How do you stop a pond pump from getting clogged?

[@paulc3307]

I built a pond last year and followed all your ideas. It's working and looking great, thanks Kev. The only issue I was having was this one and I've tried many methods for keeping the pump from clogging particularly when a Casuarina is growing close to the pond and is always dropping its fine leaves. I'm finding my method now means I'm only cleaning minimal debris once a month. I created a wide rock wall, (with vaious sized rocks), around the pump bucket which catches a lot of debris then I fitted a course thick filter around the rim of the bucket to catch any fine material. I have the pump sitting in a 20 litre bucket, (with holes drilled in it as you suggested), with nothing wrapped around pump and no filter material in the bucket. I have a cover on the bucket. I get minimal material in the bucket and maximum flow. Thanks again, cheers

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear 😊👍

[@snickerson9922]

P ok

[@paull.9884]

I never thought about the pond being drained if there is a leak. Will have to elevate my pump, thanks!

[@eltonblackley313]

I recently converted to a Bog Filter with great success. The pump I use is Davey DynaPond 7000. It is placed above the bottom of the pond by around 50mm. This is the second pump of this type as the older one lasted ten years of constant running. However thinking I was smart I replaced it with a Pond One Manta Ray Magnetic Drive pump. I found its performance not up to spec and the motor lasted about 9 months. Hence I paid extra and brought a pump that will give good service. I think the answer is to have the pump off the bottom. Really enjoy your videos Learn so much from them.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks for sharing your experience 😊👍

[@MandyJane123700]

Those are great ideas! I am currently using the burrito method on my pump, but I've ordered some bigger pieces of course filter sponge and I was thinking about using a plastic milk crate to make a pre-filter I can set the pump down inside of. I also have tons of empty plant pots, and I didn't even think about using one of those. It might be easier than the milk crate. I need to find a way to keep the snails out, but they lay eggs on everything and the tiny ones get inside everything, then they grow up there and die. I love snails, but I am beginning to think about feeding them to my chickens. lol

[@Ozponds]

Maybe just add a snail predator? They probably wont wipe them out just keep them in check.

[@MandyJane123700]

@@OzpondsI should get a few assassin snails.

[@kateeveritt3292]

I use a mesh bag with drawstring made for pond pumps. They’re available from Amazon and work brilliantly.

[@suzannemoran7281]

Hi Kate , do you put filter fleece inside the mesh bag ?

[@kateeveritt3292]

@@suzannemoran7281 Hi Suzanne, no I don’t put anything else in the bag. I didn’t believe it would be any good but it definitely has worked for us. It stops the strainer holes getting covered with blanket weed. We lifted the pump out this week and it’s completely clear and it hasn’t been touched since maybe last September.

[@suzannemoran7281]

@@kateeveritt3292 That's brilliant Kate, I have just ordered my bag now. Thanks so much for helping a fellow pond owner. I am hoping that my goldfish have babies this year and I have been worried about the fry being sucked up into the pump. 😊

[@kateeveritt3292]

@@suzannemoran7281 I would love to know if you find it’s successful. You will still need to lift out the pump, take the bag off and rinse it in clean water from time to time.

[@suzannemoran7281]

Hi Kate , I will definately let you know how I get on with the mesh bag. It is due to arrive tomorrow. Xxxxx thanks again. 😊​@kateeveritt3292

[@michealadderley9081]

Another good video that will help people as all of yours have , I'm making alterations to my pond this year and will be adding a intake bay skimmer using an olive type barrel similar to yours on the dream pond , bit to risky weather conditions ATM in UK to move my koi out into swimming pool while work is carried out and bigger liner installed ,

[@Ozponds]

My one tip would be to have the top of the barrel accessible (above water level). Mine are below water level and if I need to access the pumps I need to put my hands in cold water or drain the pond a bit.

[@ARTificialDreams]

My best working pond was a pond with an overflow into a large gravelarea with many plants (basically a 'gravel'-river going though the garden with many reed and big plants growing like crazy) where the aim is to slow the water (!) and absorb all debrie from the pond. At the end of this, there is a pump pumping it back when the water reached a a certain height. Basically there was a tide in the gravel area to supply air to the roots to my plants that way. The pump pumped the water back into a high elevated waterwall area, which on timer backwards flushed and cleaned the pump area. With this setup, there is no risk that the pond or waterwall would empty or overflow in times of draught or overspill or pumpmalfunction. The only maintenance I had was to trim and prune the prolific growth in the gravel area. Which is something I like to do while working in my garden as sparetime. You can easily upscale this idea and consider pardt of the garden as 'gravelarea' and basically you have a permaculture watersystem with integrated pond.

