Building a HUGE Pond Filter - Part 6 - Shower Filters

Sixth episode in this mega-filter build for my large trout pond. Today we will take a look at the shower filters and I explain about the water flow direction and filter media.
Video with Evolve shower filter and Blagdon Amphibious IQ 12000 Pump (which feeds water to shower filters) : bit.ly/2t3N8OH
Global Koi stainless steel shower filter video: bit.ly/2UYv4AX
Looking INSIDE filter media video: bit.ly/2KbOAGk
Phil's channel: bit.ly/2NbCkag
All types of Biohome media and links to other distributors: www.filterpro.c...
Blagdon Amphibious IQ 12000 pump (for shower filters): geni.us/9ByCf5F
Hel-x 17 moving media: ebay.to/2UZk5aM
Alfagrog used in this video is the E40 size but there is a smaller size available (E25) for smaller filters.
Alfagrog (Amazon): geni.us/Il899
Alfagrog (Ebay): ebay.to/2zWrajj
Hel-X 13 25 litres (Amazon): geni.us/3UBTi
Hel-X 13 25 litres (ebay): ebay.to/2QPKiq6
Hel-X 17 (more suited to very large moving bed filters):
bit.ly/2PBAOyn
K1 standard size (Amazon): geni.us/zNFFaJ
K1 micro 25 litres (Amazon): geni.us/byDQ
K1 micro 50 litres (Amazon): geni.us/M7T2AH
K1 micro 25 litres (ebay): ebay.to/2P5Flfv
K1 micro 50 litres (ebay): ebay.to/2NFJ3YB
Moving bed media (FilterPro): bit.ly/2NN1gU6
Vortex filters: bit.ly/2Mj7gYa
4" fittings: geni.us/nTQc9bw
2" taps: geni.us/OBXBGSI
8" diameter brushes: ebay.to/2OvMOkc
Filter grids: geni.us/oqDBzT
If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects.
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching.
See you next time.
Pondguru
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy
INSTAGRAM: / pondguru_outdoors
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn
JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24
Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7

[@bull3eye890]

I love most of your videos, I've particularly loved your mega pond filter build series. I've honestly loved it. Constructive criticism though, you need to do some follow up on how well it actually works. I'm sure you had a goal regarding the life you wished to sustain in your pond but we know nothing regarding what life was sustainable in your pond before your filter build and how that was improved after your filter build. I know I'm not alone in wanting a follow up video on how your filter has influenced the life in your pond. I'm a fan. I ask this as a fan.

[@pondguru]

Sixth episode in this mega-filter build for my large trout pond. Today we will take a look at the shower filters and I explain about the water flow direction and filter media. Video with Evolve shower filter and Blagdon Amphibious IQ 12000 Pump (which feeds water to shower filters) : bit.ly/2t3N8OH Global Koi stainless steel shower filter video: bit.ly/2UYv4AX Looking INSIDE filter media video: bit.ly/2KbOAGk Phil's channel: bit.ly/2NbCkag All types of Biohome media and links to other distributors: www.filterpro.co.uk Blagdon Amphibious IQ 12000 pump (for shower filters): geni.us/9ByCf5F Hel-x 17 moving media: ebay.to/2UZk5aM Alfagrog used in this video is the E40 size but there is a smaller size available (E25) for smaller filters. Alfagrog (Amazon): geni.us/Il899 Alfagrog (Ebay): ebay.to/2zWrajj Hel-X 13 25 litres (Amazon): geni.us/3UBTi Hel-X 13 25 litres (ebay): ebay.to/2QPKiq6 Hel-X 17 (more suited to very large moving bed filters): bit.ly/2PBAOyn K1 standard size (Amazon): geni.us/zNFFaJ K1 micro 25 litres (Amazon): geni.us/byDQ K1 micro 50 litres (Amazon): geni.us/M7T2AH K1 micro 25 litres (ebay): ebay.to/2P5Flfv K1 micro 50 litres (ebay): ebay.to/2NFJ3YB Moving bed media (FilterPro): bit.ly/2NN1gU6 Vortex filters: bit.ly/2Mj7gYa 4" fittings: geni.us/nTQc9bw 2" taps: geni.us/OBXBGSI 8" diameter brushes: ebay.to/2OvMOkc Filter grids: geni.us/oqDBzT If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects. Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching. See you next time. Pondguru RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/ FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24 Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7

[@adamsantos5649]

I’ve been wanting to build a pond for South American Cichlid’s, not one as large but still one nonetheless, maybe 500-800 gallons, the manner in which the filter has constructed is totally amazing, thank you for posting.

