Cheap pond filter| Bog in a barrel| Crystal clear pond water every time

A step by step guide on how I build cheap bog filters in a barrel. You don’t necessarily need to use a barrel these filters can be scaled up for larger ponds. This is a design that has worked wonders for me in my ponds. Feel free to make any adjustments to adapt it to your circumstances. This pond filter was built in under an hour. Hope it helps you guys and girls save money on your pond builds. Thanks for watching 👍.
To create this filter you'll need various plumbing fittings and uniseals which you can buy on amazon- amzn.to/3HVp6uS
To learn more about building and maintaining a successful backyard fish pond visit ozponds.com/

[@jessl1934]

If you use lava rock/scoria for the pebble layer it will significantly reduce the weight of the filter and the porous nature of this rock greatly increases the amount of surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize, thus making the filter more effective for its size and weight.

[@dariusgreysun]

Excellent tip, thank you.

[@deanvanlaarhoven1413]

There is great value in these step by step practical videos. I am so tired of watching pond videos that teach so little and work so hard at impressing us and wowing us with superficial walkthroughs. Thanks for the real help.

[@cheetah100]

Just dropping a note of thanks for this video. I made my own bog filter a few weeks ago and my pond water is already looking awesome. Really appreciate the content.

[@Ozponds]

Awesome. Appreciate you letting me know 👍

[@user-sk3lm1il9r]

​@@Ozpondswwwwww

[@Steinindustrialcorporation]

I made this for my pond about a month ago. My water is crystal clear now, I’m blown away by the results. Thanks Kev

[@Ozponds]

Works every time 👍

[@BUNeekification]

What is the size of ur pond(?_*) & would U do 'anything ' diff. . . ty for uR comment 🙏

[@BUNeekification]

I am using a PooL 600g & have to have the bog under ground 50g then doing a 30 gal aquarium with plants & fountian to returnto pool.. ...we will see 👀 . . ( @Ozponds u are one aWesoMe duDe(!_*)

[@eltonblackley313]

I have watched your videos on bog filters with interest. We have a pond here in NZ with a volume of 1000litre . After trying for for some years to get our pond clear I decided to follow your design for a Bog Filter I purchased a 100litre plastic drum and removed the top then built it to your design. The pond Pump is a Davey Pond 7000. Plenty of flow to which I have restricted by a valve setup to achieve the required flow thru the filter. The pump also supplies a rock water feature as well. Within two days I have noticed a considerable change in water clarity and the boss(partner) is very happy with the outcome. Thank you for the information you have provided. The only problem I now have is the disposal of two redundant Sponge type filters.

[@Ozponds]

Wonderful to hear 😊👍

[@starbattlecar]

Hey Kev, I've probably watched this video 10 times... build my own bog filter to your design and it works like a bomb! Love your channel, helped me build my 1st pond and filter - and it's a success.

[@Ozponds]

Fantastic! That’s what the channel is here for. Thanks for letting me know. 👍👍

[@Notmyhandler]

Haha I’m on my 5th time watching this video and by the 10th I’ll be making one too 😅

[@okoyum]

Thanks mate. This was so helpful! Perfect detail and tempo

[@cassandracarman2830]

Your videos are the best: simple, direct, to the point and easy to follow. Not to mention, this filter actually works :-) Thank you so much for creating quality content!

[@philipwilliams5808]

Excellent presentation, straight to the subject, easy to follow, useful, well narrated. Thanks!

[@gailklevens8717]

Thank you so much for the easy way to help with my large tilapia/prawn pond. I live on a very remote island in Fiji where water and power is captured and solar making water saving a priority and this has been a huge water saver for my pond. I was close to giving up on maintaining my pond until I stumbled on to your video! Thanks again,

[@Ozponds]

That’s wonderful to hear Gail. You made my day 👍

[@DadePomsouvan]

Simple, but yet so sophisticated in how it works!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks mate. I love it’s simplicity 👍

[@collaboratingbackstage1156]

Best bog video I have found. Thanks mate

[@shibibi1]

Not boring at all. I'm using these concepts to design aquaponics systems!

