Hey Kev! Greeting from Alabama, USA. We built a partially raised 6’ sq x 4’ D pond late last year. My wife of course wanted a variety of pebbles small med and larger stones. Early this spring, our first BOOM, new pond green water and yes, green rocks. Not enough bio yet so ammonia became a battle. I use a 24v Jebao, thanks to you. Came up with a plan I dont see posted much using a 24 micron “sock” stuck onto my 1 1/2” inflow tube with rubber clamp. Initially left it on maybe 3 hours then hosed it out, did maybe 6 changes. Then with a soft cloth dust broom wiped slowly over rocks to stir up algea for my 2” bottom drain to suck in and repeated the cleaning filter process a few more times. Easy process even with just one sock. My wife thinks I a genius…a first in 18 happy years! Love your ponds and few pics of total yard….you should do even more on the beautiful landscaping! BTW, tried Nualgi several products but maybe I had too much to overcome then as little success. Roll Tide down under!
Slow the flow!! I have a lot of water moving. I’m trying to get a bog going. But I’m really looking forward to enjoying my pond and be done building. From experience, Florida sand stinks! It’s hard to get the sides to hold any integrity. Your vids helped and continue to help! MUCH THANKS 🙏👌🥰
South Florida here! Sugar sand packed yard 😭 I've been stacking bricks lengthwise long ways together to create a terraced edge that's thicker and I can back fill with gravel and the ponds and liners. All aboveground as the sand ain't shit 😭 it's been slow going but definitely so much stronger. Going to plant in the lower terraces to help hold it together with creeping and native plants outside the liners. 🤞
Hi Kev! Thank you for the great content you have been putting out. I have learnt a lot watching your videos and plan to create a backyard pond soon. Curious to know your thoughts on having sand instead of pebbles and rocks in your pond. Would sand help keep water cleaner and provide better visibility ?
I like the walstad method for aquariums, I’m experimenting with a mini pond in a pot at the moment (there will be a video on that). It’s basically a planted system with dirt on the bottom capped with a layer of sand. I’m not sure if I’d do it on a large pond.
Great advice. As usual I opened the drain valve on my bog tank few days ago into a 25 litre container too check the level of sediment waste build up . quite surprised how much it had caught over 6 weeks . Approximately 150:litres later it was clear water . The stream & waterfalls I used the pond vac to remove dead leaves fair to say wasn't as much sediment as before without the bog tank . And proof the old multi chamber filter sponges brushes jap matting. And flocore was letting to much back into pond .
@@Ozponds wouldn't of done it if hadn't watched your videos and took onboard the information . I've started to get everythink I need for tank number 2 . And building a smaller version for a friend after he's seen results of mine . 👌
Master Kev, I am close to finalize my first ever pond by utilizing your formulas and digesting of your contents. Now I got pile of bush rocks, would you reckon they are safe for the water?
Thanks Kev for the information . I love your pretty fish particularly the pink ones. I am starting up my pond again when Spring arrives . This time I am going for pebbles and rocks. My pond is only 2.5 feet deep all over and quite small 5ft by 4ft. If I use large rocks at one end , do you think I could put some Marginal plants direct into the pond ?
On the edges you certainly could. In the middle at 2.5ft deep not marginals. But you could do water lilies and submerged aquatics. Other option is building a floating raft or fake shelf to grow the marginals. Hope that helps 👍
Does the input and output for the pond need to be separated? Like can I have my bog filter and pump next each other or will I only be filtering the same water again and again compared to having the pump on one end opposite the waterfall/filter?
Personally I’m a shocker for not cleaning it. But it makes a massive difference, especially in the early days. Less algae growth and therefore less organic material inside the pond. You’ve probably seen how muddy mine start out in my vids.
@@Ozponds your ponds are awesome mate..although l was pleased to see some muddy water...lol..l guess my concern is what happens to the dirt? Does it breakdown or just settle in the pond?
A bit of both. All the organics pretty much break down, some sediment will remain, but you’ll accumulate sediment and organics overtime anyway. The biggest issue is the nutrient in the mud. It’s inside the water column and algae will use it to grow. Eventually a balance is found. Quicker balance if you keep them clean. Hope that makes sense.
Have you tried using any sediment/sludge reducing products? Some are just bacterial and I haven't been impressed with any manufacturer so far (Microbe Lift, Clover Leaf, Blagdon, Tetra, Kusuri etc etc). Now there is a product from Oase, that also releases oxygen in the sediment, and locks up the phosphate released from the breakdown (Sedox?) This oxygen component might be as important as the 'keeping things suspended' effect. Where there is high flow, there is more oxygen? It may be that this product means maintenance of filters can also be reduced as the sludge gets broken down as fast as it builds. (not 100% disappear, but 99% of organic waste can be liquified, absorbed by plants or gassed of (nitrogen gas for example), leaving only a trace of inorganic debris. I am going to test these Oase products this pond season, in the UK. In the past I have been put off using rocks and gravel in the ponds I create, because they make vacuuming the debris harder, but I now use it in the all the ponds I build, but so far only small wildlife ponds, with the lower nutrient load.
