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Old 15-04-2003, 05:57 PM
Lee Brouillet
 
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Default Bio filtering without bio falls ?

May I assume that you're looking for the cheapest/easiest way to fix this? I
had a lot of problems with the floaty particulate matter in my pond: to
clear it up, I made a bag of window screen, which I stuffed with more window
screen and several yards of cheap mesh (like bridal veil, but cheaper!) (I
learned that trick here on this board . . . thank you very much!!!). I
placed this on top of the framed net in the skimmer box. When the algae is
heavier, I have to wash it off twice a day; later on, maybe only once every
other day. But I live in FL, and have a LOT of algae. The window
screen/veiling is easy to clean, just blast it with the hose and put it back
in place. It took a week or so, but then the water got very, very clear. I
have several "layers" of filtration, so I was able to dispense with the foam
in the skimmer box in lieu of the pillow of material for the "fines". In
your case, the foam is the major source of your biofiltration, so I would
NOT suggest you remove it, just put the pillow on top of it.

Bacteria will not work on algae: the bacteria work on the ammonia conversion
process, so a bag of lava rock would only clog up with the algae, and is a
real pain to clean (heavy, too). Another way to get rid of the algae is to
use a UV. If you don't want to use the Poly-Clear, acquire some Koi Clay
(calcium bentonite). It's a natural product, will provide a lot of trace
minerals for the fish, and acts like a floculant.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Lee




"Folklore" wrote in message
...
I have a 300 gallon pond with no waterfall. I did install a skimmer.

http://www.pondsolutions.com/skimmers.htm

The skimmer simply pulls water in through the weir, filters through a
2" thick foam, and then pumps the water back into the opposite end of
the pond. As can be expected I still have alot of problems with algae
bloom throughout the summer (MN, so only about 6 months). I prefer
not to use chemicals any more than necessary, but find myself using
Poly-Clear about once a month.

Stats: 320 gallon pond, 500 gph pump running at about 400gph, 4
shebunkins (about 4" ea), a fair amount of plan material. Want to add
a couple more fish.

One thought I had is to bag up some lava and place it around the pump
(behind the filter) so that water will get pulled through and
hopefully bacteria will work on the algae.

1) Is this likely to work?

2) Any problems with the pump overheating or other potential problems?

3) Better solution?

Thanks,