[@Ozponds]

My mini bog filter design is basically an aquaponic grow bed. You can add a bell siphon so that it’s constantly being re-aerated.

[@milliondogranch8633]

Most useful video for DYI pond filter. So much USEFUL info.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks 😊

[@hannahthreadgould2425]

Thank you. This is the first video that explains just about everything I needed to know. This system is perfect for my little project

[@Ozponds]

Wonderful 😊👍

[@MeredithBaillie]

Boring? No way!!! Thanks it was fascinating and very helpful!! Thanks!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Meredith. That’s very kind 😊

[@yetty4032]

Thank you for sharing I did same thing and it work really good My big problem is finely finished now my pond is clear water .again Thanks

[@Ozponds]

Wonderful 😊👍

[@beby843]

You explained this in so much detail, that I subscribed on the spot. I have two 110 gallon hard liner ponds, and this video convinced me to finally proceed with their proper installation. Gracias. Greetings from México.

[@Ozponds]

Awesome 👍

[@Ralphs-House]

Love your thinking on this - particularly the drain valve as I can use the waste on my garden. Beats cleaning out my sponge bio filter. Very ecological, plus a great water garden into the process. I'll be using a large pvc water tank (disguised) - Ralph (UK).

[@Ozponds]

Fantastic Ralph. 👍

[@paulagarrett3758]

I’ve learned so much from your videos! Thank you for helping me work towards finishing a long-overdue project! 2/3rds of the way done now.

[@Ozponds]

I’m really happy my videos have helped you. Thank you so much for your generosity 😊

[@Raphael.P.]

I am just building my own pond and I am so glad that i found your channel! You helped me very much in planning my own bug filter and a little waterfall coming out of it. You also safed me a lot of money :D Thank you very much! Greetings from Austria (Europe 😄)

[@Ozponds]

That’s wonderful 😊👍

[@barrystedman]

Thanks Kev, your videos on bog filters has been invaluable and our exchange of emails has enabled me to build a filter that actuallt works! Years of using UV and sponge filters (none of which worked that well) now I have clear water for the first time. Great advice mate.

[@Ozponds]

I’m happy that I was able to help 😊👍

[@Tjim715]

Thanks for your videos! I’m amazed at the difference in water quality with my bog filter running for just a week!

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear 😊👍

[@landonstrassheim4026]

Amazing video! You’ve inspired me to try to build a bog filter now.

[@Ozponds]

Yay! You won’t be disappointed. 👍

[@cesarb77]

Thank you for the guidance. Keep up the good work.

[@andreashessler838]

Thanks mate. You inspired me to build a bog filter using a planter that i had lying around. I've now also got loads of watercress growing that I can eat. All the best from the UK.

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear 👍

[@karenmcroberts7350]

Your video is amazing. Very simple easy to follow. All the others I have watched is rather complicated and confusing. Thank you.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Karen. I’m glad you found this helpful 👍

[@MarcInCanada]

Covered the important pieces really well- thanks so much!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Marc 👍

[@sliemalouis]

I finished my first 60 ltr Bog Filter last week and after 5 days I already seeing improvement in water clarity. Thanks for the videos.

[@Ozponds]

Awesome! Works every time 👍

[@sharonkinnear5940]

I have a 2000L pond with a mechanical pump and filtration system but it just wasn’t cutting it. With the space I had available next to the pond, I built a 100L bog filter to work alongside the mechanical and boy the results are AMAZING! Super clear water, I can even see right down to the bottom at 1m depth. My system works by the pump from the pond, into the filter to collect the larger debris and then into the bog filter. I installed this towards the end of summer (August in the UK) so I’m looking forward and hoping that when spring comes along the results will still be just as amazing when the water starts warming up and the algae starts blooming. Thank you Kev and keep up the good work!

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear Sharon. Well done 👍.