[@Ozponds]

Sounds like a bog filter👍

[@andrewmacfall3393]

You my friend are a legend…. i love your ponds work and especially your explanations. Thank you

[@Ozponds]

You’re welcome. I’m glad it’s helpful 😊👍

[@CowleysShiz]

Its a great tip this, after watching this video, i welded a cylinder frame together in work, that slots over the filter basket of my pump, then cable tied a filter sponge sheet around it. It was an absolute treat so thanks for that 👍

[@Ozponds]

Nice one 👍

[@johnbarr1684]

Great video Kev, I picked up some great ideas from it, especially the overflow box set up . Thanks....

[@silicondave2797]

I have had good luck with Beckett brand submersible pond pumps. They have have a cone with sponge that goes infront of the water inlet. Also possible to use the housing screws to mount a larger pre filter than what it comes with. Same general idea as my other cartridge filter. Filter media inside 4 in drain pipe. connected to the pump. Similar to your setup at 5 min mark. Thanks for the watch. Make a great weekend !

[@silicondave2797]

After looking at that 5 min mark again it looks like your pump screen screws on. I bet it would be easy to add a DIY cone filter to it that could just be unscrewed. Maybe add a pvc slip union to the inlet of the pump so it could be removed without pulling the pump from the water? Sorry for thinking out loud. It's warming up and I am excited to get started on Spring cleanout and startup.

[@Ozponds]

Awesome Dave 👍

[@sweetkoiyo]

Hi Kev. Wrapping the floss around the pump is like having an EZ Bio filter. Bravo! Brilliant.

[@jerrychetty2524]

I wrap my pump up with a kitchen cooker hood grease filter and it works out great, obviously need to clean it out occasionally

[@Ozponds]

Perfect 👍

[@Chilled_Mackers]

My (smaller) cheap (£35) pump has a very coarse sponge like filter (removable), inside the small plastic cage - it gets clogged fairly often. Luckily it only feeds an elephant water fountain, called Nelly. My (larger) less cheap (£60) micro bog filter pump does not have a filter inside its quite large cage and rarely gets clogged. Twice a year I clean the bog pump, in spring when it gets warm enough to put hands in the water and at the end of Autumn when it gets close to being too cold to put my hands in the water - purely preventative measure (doesn't clog within this time frame). Nelly's pump however seems to slow down after 4-6 weeks, then really slows down around 2-3 months (max) - clogged with goo. The actual pump unit of these pumps is identical in terms of size and are both 1000l/h. The impellers are both the same shape, size and assembly. I am tempted to remove the sponge from inside Nelly's cage as a test. If it goes upto the same service interval as the bog pump - happy days. If it turns into a disaster, I'll get another one, like the bog pump. This pond lark is truely facisnating, going from a pea-souper of a disaster to now increasing service intervals, all from your videos - many thanks chap - I truely appreciate you, yours and the channel. 👍

[@Ozponds]

Yeah I always remove the internal sponges. Super glad my vids have helped you 😊👍

[@ranger178]

i like that overflow box better than the one i have mine has a net and some goofy green whisker things it is a pain and mess to clean leaves and such out of once a month or so that one seems easier with the removable basket to take out and dump.

[@Ozponds]

Yeah that’s the cheaper model. I still hate how expensive they all are!

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

This has been a huge problem in my duck pond, and why I've been constantly redesigning my skimmer. Ducks really test these systems. Talked to a CAC by me before, and he said they usually "run away from duck ponds, bc its the one thing that proves the system doesn't work." lol. Mentioned a project that would have been 175k bc of waterfowl cost about 425k--due to the added filtration. It has been tough, for sure. The bog filters do pretty well, but I need a massive intake bay to keep up with the ducks, and even then I know it would clog. If I had to estimate I'd now say a single Peking duck is about equal to 12 (maybe 15) full grown koi. All that said I only have to clean out the pond every 3 months now with all the filtration, where as it was maxed out at 5 days before learning how to build ecosystem ponds.

[@Ozponds]

Hmmm. I wouldn’t say it proves the system doesn’t work, it just proves that all filtration needs to be matched with the load on the system. That’s something I say all the time, it’s about creating the balance. Either more filtration or less ducks.

[@ARTificialDreams]

You can have the pump at a low elevation and pump it higher, and put it on a timer. That way you let to waterpipe 'flush backwards' selfcleaning itself once or twice a day. Works perfect and littel to no maintenance. It also helps ofcours to put the whole pump into a bucket to avoid debrie like leaves on bottom of your pond getting sucked up in the first place.

