Hello

I've just cleaned out a pond at my inlaws to be, in preparation for our wedding reception. Its 20,000 ltrs with a top pool and two streams that end in a waterfall back into the pond.

I knew that as soon as we cleaned it out that it would need a filter system, but they weren't prepared to spend £700 on one that could handle 20,000 ltrs. The pond has existed for the past 6 years as a frog and fish pond. When we cleaned it out it stank and was quiet stagnant.

The pond is now all clean and the waterfall clear of brambles and put back into operation without the filter. Now due to the sunlight and time of year the water has gone very green, though i'm hoping this will be subdued when the lillies and reeds begin to sprout for the summer.

But the main reason for this email is to ask anyones advice to wether you agree with me. If i'm wrong and we definitely need to add a filter, would it be possible to convert the top pool into a DIY filter by adding layers of sand and straw or various media?

thanks in advance for any help you may be able to give me

Joe :)

The pond would do better with a filter. You can make a vegetative filter just by pumping water up into the top pond and through gravel and plants. You can also use plastic trash cans and storage tubs filled with things like hair curlers and plastic army men of all things to make your own DIY biomedia and biofilter. Sand and straw probably aren't great choices for a vegetative filter or biofilter.

My site has more on pond algae.

Do a google search for "Skippy Filter". It should take you to a website that shows you how to build a biological filter for your pond. It uses a Rubbermaid 70 gallon stock tank, some PVC, and then a filter media of your choice. I used floor scrubber pads I bought from a janitorial supply house in the internet. YOu can buy the stuff to build it from their site or search out and buy locally. I just installed mine less than a week ago, so it will be awhile before the water clears. Hope this helps.