New Pond filter suggestions...

John Arruda wrote, On 06/08/2006 00:13:
I'm looking to replace my current Tetra pond filter on a 1000 gallon Koi
pond with something people are having good luck with....

The problem is my current filter needs to be cleaned at least once per
week. I have a fair amount of algae remnants which need to be hosed off
of the Prefilter pads once per week minimum. The filter itself also
drains slowly and can back up where the water level will slowly reach
the top. My pump may be a little strong for the filter and the filter is
also only rated at 1000 gal per hr max.
I'm looking for something low maintenance and of course clear water.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated....
John

My pond is also ~1000 gallons, and the OASE filter that I used to have
would also need weekly cleans in the summer. It is a real pain and takes
the fun out of running a small pond. The basic design of the OASE
biofilter was pretty clever, it would clog and provide little or no
filtration, but could not overflow due to a central cascading water exit.
I used the OASE tank for the new Skippy filter. Here are the
instructions for building one;
http://www.skippysstuff.com/biofiltr.htm

I'm really pleased with it and can recommend it as an upgrade. Lots of
benefits;
Bottom water entry, and top water exit. Therefore it cannot overflow and
empty the pond.
Only needs cleaning twice a year. Fully digested waste settles to the
bottom as a very fine silt.
Very large surface area for bacteria. The whole tank is full of cut up
industrial cleaning pads.

Things to remember;
UV clarifiers only make the algae clump and filter out, they don't
prevent algae growth. UV sterilisers need a very powerful light to kill
every living thing in the water, only for serious ponds.
Algae will always grow until the balance of plants/light/nutrients is
perfect. Disturbing these factors will cause lots of algae in a small pond.
If clarity is a problem you can try a big water change. Diluting the
problems usually helps get things into balance as well. You'll have
little luck taking out fine suspended material without something fancy
like a vortex filter.

Hopes these random thoughts are of some use to you.
David