" wrote:

hey all, we built a 3-3.5k gal pond this year and it's been up and
running for about 6 weeks. we have it piped through a ultimate fluid
art filtration system (rated for 5k). it's got the vortex, bead
filtration, uv (36w), etc. the pond gets full sun and algae has been
an issue since the first week. i have about 20 koi in there now
(4"-10") and they seem ok. i'm thinking of dropping a stronger uv in
there but have noticed that some of the fish are feeding on the algae
and all are always hungry (i swear i could feed them, turn around and
feed them again 30 mins later). they are growing quite well (all were
about 4-5" when i got them and some have doubled in size in this time
frame). PH has peaked in the low 8's during the day dropping back to
mid-high 7's at night.

should i be concerned and go with the larger uv? also, how often
should one be backflushing the system? i've done it a few times now
and it didn't seem too bad. shouldn't the system be taking care of the
algae yet?

Where are you located? I had a UV my first year. Now my plants keep my algae
under control year round and my UV is for sale. Algae will be under better
control after your plants have matured. I would at least wait until next
year before plunking down more cash.

San Diego Joe
4,000 - 5,000 Gallons.
Koi, Goldfish, and RES named Colombo.