[@Ozponds]

Won’t the debris just immediately get re attached to the pump cage once the pump turns back on?

[@ARTificialDreams]

@@Ozponds Nah. It's more like small floating debrie would collect but eventually break down into mud/sludge, the small sticks and 'mud' could potential become like a thicker layer if you let it accumulate over time. With a flush backwards you break any potential buildup and you break up and suck up the small particals again. Image reverse flush destroying a beaver dam, and then the individual sticks will just float along the river away out of the system. Eventually those debrie will be caught in your bog. Having the pump in a bucket would avoid larger non-floating debrie like bigger leaves getting into your pump. Any potential bigger debrie like leaves in the authumn that coincidentally fell into the bucket, will be washed and kicked out of the bucket with a backward flush. I think the success comes from that the normal pumping is at low speed (not sucking in big debrie), and the backward flush is rather powerful backwards flushing and rinsing away bigger debrie. I highly recommend to try out this rather simple solution, and you will see it works like a charm!

[@Ozponds]

Interesting.

[@richo1177]

Hey Kev, what about a bucket with lid sunken and 60% of the sides cut out, wrap in shade cloth that should do it

[@Ozponds]

Sounds good 👍

[@AaronHahnStudios]

stop! .. . You had me at Pump (that was a Jerry Maguire reference, thought I'd better add that)

[@Ozponds]

Show me the likes! I love the ponds man!

[@suzannemoran7281]

Hi Kev ,thanks for all of the good ideas. 😊 When I clean my pump in the spring I will make either a burrito or put the pump into a bucket with some filter fleece over it. I am also going to raise the pump a few inches above the bottom of the pond. I won't be using my filter for about a month when I move house.( My fish will be having a holiday in my sister' s pond.) I was thinking about lightly cleaning the filter and then leaving it with some water inside of it. Do you think the bacteria will stay alive ? 🐟 🐠 🎣 🐡 🍥 🐟

[@Ozponds]

Yes I do 👍

[@mydisturbedchaos]

Beginning to build a Bog area to add onto my pond. Any suggestions on how I can clean the center of a pond without harming the many inhabitants? I don't want them to get sucked into a sump pump, but need to remove several inches of muck. I use eco products, but, they can't keep up with tree and fish breakdown waste. I can not physically reach the center to manually clean it. I've had it running as an eco pond, multiple bubblers, Hyacinths, plants for filtration, only (and allot of manual clean out) for 21+ years. It was created from a 1958 in-ground pool, and the water tests perfect balance with 5 point test strips. I have visible debris throughout, but no algae. Pool is roughly 30'×20'×30" water volume (oval). I'm still binge watching all of your videos! Thank you for taking the time to put them out there! 🌿

[@Ozponds]

Unfortunately there’s a lot of life living in that muck. When you remove it you will remove/ kill some of that life. I hate doing it too.

[@mydisturbedchaos]

@Ozponds I'm building a bog filtration area now, using a previous koi pond pool - gonna use your specifications for substrate. I enjoy trying to DIY stuff, endorphine rush? (if it works, that is). Trying to figure out a good low flow filter. Thanks again for your videos! 🌿

[@ИосифСталин-ц2у]

есть еще такой способ.. в крышке , где находятся решетки для пропуска воды, удаляете механически эти самые перегородки решетки, получаются большие отверстия. Затем к этой крышке крепите сетку алюминиевую или нержавеку с ячейками около 3-4 мм так, чтобы сетка была вокруг этой крышки , но сетка должна быть больше крышки и не прижиматься в местах захода воды. За счет большой площади сетки засор происходит редко. Чиститься легко струей воды, либо просто ополоснуть в любой емкости с водой.Губки как на видео не стоит использовать, так как губки быстро обрастают водорослями и так же затрудняют забор воды.

[@Ozponds]

There’s lots of ways 👍

[@Sk8erpunkboi1900]

Do they work for big ponds? I have two in my pond just regular ones not like yours but keep draining out my water and they are two new liners. Does these doesn't drain out water do they

[@Ozponds]

I don’t really understand.

[@MarvinBowen]

I need to do this in my pond. I think my lack of pre-filter is what probably led to the death of my Jebao pump. My pump sits on the very bottom, and when debris enters the water and sinks it likely goes right to the filter.

[@Ozponds]

Pre-filtering will definitely extend the life of any pump 👍

[@pabeloo_5832]

Hi ! love your content, but still wondering what is the name of the weeping plant on the left at 0:51 ?

[@Ozponds]

That’s acacia cognata ‘mini cog’

[@pabeloo_5832]

@@Ozponds thanks i juste saw that on your video about the plants you like to use ! Verry interesting flora from Australia !

