On Thu, 4 Jun 2009 04:04:24 EDT, "JB" wrote:

I have a Bio falls which also serves as a veggie filter, in addition to the
mechanical filtering. I've not cleaned mine out yet and may not. I'm not
noticing a slow down in water flow and I'm leaving the bacteria field
intact. This spring I've experienced the shortest algae bloom ever; by
several weeks. I can't swear that it's because I didn't clean my filter out
reducing the bacteria bed but what the hey! It keeps me from throwing my
back out lifting those lava rock bags out and getting covered in muck. I've
not saved enough money yet to buy the Matala filter pads that jan
recommends. ;-(
JB

JB, better than lava rock, cheaper than matala, lighter than both: Super
Media... Bug screening! I think it is fiberglass dipped in vinyl, is that
right? I've never had a problem with it, I just replace it every 5-7 years.
This cleans to brand new and is so easy to clean on the ground or better an
open weave fence (like chain link). So when you go to pull those rocks,
toss them and shove screening in the bags, or get rid of the bags entirely.
Btw, I do think if one leaves their filter on normal or slow flow thru
winter, it is better not to clean anything till later in the spring, it has
sure worked for me. (Hmmm... another think I've been procrastinating,
cleaning my koi pond prefilter.) Anyway, there you have it. Super Media, at
your local hardware store today, disguised as bugging screening, but wise
ponders everywhere know the difference. :-) ~ jan
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Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us