No I haven’t tried any of those products. Like you said 1% is leftover, compound that overtime and you still need manual removal. Let us know how your trial goes 👍
@@Ozponds yes but that's the same as your deep area plan. 1% could mean instead of 2 X per year filter clean, it was every 50 years! So effectively never.
Great info in this vid as always. Quick question, is any amount of chlorinated water safe for fish? Like 10% or less of the volume of a tank/pond. I've been recommend to treat for the entire pond regardless of how much water changed/added. Gets expensive quick lol
You have likely been recommended that by someone that sells deco....Here's what I know : If chlorine levels are low (mains water diluted 9:1), fish are not going to have their gills irritated. Some bacteria will still be killed off, but you will not neutralize the ecosystem! To be on the safe side, don't feed the fish the same day you top up - any bacteria killed will be replaced after 8 hrs or so. You can get away with no deco for 10% changes/top ups. However, I recommend using a small amount of water conditioner (that includes a deco) as it will also neutralize heavy metals and the ammonia released from the chlorine. Seachem and Microbe Lift are good.
It’s not so much the fish as it’s the bacteria. In the past I’ve never used de-chlorinators when doing small top ups, however lately I’ve noticed excessive string algae after top ups. Seems something in my mains water has changed, I’m still experimenting (adding de-chlorinator for the amount of water added) and will make a video in the future. But as far as the fish are concerned no issue.
@@Ozponds thanks guys. So nothing catastrophic, give it a go and keep an eye out is what I'm hearing ;) Good to know the chlorine isnt powerful enough to nuke everything at 9:1 since some days the water level can go down a decent bit, but those same hot days the bacteria would be warm and happy
@@Ozponds phosphate is added to mains water in the UK in some areas, to stop lead poisoning from old pipes- Google it. Phosphate is the main limiting factor for string algae growth, it only needs to be above 0.035ppm to cause problems. It's not chlorine, unless it's at high enough doses to kill enough bacteria, some bacteria feed on the same nutrients as the algae (phosphate, nitrate, potassium compounds) That is how some anti string algae treatments work, by using bacteria to consume the algae food...
considering the amount of small fish you have the buildup is quite bad , the brazilian style pond seem to the best so far , they use sand at the bottom , not sure what system they using , yea and flow rate and dead spots
Hi Kev Couple of quick questions,I intend to use a 200 li drum as a bog filter for a (approx) 3000li pond. Will it be adequate? And will it be as efficient if it is installed horizontally rather than vertical? Regards Jeff
"How do you keep Pebbles clean" ? .. Keep her away from Bam Bam as she grows up! (Sorry, an `ol Flintstones joke). Sorry Kevin, my joke book is running towards the Index section.
Thanks a lot Kev. Your channel has been my absolute guide in building my recently finished goldfish pond. Bog filter worked extremely well. 👍👍
Great to hear 😊👍
Hey Kev! Greeting from Alabama, USA. We built a partially raised 6’ sq x 4’ D pond late last year. My wife of course wanted a variety of pebbles small med and larger stones. Early this spring, our first BOOM, new pond green water and yes, green rocks. Not enough bio yet so ammonia became a battle.
I use a 24v Jebao, thanks to you.
Came up with a plan I dont see posted much using a 24 micron “sock” stuck onto my 1 1/2” inflow tube with rubber clamp. Initially left it on maybe 3 hours then hosed it out, did maybe 6 changes. Then with a soft cloth dust broom wiped slowly over rocks to stir up algea for my 2” bottom drain to suck in and repeated the cleaning filter process a few more times.
Easy process even with just one sock. My wife thinks I a genius…a first in 18 happy years!
Love your ponds and few pics of total yard….you should do even more on the beautiful landscaping!
BTW, tried Nualgi several products but maybe I had too much to overcome then as little success.
Roll Tide down under!
Great to hear everything worked out. I especially love that your wife now knows that your a genius 😉👍 Well done.
G'day. Always a good day when you upload!
Hey, thanks! 😊👍
Slow the flow!! I have a lot of water moving. I’m trying to get a bog going. But I’m really looking forward to enjoying my pond and be done building. From experience, Florida sand stinks! It’s hard to get the sides to hold any integrity. Your vids helped and continue to help! MUCH THANKS 🙏👌🥰
You can do it! 👍
@@Ozponds I have to, I can’t stop now!!
South Florida here! Sugar sand packed yard 😭 I've been stacking bricks lengthwise long ways together to create a terraced edge that's thicker and I can back fill with gravel and the ponds and liners. All aboveground as the sand ain't shit 😭 it's been slow going but definitely so much stronger. Going to plant in the lower terraces to help hold it together with creeping and native plants outside the liners. 🤞
Thanks for the block idea!! I have a few laying around. What better use?? I’m fortifying my sides!!
Hi Kev! Thank you for the great content you have been putting out. I have learnt a lot watching your videos and plan to create a backyard pond soon. Curious to know your thoughts on having sand instead of pebbles and rocks in your pond. Would sand help keep water cleaner and provide better visibility ?