[@tricollydent]

Thanks for the guide Kev. Simple and most effective method to achieve crystal water in the pond. I followed this guide and had my filter running 3 weeks ago. The plants are still bedding in and already, the results are amazing. Didn't really know what crystal clear was until now. The pond is healthy, the fish are healthy. Your explanations in your videos are very good ranging from practical guides like the bog filter and also the science of the nitrogen cycle. Awesome, thanks!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m super happy that now you get to experience clean, clear water. 👍👍

[@jd64064]

Thank you so much for making this video. Your instructions are so clear and easy to follow, I'de been fighting with a crappy little filter for too long. Made this bog filter like a week ago and it is absolutely amazing. I can't believe how clear my water is and how easy it will be to maintain. Thanks again!

[@Ozponds]

Fantastic. Spread the word. Let’s help more people 😊👍

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

I’m planning on adding one of these filters later on down the line. This is a pretty simple way to do it. I water my vegetable garden from my pond. My plants have shot up from all the nutrients.

[@Ozponds]

Yeap. Simple and easy to clean. You’ll love it 👍

[@fern9234]

Very nicely presented information mate. I really appreciate it. I am going to take your suggestions and make a bog style filter that will flow back into my small pond. My wife will appreciate the sound and the plants, fish, and I will appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity. Cheers

[@Ozponds]

😂 everyone’s a winner. 👍

[@75blackviking]

Your videos are a treasure trove of valuable information. Water filtration is extremely important in my opinion.

[@Ozponds]

Mine too 👍

[@user-gz4so5ly2p]

Hello Kev, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Some people will not share information which is sad as we all want to make this world a better place. We have struggled for years with our pond, and this was the last attempt as we were ready to get rid of it altogether. My husband followed your plans, and we now have a beautiful clear pond and frogs.... wonderful!

[@Ozponds]

That’s wonderful to hear. I’m so happy my videos were able to help 😊👍

[@LunarWolf]

Thank you 😊 About to build a new pond and this is brilliant.

[@Ozponds]

I hope you create something amazing 👍

[@chrisrawley7987]

Hi Kev. Awesome videos. Nice and clear. Just installed a bog filter following your advice on my 2000l pond and it went from pea soup to crystal clear in 9 days. So pleased. Many thanks and keep up the good work

[@Ozponds]

Great stuff Chris 👍

[@SG-sc9vc]

How big is your filter? I have a pond of the same size

[@caroljackson146]

Hi Kev. Just wanted to thank you for this video. I watched it at least 10 times and finally got the confidence to build one myself. Mine runs on a solar pump. It looks awesome and the fish love it! Still have to find a plant for the top. My neighbor wants to make one as well! Thanks-Carol

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear 👍

[@caroljackson146]

Quick question, how often do you drain your barrel for cleaning?

[@9catlover]

am planning to build the bog filter this weekend. the bottom of my 'bog' will the same level as the top of the koi pond. we have a filter we got from amazon, but after seeing what u built i want the water than comes out to go into the new bog i am going to build. i will add sedums, possible a lily plant, even some oxygenating plants if i have any left over from my shrimp tank

[@vidkiduk]

Hey Kev! I just wanted to say a massive thanks for these videos. I have a 400+l pond which is just under a year old and when we had some good weather here in the UK recently the water went that typical green soup colour. So I set up the barrel bog and built it like yours and it took a while before I got any results and that was because of the flow, once I slowed it right down like you said in just a few days I had very clear water. Absolutely amazing how well this works, cheers mate!

[@Ozponds]

That’s great Rob 👍 It works every time.

