"Melissa" wrote in message
...





Very helpful! Thanks so much. You've led to a couple more questions...
I've just ordered the PM1000 filter, the website I found it at had a
discounted for damage section so got a deal on the filter and the filter
pads. I did modify the inlet and outlet tubes, by cutting them down and
adding long pieces of the clear tubing. I didn't realize it was simply
being clear that was promoting the algae, having black tubes will cut down
on that?

Yes, no light, no algae. That's why I also recommended one of those roll-up
shade (plastic fake bamboo), installed either inside or outside the screen
to cut down the light getting to the pond. They are available at Lowe's for
$10 or $15.

The HOT filter had been clogging, due to the soil we used for
planting around the pond, and the algae growth.

I think if you solve your algae problem you'll be OK. Of course, that may
not be so easy to do with a turtle being a constant supply of phosphates and
ammonia. Most folks in this NG seem to have good results usings lots of
plants to out compete the algae for the nutrients (phosphate and nitrates
{ammonia being the precursor}) I took the advice of someone in this NG
(sorry can't remember who it was) and used Canadian peat to lower the pH,
which seems to give the plants an advantage, plus added fertilizer that had
potassium and the micronutrients needed by the plants. Usually the pond
will mature by itself though, to the point where one day it will suddenly be
crystal clear.........but that is a pond that is fairly well balanced with
plants and animals. In your case, a turtle with no plants.......very
difficult......may just stay green without doing something. That's why the
recommendation for the phosphate absorbing pads (available at the Marine
Warehouse Aquarium).....they aren't cheap and need to be replaced though.
With a turtle that could be frequently.

The filter was in the
back corner, across the pond so it was difficult to get access to. I've
moved it now to the front corner where the lamp was, so it will be easier
to
take care of.

That's my motto.......make things easy to do........stands a better chance
of getting done :-)

You mentioned using the PM1000 as a pre-filter, I hadn't
considered using both, but that seems easy enough to set up. I've not
heard
of the phosphate pads, so will look into those as well. I'm not familiar
with in line UV lighting, perhaps I can google that as well?

Basically, the UV light kills the algae by altering the its' DNA as it
passes through the in-line chamber, bacteria too. They aren't cheap and the
lamp needs to be replaced at least every year to be effective (the lamps are
expensive). Their is nothing mysterious about them.......they are just a
fluorescent light fixture with a UV lamp that is arranged so that the water
passes by the light and, of course, built so that the fixture doesn't get
wet, and most importantly, built so you can't look at it directly, as the UV
light can damage your eyes.

I bought a Fish Mate 8 Watt UV Biofilter (gravity type, $100+) at Pet Mart
(on E. Busch Blvd.) a couple of years ago. It worked very well and cleared
the water as guaranteed. (Pet Mart allows you to return it to their store if
it doesn't work as advertised). It could be connected to the output of the
HOT 250. The only thing that I didn't like about the Fish Mate was that the
dead algae floated on top of the water. You may not have that problem if
used with the HOT......although the HOT will probably clog frequently at
first, but once things settle down it may be tolerable.

Here's a web page for the Fish Mate: (I think that one of the pressurized
units may be just what you need, expensive though, I'm sure)
http://www.pet-mate.com/Fish_Mate/Fi...s_intro_UK.htm

The Fish Mate isn't an "in-line" UV light. Most pond stores will sell the
in-line UV lights too. They basically just connect "in-line" with the
tubing from a filter or pump. Same result, just a different method of
hookup.

I agree the
HOT is very easy to clean, as long as you can reach it. When we chose
it's
original placement, we didn't take into account the temporarily removed
screen being the access point. It was not working when we first put the
pond together so we didn't realize the problem until the screening was
replaced. That is also why it isn't in the pictures you saw, the screen
was
still removed at the corner. It does have the self priming feature, but
I've never heard of using it with DE.

I know the Magnum 350 does (used in conjunction with the micron cartridge).
Check your owner's manual........there' no reason why the HOT shouldn't have
that feature. If it does use DE, it can physically remove the algae. Not
much consolation though, as the filter will clog within an hour or two plus
the algae will just grow back.

I use the foam sleeve over the carbon
filled cartridge.

If you want to try peat, it can be placed in the carbon chamber (not enough
room for both though). Just put it inside the foot of some panty hose and
tie it........rinse well before placing it in the chamber.

Thanks so much for all your help!

You're welcome........I hope you find something that works for you and
Vinta.

--
Melissa
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