[@GreymsView-ix8yi]

Hey Kev as you know I am a big fan of Bog Filters I have two running on my indoor stock ponds. But I have a big problem right now with small flies I think they are breeding in the bog filters. Any advice.

[@Ozponds]

Sorry it’s nature. If you bring it inside it will exist inside.

[@Aimeeevps]

I need help asap😂. We made a natural spring pond we get plenty of water no issue. But we are stuck if what to do next. It seems very confusing lol we bought a pool tarp cause of the muck of the water. It has clay too. I wanted to keep the tarp covering the sides so no mud would get back into it. But my husband is like CUT IT LOL. we fought so much. This is my dream not his. He also placed the rocks flat on this slant side that loooks so unnatural. An used what I think is made sand stone😂. Anywho. I wanted so many different things I wanted to make one side deeper and let it overflow to the smaller area. But again HE DIDNT WANT TO DO THAT

[@Ozponds]

I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say. Good luck seem appropriate. I hope you guys figure it out.

[@porojandaniel5738]

Hello! It.s me again...do you prefer a specific brand of epdm? Or all epdm is good epdm...? I don.t know if my supplyer has fish safe epdm (even though it says so) but it seems to be certificated for dams, cannals, reservoires...and roofing also:-? Wonder if it.s good or hazardous for the creatures...

[@Ozponds]

I’ve only used epdm dedicated for ponds (different brands). But I’ve read many comments from people that used the roofing stuff without any issues.

[@stevechadwick85]

STory of my life... always slapping sludge from the units... replacing smaller pumps every 2 yrs...

[@Ozponds]

No fun!

[@KenethReyes-ss7qe]

Hey keneth here just wondering i wanna get a pump for this pond im making which is gonna have 2 turtles it im just wondering how would i go about setting it up and what would i needs that affordable in the range of 100-150 dollars

[@Ozponds]

I can’t really answer that question. Depends on the pond, the filter.

[@KenethReyes-ss7qe]

@@Ozponds let’s say it’s about 140 gallons

[@davestrutton4961]

Because of my ducks use my pond and mud and bits of plants clogged i have to clean it out every week used sponge and mesh but it gets full of mud every week 😅

[@Ozponds]

Bummer 😞

[@brenohighland3259]

we never found out if your home made extra filter material worked

[@Ozponds]

What did I say? I’ll tell you, half the time I don’t remember what I ramble on about. 🤪

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

I quite don’t understand this. Isn’t it the role of the bog filter to filter your pond and prevent the pump for being clogged?

[@Ozponds]

Not at all. The water is pumped from the pond to the bog. I like to use an intake bay or skimmer to house the pump and that certainly helps.

[@Allgood784]

Hi KeV. I am getting closer to putting my pond liner down. Running electricity and having some design fun right now. Unfortunately a meth head showed up to dig it and boy could he dig. I am the guy who has an Oz mate that sent a couple of bucks to ya last year.

[@Ozponds]

Thank Kev. So the meth head could dig but that was unfortunate? I’m confused. Did he steal stuff? Or just dig your pond? Thanks for the few buck last year 👍

[@Allgood784]

Hi KeV, No his presence was unfortunate. Broke tools and talked incessantly. It took a couple hours for me to realize what his issue was. He dug a big hole in record time was the good point(9x9m rough L shape 8 wide and a meter deep at the deepest)His addled brain would put my tools in his cement bucket and I would get them before he left the property.I told my wife to let him know I had cleaned my gun😂😂 I used to detox meth addicts so nothing new to me. On a nicer note I have learned that plants really suck up nitrates and I am making filters with plants, gravel, and pumice stones in them. I have made bins full of perlite for the plants. The water dumps into the perlite which pre filters some of the particulates and the plants grow like crazy. I dump the used dirty perlite into the compost bin with excess plants, put in fresh perlite, and put them back on top of the rocks and pumice stone. We will see how that works over time. The koi is huge now! I sent an email a couple weeks ago.

[@Ozponds]

I see. Great to hear you are having success. Sorry if I didn’t reply to the email I get hundreds each week, I do my best but I just can’t get round to them all.

[@Allgood784]

No worries. Best wishes to you.

[@alanthecat59]

buy a pond pump with a cage , what you are showing / using are aquruim pumps being used in a ponds (not a pump designed for a pond clearly ) , simples

[@Ozponds]

Been running them 3 years, cleaned once.

[@MarekLabrenc]

.

[@Ozponds]

🍻

[@craigphillips9383]

Your lying dude, ALL ponds are expensive, its an expensive hobby 😂😂

[@Ozponds]

You’ve been doing it wrong.