[@vidkiduk]

@@Ozponds it's a bit of a running joke now about me talking about the bog filter, I'll be making another one for my god son soon. I'm spreading the word and crediting Ozponds! Cheers again

[@Ozponds]

😂 thanks mate. That’s fantastic 👍

[@erichpizer1]

@@Ozponds is there anything you can recommend to quickly get rid of tannin in the water out of control without the expense of lots of purigen or a-carbon on a 3000 litre pond

[@benny_lemon5123]

This is such a great instructional video. Cant wait to put this into action. Subbed! ☺

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Benny. Welcome aboard 😃

[@VG-re1bj]

Thanks a lot for this video. I am in the middle of setting up a small pond consisting of two half barrels at different heights so the water falls from one into the other and a solar powered water pump to complete the flow. The idea is to have a few plants and a couple of goldfish. I was looking for an idea to filter the water and I think it is small enough to try a similar system using a terracota pot instead of the olive barrel

[@gregbrassington2120]

Thankyou Kev for the info on how to make this bog filter. In the process of making this as we speak . Purchased all the material from Bunnings nice and cheap as I'm living in Oz . Great videos ,subscribed . Cheers Greg.

[@Ozponds]

Great stuff Greg. I hope your pond brings you as much joy as mine do 👍

[@12Jerbs]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, mate. We're looking at making our first pond (~2500 L) and stumbled on to your videos. I love the idea of a natural filter system. We're looking at ways of implementing this with a small waterfall feature.

[@cindyhmcdaniel4977]

You will love a bog system. I’m starting to plan a new pool too. There weren’t any vids back when I did it. Trying to add it to side of a hard stock tank. Crazy. But the big stream has worked so well !

[@cindyhmcdaniel4977]

Bog stream.

[@ChristineLi]

Such a good description! Thank you.

[@J-Peeeeazy]

Thanks for the vid! It only took 3 days to have crystal clear water and it's so easy to clean. Pond holds a turtle, local plants and 10 gold fish. My pump is a bit overpowered for my 250 gallon pond, so I used a full 55 gallon water barrel. I had to make two out flow holes 3/4" with flex hose each because my pump is so fast. I haven't even filled the barrel completely with rocks yet, only filled about half way and it works perfectly.

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear 👍

[@tamaras4102]

All I can say is that it works. I made a small waterfall with a 60 liter pond and the filter according to your idea, has been working for 3 months, the water is clear and small creatures have already appeared in the pond. I use a solar water pump that works during the day when it is sunny and for another 5 hours on the battery, however the water is clear. I made the filter from materials I had at home, but the construction method is the one indicated by you. Ohh I forgot to put the drain valve 😆 maybe at the next bigger pond. Thanks from Romania.

[@Ozponds]

Awesome 👍

[@suegoetz1221]

i used your design to build my bog filter. I got my uniseal in really easily by droping it in hot water for 30 seconds. Also, i left out the glue. I didn't know how to use it, but the filter works great. I built it last year and its still works.

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear 👍

[@edolitaay3373]

This is the most helpful video I found thank you!

[@Ozponds]

That’s great. That’s what I aim to do. 👍

[@spockbr18]

It is INDEED!!! Great video!!! Just amazing!!!

[@sotf2012]

Thank you and thank you again! Your video may be the most complete and helpful and simple I've ever seen. And you also tell us where to buy the parts. I like cheap and inexpensive. Too often I see pond supplies being touted as must have and being sold for over the top prices. Thank you for the drain information too. I wonder if you have or could make a video about a short (1 to 2 meters, 6 feet) on the surface very low flow stream. Thanks again!

[@carrington16wc]

Hi I've made your DIY bog filter design just over a week ago and it's turned my pea soup water into crystal clear like tap water in just over a week and I'm totally amazed by the results 5star advice 👍 P.S and without any chemical additives.

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear. Works every time. Spread the word 👍

[@thurston383]

Awesome idea, I have a 3000+l pond might try this in the future

[@-8_8-]

Ozman! I achieved clarity! green water, through a rock based filter, now crystal clear over... a week? I also have a sponge in it that had established bacteria from an aquarium to kick start. Thank you so much for your hard work!

[@Ozponds]

That’s fantastic mate. It works every time 👍

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

Great video.. I have several ponds.. I believe bog filters work very well. Thanks for sharing..

[@Ozponds]

Thanks mate 👍

[@cheeseymccheese7249]

Great information. Im in Canada and going to attempt to clear up my 1/4 acre pond. Thanks

[@Ozponds]

But not with a barrel filter. You’ll need a much bigger bog.

