Outdoor ponds

[Rod]

Anyone have an outdoor pond? If so, let's see it!
 
I'm currently in the middle of redoing our koi pond. The pond currently has a Pentair 50 sand filter (50 gal per min).  If you know ponds, then you know a sand filter is the worst possible option, as it needs to be back washed daily.  I am converting the sand filter into a bead filter, which is more appropriate for koi ponds. Draining it out this week, and doing a complete refresh. 
 
Instead of a UV light, I'm going to create a real eco system with the right water plants. This will help keep the water clear, and provide oxygen to the fish.  I'll post pictures soon.

 

[extremeXconcepts]

Sounds awesome! I started building a pond, and 8ft rock waterfall at my last house, then realized we were not going to buy it and stay there, so I stopped that project fast. Wish I had finished it just because. We did however build a nice 12 ft water fall and KOI pond about 10 yrs ago for a client. Ill dig around and see if I can find the pictures. Cant wait to see yours.

 

[drunkfish3]

WHat kind of beads you using? i want to do the same to mine, i never got it to work good with sand.

 

[Rod]

Here's the media I'm using: http://www.mystickoi.com/Ultima-Sinking-Media-Filter-Media-sc-727.html
 
I'm also going to get some barley straw to help purify/clean the water. 

 

[drunkfish3]

Nice do you use the same amount has sand?

 

[Devil Doc]

I just let the beaver take care of it.

 
 
Doc

 

[Capt J]

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Our ponds are pretty rough. They are used for water control and landscaping. No liners - just clay soils in the dams. There is a lot of water on our place.

 

[Rod]

You guys have some nice properties!
 
DF - The rule is to use 1 lb of beads for every 1 sq ft of filter space. I have a 2.3 sq ft filter, so I'm just using 2 lbs of beads.  
 
Check out barley straw, it helps keep the pond clean/clear. I'm going to give it a try as well. 

 

[cabaiguan juan]

Only indoor ponds here. I guess I'll wait for another thread.

 

[Rod]

Let's see your indoor pond. Sounds cool.

 

[drunkfish3]

thanks

 

[Captain Leafheart]

What? No 65% or 70% RH bead jokes?