Mechanical filtration

In article kOLCc.113053$0y.88286@attbi_s03, Pat
wrote:

"Go Fig" wrote in message
...
In article , joe
wrote:

Lately, as I've been sitting looking at my pond, I've noticed a lot of
little, itsy bitsy, teeny weenie, particles floating by. Many times I'm
sure
I've seen the same particle twice in an hour. So I'm thinking perhaps
some
form of mechanical filtration will help - like a vortex filter or some
such
thing, that will help remove the small solids.

I have zero experience with such an animal and so am looking for advice.
I
currently have a 4,000-5,000 gallon pond with a skimmer that feeds a bio
type falls. While I do not have what I would call a veggie filter
specifically designed for that purpose, as the water gets to my main
pond it
does have to slug through several areas that have considerable
vegetative
matter.

Any help would be appreciated.

For mechanical filtration at this many gallons, I would use 1 Sand
Filter w/ 500 lbs of #16 silica sand. It will require 1 1/2" lines, 1
HP pump as a minimum. Add a UV to cut down on some of the burden on
the filter... your water will sparkle.

jay
Thu Jun 24, 2004



I'm sure that works well, but a 1 HP pump (or more) will really send the
electric bill soaring.

At 5000 gal, that is an investment that comes with costs.

That said, in the summer months you could get away with running it for
16 hrs/day. In winter, if at all, 8hrs/day. Even less if you use a
27 event digital timer, so you could flush it for 2 minutes every so
often in the off times- to keep it from getting anywhere near an
anaerobic state.

What about these "biofilters" that several vendor
(e.g. Oase, Hozelock) advertise?

Not great at mechanical filtration, or not a sand filter which does a
superb job... time tested. 5000 gal, a lot of sun... that calls for a
sand filter, UV and water hyacinths IMHO.

jay
Thu Jun 24, 2004