[@ZaneofAustin]

great info in this video :) nice care to details, not only about how to build a bog, but how they should function. and great execution to top it off. nice :D

[@Ozponds]

Thanks. 👍

[@ramirogonzalez5728]

This has helped my pond so much, thank you !!!

[@Ozponds]

That’s awesome Ramiro. Thanks for letting me know. 👍

[@franklinnorth7708]

Made a filter similar to this, works great, now clear water, before there was no filter and water turned green every summer.

[@Ozponds]

Awesome 👍

[@lellesunk]

Great videos, great ideas! Might use some of them. My little pond contains about 55.000 liters so I might have to scale up a little... 🐟 Greetings from Sweden!

[@Ozponds]

Building a large DIY bog filter| Dream pond| Stage 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3O8nJd-gLxng9E

[@anoobhamza]

One of the best videos i too have seen.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks mate. Glad it’s useful 👍

[@onthesoulside]

Thanks for such a great video. I'm.in Katoomba so temp us challenging . Thanks again for such a great video

[@jason8507]

This is a great video!!! I have way over kill of a bog filter. Yet my water is thick like pea soup! Flow rate was the issue. Bigger is not better.... Clear water now, perfect! Thank you

[@Ozponds]

Great news 👍

[@geoffj3191]

Was your initial flow too fast or too slow?

[@Mostaism]

Top work bud.

[@jordonmartin2937]

You make the best videos, thank you!

[@Ozponds]

I’m glad you like them.

[@Hellbillyhok666]

Great video mate, im gonna make a bog filter for my pond tommorrow, cheers yeti 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Ozponds]

You won’t regret it 👍

[@reyouk3672]

Thank you for your Chanel you are a amazing. I can’t wait to try to build are own bog filter for are first pond

[@Ozponds]

I’m glad you find the channel useful. 😊

[@briangrebert5363]

There is a valve called a "vacuum breaker valve" that is used in irrigation systems to allow air in, in the event of the need to break a suction occurrence. Quite cheap and common.

[@Ozponds]

Cool 👍

[@xeedsenterprise505]

Thank you for the info ( from Malaysia)

[@enriquetaaguilar5982]

Thank you! Lots of helpful tips and good info

[@Ozponds]

Thanks. That’s what I like to hear 😊👍

[@mistsmogguru8378]

Nice job

[@the0prynce]

I've used cardboard with only mulch on top like a biodegradable landscape fabric. I cut holes in the cardboard and plant beneath it. I do like contractor paper though. I find it easier to overlap and keep edges clean. I have it under my beds, heavy landscape fabric in walkways.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks for the shoutout mate. Let me know if you're ordering again & I'll sort out a bit of a discount for you. 😉 Nice looking filter. I know folks that use something similar in aquaponics. Cheers & have a top one Kev.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Rob, anytime 👍. You’ve always looked after me when ordering and from the feedback I’ve received so far everyone has been super happy with your prices and service. Love all the info you share on your channel you deserve all the good vibes 😎👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@Ozponds 😁👍

[@darkshireaquatics]

awesome video✌✌

[@strengthbydesign]

Thank you so much, this is really useful. Cheers

[@Ozponds]

I’m glad 😊

[@TTTorpedOOO]

amazing man! very nice!

[@onethought8100]

Wow, best advice ever! I also didn't know you could put any plants into the filter. I guess impatients are good. I'm not sure what good plants for the pond are as my fish are nibbling at the weeds on the edge. Would like natural plants when I bring them inside soon.

[@scox7748]

Awesome design, great tips and advice. My brain jumped ahead to a chain of these filters with my herb gardens and veges growing in them. My family is living out of a car at the moment so might be a while eh😂

[@Ozponds]

I hope things work out.

[@scox7748]

@@Ozponds thank you. Actually just chucked in a 20 year teaching career and moved my family to Aus. Id love to get a job making natural pools or wildlife ponds. Loving the place so far, life is definitely better here.

[@Ozponds]

I’m so glad your not homeless!