[@simplifygardening]

That's such an awesome filter, Richard. Every time I see this it makes me think how much better the quality of the water that's gonna make the pond. Time to make lots of changes now the filter pretty much sorted. Reedbed is the perfect way to finish the filter

[@mattdawson7055]

Looks bloody good Richard 👍

[@andrewbellard3174]

I've been patiently waiting for the final results video. How did it turn out? How has the water quality and clarity turned out?

[@joshavandervelden4764]

2021 still waiting!

[@AfnanStudio_]

@@joshavandervelden4764 lol

[@wubster100]

@@joshavandervelden4764 yea

[@kellyb0279]

I can't see it cleaning that pond up bit it will definitely improve the water quality

[@johnfurr8779]

It has been my experience, especially in relation to scientific experimentation that when the person fails to file an update after completing the initial phase of a project the reason is that they failed to achieve the result that they expected and touted. I'm not saying that is the case here... but, let's just say that IF I were to undertake such a project I'd start by collecting a ton of pre-experimentation data, far beyond a repeatable and accurate standardized water clarity test using a Secchi disk as well as many water quality chemical tests etc, and regardless of the outcome I'd post the results, good or bad.

[@TheWildWondersSA]

It is seriously looking great Richard! Looking forward to the reedbed build with the roots exposed like that it would be excellent like you say for the fry to grow out in.

[@SartBG]

So I never ever plan on getting a pond, but I do find these series fascinating, and the channel quite educational. The double-dose of pond updates is really appreciated! I expected the next one to be out in atleast a week hah

[@rosshale2384]

Brilliant series of vids 👌 I have learned a lot from them,don’t have a pond but if I win the lottery your going to be my go to guru, don’t know where you find the time to run your business do all your filter upgrade vids,build winter shelters. Thanks for all the info you post for us it is appreciated by everyone I’m sure😊👍👍

[@aviswinn4757]

I really look forward to these mega pond filter and pimp my filter videos. Looking forward also to a before and after water parameters test for this mega pond filter build and mega huge clean out in a year.

[@davidbrown9493]

Top video again and I like the plant root idea at the end of the video

[@alanthecat59]

great work as normal Richard

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Thanks for a great series PG.

[@shunter66]

Great stuff richard, 😊😊 you need sum big Carp in there now.

[@dawndixon1585]

Lookin fab richard, a lot of work & thought has defo gone in to that hell of a filter, in a few months time when it's warmer 🌞 if you don't mind...i'm goin to have pop up to see that monster of a fab filter of yours, listening to all that lovely running water lol, & to meet the new cutest member of your family 🐱 hopefully 😃

[@SuperScorpiorising]

Hi Richard, absolutely love your pond videos and your practical and creative ideas. Reed bed sounds amazing. Really relaxing to watch, i love nature and fishing when i get the chance, never caught a trout yet though but always wanted to have a bash at fly fishing. Btw, your pond looks tons cleaner already since i last saw the vids after you used the clay stuff lol. Looking forward to the next installment! 🙂

[@grahamwilkinson5082]

Any more videos on the mega filter? Eagerly waiting...!

[@PullingYourStrings]

Especially now the weather's changing

[@freddyramirez7933]

I’ve been waiting as well dying to se the end result

[@humptygti]

i sat up watching them all last night until about 2 a.m lol..

[@charlie10tango39]

awesome job... this is exactly what I have filtering my 29g community aquarium.......HAHAHA

[@Wayne-fe1ed]

Very good dude. I was trying to figure ways of improving your system for my own challenge, and couldn't. When you said about the weed bed, I dare say you've managed to perfect and damned good system. Loved this series.

[@smithmiesterman]

great vid cant wait to see the pond clear ;)

[@slartyblastfart]

Many thanks, I'll take a look.

[@Tom_Prendiville]

You ended up keeping the evolve shower filter, great video as always Richard.

[@slartyblastfart]

I'll check those out thanks.

