecalladine]

You would need a much larger size pipe for that amount of flow. Probably 4".

[@Balderick]

Dude, you are a fucking Rock Star. I don't care how stupid that sounds. There needs to be more people doing what you are doing..... and even more people watching this stuff.Thank you for your vigilance and perseverance. This is not conspiracy BS.

[@alexmuluwe9230]

Thank you for this Excellent DIY Filter. Just what I was looking for, for my upcoming project.

[@leecalladine]

Your most welcome. I have some more video's coming out in the spring. I am doing a gravity fed filter for a quarantine system.

[@davidplowman7286]

Nice project, and excellent video, thank-you.

[@leecalladine]

Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully doing some more videos like this in the future. Have a few ideas.

[@TheSecretSeven1941]

After watching this video I contacted Japanese Water Garden who supplied all the parts. If you have a problem Lee who is building the filter has a chat line when you log in Japanese WG and will talk you through it . I am 78 years old and lee sorted me... filter works great

[@fairoozfarooqi793]

How many day it works. How to clean it,it's best vedio i have seen ,thanks

[@theplayfulparrotsanctuary]

Hi, ive got a 708ltr pond, would a 120 ltr barrel be the correct size? Also what size pump would I need for this size pond please? Thank you 😊

[@leecalladine]

Perfect size barrel. Any small reliable pump will work just fine. Up to 3,000 litre per hour.

[@JEFFSTRIKERVLOG0279]

Thanks for making this very useful filter. We got ideas from your video

[@ulsterrich4213]

Brilliant video 👍

[@rubinpirveysian5460]

Thanks for the video. How many gallons is the barrel?

[@danielbattell8078]

Like the idea of this. I’m already looking at making a diy Bakki shower to supplement a main filter which was going to be an easy pod but wondered if this would work instead? What size pond would this work for with a shower filter? Could it be adapted for gravity fed?

[@leecalladine]

This design is not suitable gravity fed. It would need complete redesign. It is a good filter for people who like making things and it has worked well for many people.

[@jamesmott1919]

Very good detailed video thank you . Would this maintain a 6000 litre pond with 10 koi carp in it ?

[@jimwitmer7270]

Very nice work, one of the easiest and fastest filter builds I've seen. Looks to be a great idea for the filter media as well. I'm gonna give this a try today. My pond is about 1200 gal, so this should do the trick for sure. I'm just concerned about circulation of the water to insure all the "crud" is removed. Presently I have a stiff bristle brush that I use to disturb the bottom junk to keep stuff suspended in the water.

[@jimwitmer7270]

Interestingly enough I found my barrels locally on a county wide "buy sell trade" on Facebook Marketplace. Don't get inpatient, these barrels can be a bugger to get your hands on, I paid $25 each.

[@leecalladine]

Glad you liked it. It works well and can be modified to suit a variety of container's.

[@allanbarbour2879]

There’s plenty of barrels on eBay.

[@traceyhayward5443]

One of the best I have seen. Hope you do a follow up.

[@leecalladine]

I did a follow up. It's a year on update.

[@artist.l.d6935]

Hey top video, just wondering I've seen people who have the water come in at the bottom then overflow out top,rather than come in at the top then get pulled to the bottom before returning to overflow at top. Is there any difference? cheers also I have to big of a pump can I just put another standpipe in and have two outlets thank you 😊

[@leecalladine]

The method described in the video allows you run the fine filter and access it easier. The pump size with 2in outlet should not exceed aprx 1000 gallons per hour. A lot less if using 1.5in pipes.

[@joeyr2523]

Hi lee, thanks for the advice on the phone yesterday. I’m thinking I may go with a Oase screenmatic for my new pond plus I believe the pump I already have is a oase aquamax 6000 and can be dry installed for my bottom drain as well as submerged

[@CapeFearKoi]

This is a great video for beginners to understand.

[@taurus1127]

Thank you for this video..that a cheap n efficient filter..Amazing n it works..Top man 👍🏼🙏

[@shaunleonard8146]

Nice neat work Lee.Thanks

[@leecalladine]

My pleasure.

[@peterb.7437]

Hi Lee thank you so much for this video, I hope all is well with you. I will definitely copy it for my pond, one question though, from the barrel the pipe that goes out to the pond can I connect that to a small skimmer to make some kind of waterfall effect down to the pond? Thank you so much

[@leecalladine]

Yes that probably work. To a waterfall.

[@carlarthur4442]

Very informative 👏 thank you 😊.

[@Dino-yq8jo]

That thumbnail is everything haha 😂

[@richd-koi]

Very good video Lee. Wish i'd checked out youtube before i spent loads of money on filtration.