[@camboaquarium7678]

I'm planning to do that ! look so awesome

[@Ozponds]

You’ll be happy you did 👍

[@wt_9026]

I'm going to add a bog filter to my two stocktank ponds, one 100gal the other 180gal, to combine the water and biofiltration... i'm worried about backflow into pond if we have power failure (common during summer storms here). Was initially thinking of a flowcheck valve on the input lines, but your air hole approach may be more effective/easier!

[@Ozponds]

The air hole won’t fail. 👍

[@eternalfizzer]

Thanks for the primer. I'll "try not to get too bogged down in the finer points" ;-)

[@Ozponds]

😂👍

[@daleaxe1030]

Nice job man

[@MrRenoman2011]

Thanks great video

[@koreanature]

Wow, My best friend, I liked the video very much, thanks you for sharing, stay safe, stay blessed

[@Ozponds]

You too 👍

[@nicolasalakepasa]

You are awesome! Easy explanation

[@Ozponds]

Hope it helps you create something awesome 👍

[@MrJmhess77]

Hi Kev, good news I got my pond and for the most part the stream dug out today, it's a 7x5 with a depth of 3 feet (sorry). I also picked up my barrel container and have started on the construction of the bog filter. So far so good, no issues and everything is coming together nicely. It has to at this point as my wife will kill me if I don't end up with water in this giant hole in our backyard! HA HA! I have to let her sweat it out a little bit. The PDF has been really solid reference to use. FYI - I built a mall pond years ago so it will be fine. The filter was much easier than it looks.

[@Ozponds]

If it’s any consolation, my wife always thinks I’m crazy.

[@MrJmhess77]

@@Ozponds We are certainly not alone based on my recent research. 🙂

[@sassafrasred6657]

Thank you

[@cdropbox]

this is very cool!

[@Ozponds]

Glad you thought so. 😊

[@trantor5656]

Thank you.

[@MrEdwardCarpenter]

Great video. Thank you!

[@Ozponds]

Happy you found it useful 😃👍

[@jamesconnors5653]

Understood. Thank you much.

[@juncuspatens]

great video, thanks!!

[@Ozponds]

You’re most welcome. Glad you liked 👍

[@spockbr18]

Like I mentioned below, great, amazing video... By the end, you showed how you clean... Just wanna double check... You don't touch the rocks at all, eh? Just open the cleaning valve and wash from above?! Once again, thank you!!!

[@Ozponds]

Yeap. And keep flushing until the water coming out is clear 👍

[@scox7748]

That guy Ian is lucky eh, having nature do it for his ponds.

[@rkl3692]

Thank you 🙏

[@Ozponds]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kermit9409]

Is this the only filter point of your pond. Wow!!

[@Ozponds]

On the small 1000L goldfish pond yes. I also have a full barrel on the courtyard 3x4m pond, that one also has a diy skimmer.

[@d3xxxx]

Love your vids. I'm half way through building mine and considering using some small expansed clay for the top layer vs. small stones. What are your thoughts on expanded clay/hydroton? Cheers mate

[@Ozponds]

I like it. I’ve used aquaponic clay balls as the media before. Works really good 👍

[@samheadz2210]

thank you for this video

[@Ozponds]

No problem 👍

[@macky4074]

This is a great idea, it's inspired me to think up new ways of filtering my pond using the surrounding stones and rocks acting as both filter and scenery. Quick question, can a filter ever be too big? Or does size not matter as long as the flow rate is correct?

[@Ozponds]

I think you can’t oversize a filter. Some may disagree. With a bog filter they are very forgiving if you get things a little wrong. Slow flow is the key for success with a bog it needs to mimic a wetland environment.

[@stamentonchev]

Thanks!

[@Ozponds]

Thank you 😊 Much appreciated 🍻

[@suls8972]

Thank you so much you inspired me to build one a while ago, but now i have problem with overgrown algae, what can i do to prevent it?

[@Ozponds]

This video shows what I try and do. Pond algae | Prevention & treatment | My thoughts kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5nPiIuqetCSras