[@truijs65]

Awesome stuff and great tips I can use for.my filters. When are you gonna talk about the aquarium you've put in there?

[@paulrcleaver]

Loving the videos ❤️️ In the final one I think it would be great to see a simplified cartoon/drawing animation type thing to explain all the order and direction of flow please. Not that I would ever consider building anything like it. My pond is a 15 ft wildlife pond, no fish, but loads of frogs, newts, dragonflies etc. With no filter whatsoever, but quite heavily planted and doing quite well thanks.

[@MrFloRolf]

Great video Richard, I love seeing the filter coming together like that! One thing to note though especially now with a bigger 30.000 liter/h pump is the tube size. Right now it looks like you are using like 63mm tubes to get the water from the pond to the Filter, which looks about around 20 meters? That means you'll have quite a lot of pressure loss. You should upgrade this tube to at least a 75mm pipe, better even 90mm or 110mm. So you get around 1-2m/s flow rate and massively reduce the pressure and flow loss. You can look up how pipe size and flow rate go together online :)

[@campo7622]

Loved it

[@jeffrichards2954]

Hi Richard excellent video as per usual. Please do an in depth comment on the bio balls in your stainless steel shower filter their pros & cons. Many thanks from Australia.

[@BrianM78]

Thanks

[@TheDarrenhi]

Also I got really good results with polyester pillows and sponges

[@TheCourageousLink]

awesome

[@jdofishtank6018]

Now that’s the biggest pimp filter of them all.

[@danishpatriotwwg1wga291]

Love your channel Richard ♥️👍 Have you ever used the auga vario flow pump? 😁 I use it, and it's my favorit choice 👍👍👍

[@broman6662]

This filter build series is pure hardcore filter porn 😂 Love it!

[@brankomalik324]

Hi Richard! Can you test the water after each filter section, just to compare what’s going on. I understand that bio media it’s going to take some time to kick in. Thanks

[@palmsaquatics3912]

Filter god! 🙌

[@smithmiesterman]

hi mate, have you ever thought of adding a big wetland bog filter with intake bay??. pond guy on youtube filters very large natural ponds that way!!!

[@bonsaisid]

Any suggestions for removing suspended clay from a large pond? Filter or Gypsum? thanks.

[@zoltantakacs9840]

Hi! I really like your videos! I have a question about my pond! 2500 gallons liner , schemer,bottom drain, install ready! what you recommend for filtering? I want full circle ,less maintenance! Thanks Zoltan

[@truijs65]

When will the next episode come? You told us you would show us the filter in use and result and also show how you incorporated the tank in it.

[@puirYorick]

Thanks for continuing to update this big project. When the pond water begins to be clear will it leave the fish too exposed to predatory birds though?

[@pondguru]

Yes probably but it will also allow the fish to see herons better. I'm not worried about the herons as we have a pair of large crows which chase them away and herons really only fish from the side catching a few of the thousands of small fish which are in the pond. Cormorants and goosanders get shot on sight.

[@puirYorick]

@@pondguru Sounds like a plan. I trust you've lots of steel shot handy. Good luck.

[@matejkliman1]

Thank you Pondguru for this great series and like many others I encourage you to share with us how your mega filter works. Judging from your other videos I deduce that this filter has not had any substantial effect on water clarity in your lovely pond. I wonder if there could ever be a filter to clean this pond even if it was 10times bigger, because there must be just so many nutrients from the soil of the surrouning nature just flowing into the pond with each and any rain. Might this assumption be correct?

[@pondguru]

I totally changed the filter and located it on the other side of the pond. When it was running 24/7 the water did get a bit clearer but the pump I have running on it now is close to 600w as it shifts around 60,000 lph The new set up is more about creating a good environment for not only bacteria but also a nation of invertebrates, some of which get washed from the filter every time the pump is on - that helps to feed the fish. As the pond is clay lined and has carp and a sturgeon which must be close to 6 feet long in there it is never going to be clear but the water is very healthy and fish are doing well.

[@pondguru]

I will be filming an update on the new filter today s upload will be in the next few days.