[@edisonrichardsamuelr8431]

Best video I've seen regarding DIY filter....can you please say me where you added electric motor for pumping water?

[@derekanders1]

Hi thanks this was very helpful after running 5 hours a fast improvement

[@leecalladine]

Thats good to hear. It will do the trick for sure.

[@waltpicot6501]

I am curious how much cleaning of the filters you do. I am guessing they clog in couple of weeks and need cleaning.

[@leecalladine]

Yes it will need regular maintenance.

[@Aquariumswithty]

That barrel was a good find!

[@leecalladine]

You can often pick them up on eBay or similar.

[@derekmadge]

I imagine I can find something similar but in my area we call them bear barrels. Locked and round so a bear has trouble getting into it. Cost a fortune when sold that way.

[@eckworth]

hi all please can you do a vlog on how to set up an Evolution Aqua Varipump 10000 and how to calculate the number it should be set at on display for a 500-gallon fibreglass pond with a Nexus 220 running to show how many litres it should be pushing an hour, great vlog thank you for all your video and help.

[@TheRook3673]

Can you use this method with a bottom drain?

[@jamesmapster3733]

My pond would definitely benefit from a filter like this. You could have painted the blue barrel it would blend in better.

[@michaelogilvie7330]

Hi my pond is vey brownish come greenish I have added new bacteria, and put it into my filter. But my pond went brown I left it for a week and no change in the water it was so bad. I had to near empty the pond and put tap water into the pond also freatment for the chemicals from the tap. Now it has changed it green. I bought green water treetment so I am about to put that into the pond now my pond takes 1,200 gals. Could you inform me is that the right thing to do. Regards Michael Ogilvie

[@nishika8607]

@@michaelogilvie7330 Hi just saw your comment. Adding bacteria or chemicals is just a waste of time and money. A suitable UV sterilizer might do the job. UV can remove green water permanently if installed thoroughly.

[@owainjones9321]

Great video.

[@leecalladine]

Thank you for the feedback. Take care.

[@toientucoiamty5630]

Good tutorial! I really like your shorts by the way. :-))

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

I have a bunch of different size rocks and a bag of plastic bio balls. I am also running the input from the top to the bottom and the filtered water leaving at the top. It seems like the majority of videos I've watched use the bottom up method. I'm still a day from having all the parts in hand to start.

[@12vLife]

Here in Sunny Florida. I've got a giant sandy hole in the ground and I want to drop in a 300 gallon tank. I'd like to build a pond and keep it clear enough with only solar, no batteries and minimal maintenance (at most once a month). Possible?

[@stewgordon9291]

Well done 👏

[@crystalstreamentertainment9699]

Great video with helpful information! I have a pond which holds about 3100 liters. Will this size filter be adequate enough to keep the water clean and from getting green? Thanks!

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

Just began a project like this to clean up my duck pond. Instead of connectors, I ordered uniseals from Amazon. I don't have luck with connectors and silicon.

[@munjalparikh6008]

Thank you so much for the great tutorial. How to get water siphon out of the outlet? I build a smaller tank of 25 gallons and used 1" pipe. Water doesn't siphon out when I tested out only with water. Do I need to put all media before doing test? Does media create pressure for water to siphon out? What can be incoming water flow rate?

[@leecalladine]

The water is rising above the height of the outlet. It then is just running freely back to the pond. There is no Syphon involved.

[@leecalladine]

Make sure there is a tee section at top. Maybe there is an airlock.

[@theseabysusan]

Thanks for the vedio. Awesome ee.

[@tamariderr]

Good work. My kind of filter!

[@dannygreen4651]

Can I use flexi hose or has to be the solid kind?

[@joeswantojoemardi7608]

It works, Perfect👍👍👍

[@detrimentkoi2137]

Looks like a great setup, what pump do you use to bring the water into the filter , thanks in advance

[@leecalladine]

It's a a pondtec 3500 mounted dry. Very cheap pump.

[@michaeljohnston777]

Nice work! Thanks!

[@JennieLowery]

What is the bulkhead fitting you show called exactly. I cannot find anything that looks like this. Maybe it's just a UK fitting, but even online I cannot find anything similar.

[@dadygee]

Go to your local garage/car-service place... They probably have dozens of barrels used for "adblue" wich they go through and have to recycle. Downside: no removable lid but two allready cut holes in the top. Adblue is the chem used for dieselcars and is 32% PEE and the rest is clean water.

[@willhoyle752]

How many gallons should this filter be for? I have a 1300 gallon pond.

[@leecalladine]

It would do a good job on a pond that's size provided the stocking density wasn't too heavy.

