Pond pump and filters?
Question:I have installed a pond from a kit, appx 1000 gallons. It came with a 535 gph pump with an external filter-i assume just to prevent the motor from clogging. It doesn't seem to be doing a good job. I also am confused on needing and pump and filter? i'm going to add fish eventually. Are filters and pumps sold separately? i'm looking at a book and online and just getting more and more confused! and how much should i expect to pay?
Answers:
I have a pond the size of yours. I have about 35 fish in it and about 50% plant coverage. I have had such an algae problem that I couldn't fix this year (it is my 3rd season). I finaly just broke down and bought a skimmer, water fall filter and new pump. I bought the Atlantic combo skimmer and filterfalls for $219 and a Pondmaster 3200 pump for $159. It works great and cleanup doesn't require me getting in the pond to clean filters. I strongly recommend the skimmer. You may be able to use the pump you already have for the skimmer. I am not sure what kit you purchased or from where so I can't comment on that. I was going the home depot/lowes route but when your pond is as big as ours is you need more. I purchased mine from Webs pond supplies. I love my pond!! Enjoy yours.
Wish I could give you some of my fish. They keep reproducing. I have koi and comets.
Listen, it IS confusing to most of us. I recommend finding a local supplier and taking their advice. But only if they are willing to spend some time getting to know you and really listening to your needs --not just saying here's what you need and shoving a package at you. You want a supplier who is cultivating you as a repeat customer. Pond owners need many new items over the years and this is a good situation for both of you.
Some companies have charts that tell you what size filters to use depending on what type of plants and fish you have in your pond.
You sure do need a pump and filter for your fish pond.
The reason the pond needs a pump is that water needs to be circulated continuously to maintain oxygen levels, prevent stagnation and when used with a filter, remove foreign particles from the water.
The reason for the filter is to keep the water clear and healthy for the fish to live in. The filter is not for preventing the pump from clogging.
One of the important things is to make sure your pump is the right size to be able to pump your 1000 gallons of water though the filter every hour.
The other answer to your question is "yes" you can buy filters and pumps separately.
I am sorry, but this will be a long answer. I installed a pond/waterfall and these are my "Geez, I wish I'd known that!" tips:
1. Create a pond ecosystem. Very simple: water plants (water lilies are great!) and fish (the cheap goldfish from Wal-Mart are fine!). That's the way nature does it. Fish eat algae, plants provide oxygen and shade. Cost? About $20.
2. Get a biofilter. Don't panic, it isn't complicated. Easiest way? Find a pond store. A biofilter uses a filtering medium (mine has foam blocks) with beneficial bacteria that decrease the amount of algae in your pond. Cost? Depending on size, less than $50.
3. What's "beneficial bacteria"? These are added, in liquid or powder form, to your pond. They keep your pond from being mucky. Cost? $20-25.
4. For extra protection for your pump, buy 2 "plant baskets" from the pond section of your home & garden store. Place the pump in one basket, place the other basket on top, cut a hole for your tubing, and use twist-ties to wire the baskets together. This is a cheap, effective way to keep muck from clogging the pump.
Most pond kits come with inadequate pumps and too-small tubing. Your pump should circulate the approximate volume of your pond hourly. My pump for my 800-gallon pond is an 800+ GPH pump. As an extreme last measure, consider replacing your pump and tubing. It's expensive.
All this sounds complicated and expensive, but most are one-time costs. And if you do the above, you won't have an algae-ridden, mucky stinky green pond that you have to climb into and clean out every 2 weeks.
Good luck!
More Related Questions & Answers...