[@kevinlake3870]

@@pondguru - Hi Richard - Really looking forward to the update - have wondered where you had been and why the series ended so suddenly? I have built a small (approx 2100lt) koi pond, and I used your videos to guide me - especially the shower filter ideas. Unfortunately there is not a lot of ceramic fired filter media (Alfagrog, Biohome, BHM etc) available in South Africa, and what is available is hella expensive . I currently have lava rock in my shower, but am going to upgrade both the size of the shower and the media in the shower when I have time over December (currently working out the country), and I am planning on adding an upflow bog filter as well for a bit more mechanical and biological filtration. Thanks again for your very informative and helpful videos. Kevin from Johannesburg, South Africa.

[@pondguru]

@@kevinlake3870 Anything you can use as filter media will be batter than nothing and if you slow the flow right down in the biological section you'll allow the water to be deoxygenated and support anaerobic activity for nitrate reduction. In that situation the filter media doesn't have to be anything special so a decent quality lava rock would be a great choice if everything else was prohibitively expensive. If you could have a high flow filter for ammonia and nitrite reduction and a slow flow filter for nitrate reduction that would be a great system. Best of luck with your project.

[@jamesmgreen15]

Some great tips - thanks! Have you considered a wetland type filter system? I guess price v gain???

[@edwardsdeacon]

🚨how is the Pumice efficient and effective if is covered by so much muck, wouldn’t it be better if that was knocked off by a power washer then put back into the filter ? Also will you please post a update video showing how this filter is doing and what the large aquarium in be used for. These videos are great, thank you 🙏🏽 for creating them and sharing them.......

[@robertwilson1239]

Richard, any updates on the mega filter build ? Cant wait to see it finished I think 6 months is long enough for us to wait 😫

[@y0ni0]

@pondguru So If I got it right, the right order to filter is 1) swirl filter for muck 2) mechanical for finer muck 3) moving bed 4) static bed To get the full cycle? And 5) shower filter (optional/extra) Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[@fisharefriends598]

You know the mans serious when the pond is bigger then the house

[@tintersniffer9929]

The filter is bigger than most houses 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ANT9TOB3]

You planning on growing any plants to help deal with even more nitrate?

[@y2keefus]

you've got so much going on in these videos that i have a hard time conceptualising it. i think you should do a video where you just sit down with a pencil and some paper and sort of diagram the entire pond filter so that these videos make a little more sense.

[@crisvega7588]

The showers filter is showing a bit of rust, maybe coat it?

[@slartyblastfart]

Is there a link for that pump power control. Does the pump have to be specific for variable power.

[@pondguru]

You can buy pumps with remote control for variable output but as far as I know you can't electronically alter the flow of a 'normal' pump - it needs to have an asynchronous motor. This is the link to the one I use: geni.us/9ByCf5F and it is the 12000 version which powers the 2 shower filters in this video. It's a very nice pump and not a crazy price.

[@alanthecat59]

Hi Paul the Amphibious IQ pumps use a frequency inverter digital motor system in the pump housing , with integrated model specific power system for the motor in the controller that includes the display panel. So sorry its not possible to use it in any other application.Or model actually within the range. If you want a bit more detail search out Blagdon water gardening KZbin channel , a couple of vids on there that explain more.

[@oscarkiller6893]

Cool bro

[@MrChillen22]

When do we get to see the pond all cleared up !!!! ??????????

[@richardportelli1983]

Is this pond just yours or is it shared with other properties?

[@2010wembley]

What is the best way to rid a pond of phospate and nitrate? Ammonia and nitrite is zero. PH 8. GH and KH within parameters. My problem is the tap water has elevated nitrate and phospate so i cant dilute it by doing water changes!

[@mesterh6402]

Plants.

[@TononiaWorld]