[@nutbox76]

Hi there, Thank you for the great how too much appreciated, I have now made one of these and I am wondering how I would go about cleaning the filter . Is is a case of emptying it and the running pond ready water through it or would I need to take the media out and clean it by hand. Cheers

[@leecalladine]

If you clean it regularly. Drain and rinse with pond water will be sufficient.

[@ritagriffiths6067]

Hi. Lee me being a 70year old lady can you make the cheap filters for please if so how much I'm only.down the road

[@shiranfernandowarnakulasur4503]

goog job

[@cuatroveintedelamadrugada5621]

Have you done an update yet? I want to build my filter like this but I want to go with a 2 inch discharge and maybe move it down so its more towards the center of the barrel , would that be a good idea?

[@keidengaming8489]

Excelent. Thank, the explication is very very good.

[@leecalladine]

I do my best. Keep watching the channel more videos every week.

[@sirtubemaster]

I wish i had petstores near me that had a selection of fittings like that! I can't even get fittings like this in our local hardware store~!

[@leecalladine]

Sorry to hear that. We have a massive selection of stuff. But always something someone wants and we don't have.

[@MrJohannesz]

Thank you Lee, I have a very large pond 50000 gallons, do you think I can just put 3 barrels daisy-chained in a row letting one feed into the next?

[@leecalladine]

You need to make sure the transfer pipes are large diameter so you don't get water backing up in the tanks and overflowing.

[@interaquarium1]

Thanks for the advice, good video !!

[@shaulifati6782]

How often you clean the sponges? I built filter with the same method but i should clean the sponge every week.

[@leecalladine]

You need to clean the sponges when they get dirty and water flow through them is restricted.

[@shaulifati6782]

@@leecalladine The problem is that i need to clean every week and it is to much for me

[@robshaw3655]

Just using what i have from previous pond. Can i use a larger suction hose

[@leecalladine]

Sound like the water fall might restrict the out flow and chase the filter to over flow.

[@robshaw3655]

@@leecalladine cheers Lee thank you for quick response.. trial and error seems odd the preformed waterfalls have such a tiny hole ..

[@leecalladine]

@@robshaw3655 perhaps you could use a pump directly on the water fall and by pass the waterfall entirely.

[@robhigham7519]

great video. If I made two of these filters how would it be best to connect them together to work as one large filter ? Thanks so much

[@leecalladine]

If you were to connect 2 together you would need to enlarge the connection pipes and make some changes to the flow.

[@leecalladine]

You could also put some brushes in the first then more dense media in the second one.

[@robhigham7519]

Top man thank you lee

[@mandivandenberg6677]

Is the barrel under pressure, or is it a gravity feed system?

[@leecalladine]

It does work under pressure with the lid on. Otherwise it works fine without the lid. Pump fed gravity return

[@daddysday9651]

Nice. Thank you for sharing

[@ewanfuller5742]

What is the maximum sized pond ( litres ) could a single 220l barrel filter be used for ? And could I link several together for using on a larger pond size ?

[@leecalladine]

These is no maximum. The size of the pond is only one small factor when deciding on a pond filter. Stocking rate and how much maintenance you are prepared for is equally important. I would recommend using multiple filters as separate systems instead of linking them.

[@DavidJHarrisonEssex]

Hi, I have a garden water collector which my late father had (I've just moved into their house), I suppose I could use that. Could everyday sponges be used? How thick is the glass in that pond? I have a lot of glass, some toughened, some not, I was thinking of using them for the side of my pond when I make it, what you think? Shall I use Wooden Sleepers or Decking for the sides? Thanks

[@leecalladine]

Rain butts can be used but they are not strong enough to hold heavy media like gravel for instance.

[@leecalladine]

Sleepers are very popular. Sometimes difficult to cut and joing though if you don't have the right tools.

[@DavidJHarrisonEssex]

@@leecalladine I don't realy have what I'd call the right tools but I did cut a few when I used hem for what was my mothers flower beds to raid them, they cut ok. Thanks

[@jhonybrave9030]

Is it filter the algue, im using the same diy filter but the algue can't control? I need u r valuable suggestions😇

[@Homeengineering]

Nice and simple filter but I have a question. Does the outlet pipe going to the bottom of the filter pick up muck from the bottom and does the water syphon back to the pond when the pump is turned off?

[@leecalladine]

No it can't Syphon back. The tee over flow prevents Amy chance. Also the water of the bottom should be relatively solid free.

[@Homeengineering]

@@leecalladine Thanks for the reply, I'm going to make one asap!! and I look forward to an update on the one you made in the future.

[@birendrachoubey6122]

Hi, is this design suitable for commercial fish farming systems?

[@leecalladine]

I don't see why not.

[@Lou13Cyf3r]

Awesome 👍

[@BipinKumar-lucknow]

What is difference between filtration pump and circulation pump system? Suppose I want to build a natural koi fish pond in my backyard so how many pumps and systems I need?

[@davidmorrill2943]

Foam for roof gutters. Be sure no toxin applied. I filled a one hundred gallon livestock watering through for the cost of 25$ US. Lots of surface area.

[@scottcameron-baker6800]

Hi Lee, I've copied your design but ive used King British sealent for it, ive let it set but it keeps leaking water from the bottom and the top outlet, ive had to disconnect it from my pond as it will empty it out, is there another stronger sealent you could recommend to me please, thanks

[@leecalladine]

You have to use proper tank connection or bulk head fittings that pull up tight. Then any aquarium sealant will do the job perfect.

[@scottcameron-baker6800]

@@leecalladine thank you, yes that's what I've got but I've just noticed looking online that some tank connectors come with a seal and some don't, mine didn't come with any so maybe that could be part of the problem to, I will try a different aquarium sealent aswell and let you know how I get on

[@dionrandell6422]

Hi where did you get the filter mat off cuts from ?

[@leecalladine]

They used to be freely available when matting was popular. However nowadays a lot harder to find.

[@juliamichell1]

Really interesting thanks

[@jefblogs3279]

Would it matter if you had the inlet attached to the pipe that went to the bottom and so the water would rise throught the filtration body

[@lyndastuart9851]

I have approx 4000 gallon koi pond with 4200 gph pump. Will the outflow from your design have enough pressure to GP up hill to the waterfall

[@kranson8514]

Thank you for sharing 👍👍

[@drjameslee7g]

Great video..how long will the filter last before changing the contents or it's gonna be permanent?/..

[@leecalladine]

The media will last for ever.

[@drjameslee7g]

@@leecalladineThanks..does that mean I don't have to change the water from the pond?/..I'm about to start my own fish farming..just looking for the best ways to avoid going thru a lot spending..stress and all that..

[@leecalladine]

@@drjameslee7g always change water. The media needs to be rinsed in pond water but not replaced.

[@Connolly135]

Hi, can I ask why the 90 degree bend helps the tank to fully empty, does it work as a kind of vacuum/suction? Also if I am planning to pump 3000-4000 litres of water and hour would you use 2” or 3”

[@leecalladine]

Not sure exactly what you mean regarding the 90 bend. The tee piece picks up water of the bottom and prevents the tank from emptying if the power turns off. 2 inch solid pipe should be fine if it's got plenty of fall and not to close to the top of your filter.

[@Connolly135]

Lee Calladine thanks for getting back to me, what I meant was why put the 1.5” bend on the drain at the bottom, you said to help the tank drain fully, wouldn’t this drain without this?

[@leecalladine]

@@Connolly135 the bend ensures that the tank completely empties. It sucks the muck out of the bottom.

[@JamesTHEKOIwhisperer123]

Nice mate that’s wot I make got a few good ideas my self 👍👌nice video mate 👍👌

[@leecalladine]

I have so many ideas for videos. Just need the time to make videos. I like your channel. You have some interesting videos.

[@JamesTHEKOIwhisperer123]

Lee Calladine thanks mate yea time is allways the thing that slows us all down not enough hours in a day 👍👌

[@carollycett1329]

Hi Lee I have a PFC 20000 all ponds solution pressure filter with a 18watt uv , EA 20000 pump fed running at 50% and returns by my waterblade . After seeing your filter I would love to have your advice if I would be able to add this to my pressure filter to my system my pond is around 911 gall and how would I link them together . Thank you for inspiring users Carol

[@leecalladine]

The filter could be connected to the pressure filter. However the water blade may be a challenge. Perhaps you would be better running this filter as an independent system with its own pump.

[@FBPrepping]

Great simple filter. Are you going to install a UV lamp? in which point would you nstall it? Thanks for sharing this. It is very helpful.

[@leecalladine]

The UV is after the pump before the filter.

[@stuzx7r]

Does the container have to be a pressure vessel or will a water butt do the same job ?

[@leecalladine]

Water butt will work but it have to be higher the pond.

[@stuzx7r]

@@leecalladine thank you

[@DrumFilterRau]

Great info, but have you thought about a drum filter? It provides top-notch filtration by automatically removing debris and dirt, so you don’t have to. It’s incredibly low maintenance and costs just around half a dollar per month in electricity. If you want clear water and less time spent cleaning, this filter could be a game-changer