Greetings Pond Guru, i apologize if anything I say offends or contradict any believe, everything I write is solely based on physics and not on any empirical knowledge. Swirl filter. Swirl filters work on reduced water flow AND vortex to separate element with different gravimetric weights. By adding the brushes you are eliminating this last part, you only have swirl on the very beginning of the filter, witch is not enough to separate very small matter. Also best practice would be to have the exhaust pipe extend to the center of the swirl filter, brushes can be moved to the mechanical filter stage next. Mechanical filter stage. In the mechanical filter stage you have the exit and intake at the top, you should move the intake to the bottom and pack the brushes more compact, this will force the remaining sediment to stay on the bottom and only clear water to exit at the top to the moving bed filter. Moving bed filter. In the moving bed filter you should reduce the exhaust pipe diameter to 3" or less, this will increase the pressure and aid on the flow, thus help move the media faster. You may need to go down to 2.5 or even 2" pipes, also move all the pipes to the farthest side of the moving bed and sink down about 1/3 the depth of the container, and place the air hose in the other side as a thin wall of bubble, that will create the vertical vortex needed to move all the media and have the flow follow so there is no leaking or bypassing. Static bed filter. Lower the water level or raise the media height, or install baffle to avoid bypass, also you could add baffles to extend the duration of water in the filter by reducing the intake speed and spreading the flow across all the media. By this time water should be completely clear thus in the last stage you should not need any media, just increase aeration by installing a wet dry filter and exiting at the bottom of the container, you can achieve this without any pumps at that stage thus you can use your pump as backup or to aid in water intake. Hope it helps Tonny García - Dominican Republic.

[@paulstephenson2904]

Any chance of the pipe work freezing?

[@AquaPeet]

Will thicker media house more anoxic bacteria than thinner media? Let's say you have a tray of 1 cm diameter media versus a tray with 3 cm diameter media. Which setup would house more anoxic bacteria and remove more nitrate?

[@gazlander]

How’s the filter working, Richard?

[@TheDarrenhi]

Where is the vid on the last huge pond filter

[@jean-lucchessher7065]

Is alphagrog any good for canister filters

[@eisenklad]

i think he covered that in an earlier episode, its not great for canister filters. alphgrog main usage is in shower filters for ponds. its too dense to support Anaerobic. Look at his Pimp my Filter series to draw inspiration for your canister filter. i'm looking at those series to see how canister filter makers design their internals. so far i am inspired to make a sump that isnt fixed chambers but rather using plastic containers that stack. i will be adding a Booster Canister after the sump,i bought that after watching PondGuru's video about filter being too small kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmapnIaKjtB4d6c. but i have been busy with work, so my tanks are almost empty of fish(gave most away). i have like 1-3 guppies to eat mosquito larvaes.

[@SiHill80]

You can certainly use grog in a canister if you want. It's also regularly used in sumps. It comes in 2 different sizes though and for a canister you will want the smaller size.

[@jean-lucchessher7065]

@@SiHill80 was just wondering for if i set up a fish tank thanks i use it to fill in space in my turtles fillter

[@kelterskelter1969]

I would avoid alfagrog in a canister. It only has external surface area so you need way more than a canister can house. Put porous media in a canister.

[@jean-lucchessher7065]

@@kelterskelter1969 fare crack

[@georgecromar4094]

When is #7 coming please?

[@mannyroias3392]

How deep is your pond?

[@Snacksy1973]

I´m so jealous...

[@mesterh6402]

I'm sure a lot of people ask, but do you ever swim in your lake?

[@georgecromar4094]

Dear Mr Pondguru. Whats happening with the Mega-Filter Pleasey? B-)

[@IFIXCASTLES]

👍👍👍

[@muckshifter]

So, no fishing allowed then? :))

[@anotherluckydad]

Looking near' well enough to drink.

[@jonathandavies1212]

Any more videos

[@electoplater]

if you have enough water flow tracking does not happen thats why river burst their banks

[@progressivepondkeeping]

💪💪💪💪💪💪👊

[@chelsieblack921]

Been one year when the next update???

[@CmdrX3]

That's not a pond, that's a feckin lake lol.

[@abdelkaderelmardi6494]

♥️👋🇫🇷👍

[@keithbolger6760]

Stainless Steel I DON'T THINK SO. Stainless Steel DOESN'T RUST 🤔🤔

[@natkingcol909]

It's too small, you need a bigger filter!

[@benboone007]

How much overkill is this thing lol

[@MrFloRolf]

Not at all actually with this big of a pond. Not sure how many fish are in there tho.

[@Snacksy1973]

for most pond´s maybe, but that´s more like a lake ;-)

[@benboone007]

@@MrFloRolf yeah I don't know how big the pond is but I thought surely this seems just a tiny bit overkill for anything haha

[@rbo350]

Hire a fish keeper to edit your vides

[@petersavery8185]

V