I like the walstad method for aquariums, I’m experimenting with a mini pond in a pot at the moment (there will be a video on that). It’s basically a planted system with dirt on the bottom capped with a layer of sand. I’m not sure if I’d do it on a large pond.
Great advice. As usual I opened the drain valve on my bog tank few days ago into a 25 litre container too check the level of sediment waste build up . quite surprised how much it had caught over 6 weeks . Approximately 150:litres later it was clear water . The stream & waterfalls I used the pond vac to remove dead leaves fair to say wasn't as much sediment as before without the bog tank . And proof the old multi chamber filter sponges brushes jap matting. And flocore was letting to much back into pond .
Loving the updates Michael 👍.
@@Ozponds wouldn't of done it if hadn't watched your videos and took onboard the information . I've started to get everythink I need for tank number 2 . And building a smaller version for a friend after he's seen results of mine . 👌
Master Kev,
I am close to finalize my first ever pond by utilizing your formulas and digesting of your contents.
Now I got pile of bush rocks, would you reckon they are safe for the water?
Should be fine 👍
Thanks Kev for the information . I love your pretty fish particularly the pink ones. I am starting up my pond again when Spring arrives . This time I am going for pebbles and rocks. My pond is only 2.5 feet deep all over and quite small 5ft by 4ft. If I use large rocks at one end , do you think I could put some Marginal plants direct into the pond ?
On the edges you certainly could. In the middle at 2.5ft deep not marginals. But you could do water lilies and submerged aquatics. Other option is building a floating raft or fake shelf to grow the marginals. Hope that helps 👍
@Ozponds A fake shelf is a really good idea because the fish could use that as a hiding place too.
Right on 👍
Hi mate in your dream pond do you keep your aerator and all pumps on 24/7? Cheers
I do 👍
Hi, aren't crustaceans and freshwater mussels a good way to reduce sediments? Maybe you can give a try and let us know 😊
I have fresh water mussels and shrimp. They may help reduce but not fully remove sediment. Sediment is a natural part of any water system.
@@Ozponds I never saw shrimp in any of your videos 🦐
Great information as usual. Thanks again. 👍🏼😎
Happy you thought so 👍
Does the input and output for the pond need to be separated? Like can I have my bog filter and pump next each other or will I only be filtering the same water again and again compared to having the pump on one end opposite the waterfall/filter?
Better opposite.
Hey Kev what importance do you place on cleaning pebbles and rocks prior to adding water?
Personally I’m a shocker for not cleaning it. But it makes a massive difference, especially in the early days. Less algae growth and therefore less organic material inside the pond. You’ve probably seen how muddy mine start out in my vids.
@@Ozponds your ponds are awesome mate..although l was pleased to see some muddy water...lol..l guess my concern is what happens to the dirt? Does it breakdown or just settle in the pond?
@@Ozponds as you where my inspiration ld love to send you some pucs of my pond which isnt far from having water added if your interested...?
A bit of both. All the organics pretty much break down, some sediment will remain, but you’ll accumulate sediment and organics overtime anyway. The biggest issue is the nutrient in the mud. It’s inside the water column and algae will use it to grow. Eventually a balance is found. Quicker balance if you keep them clean. Hope that makes sense.
You can if you like I get lots of emails but I try and respond to them all. Email is available on the website 👍
Have you tried using any sediment/sludge reducing products? Some are just bacterial and I haven't been impressed with any manufacturer so far (Microbe Lift, Clover Leaf, Blagdon, Tetra, Kusuri etc etc). Now there is a product from Oase, that also releases oxygen in the sediment, and locks up the phosphate released from the breakdown (Sedox?) This oxygen component might be as important as the 'keeping things suspended' effect. Where there is high flow, there is more oxygen? It may be that this product means maintenance of filters can also be reduced as the sludge gets broken down as fast as it builds. (not 100% disappear, but 99% of organic waste can be liquified, absorbed by plants or gassed of (nitrogen gas for example), leaving only a trace of inorganic debris. I am going to test these Oase products this pond season, in the UK.
In the past I have been put off using rocks and gravel in the ponds I create, because they make vacuuming the debris harder, but I now use it in the all the ponds I build, but so far only small wildlife ponds, with the lower nutrient load.
No I haven’t tried any of those products. Like you said 1% is leftover, compound that overtime and you still need manual removal. Let us know how your trial goes 👍
@@Ozponds yes but that's the same as your deep area plan. 1% could mean instead of 2 X per year filter clean, it was every 50 years! So effectively never.
@@OliHandy2008how did you get on with that product? x
Great info in this vid as always. Quick question, is any amount of chlorinated water safe for fish? Like 10% or less of the volume of a tank/pond. I've been recommend to treat for the entire pond regardless of how much water changed/added. Gets expensive quick lol
You have likely been recommended that by someone that sells deco....Here's what I know : If chlorine levels are low (mains water diluted 9:1), fish are not going to have their gills irritated. Some bacteria will still be killed off, but you will not neutralize the ecosystem! To be on the safe side, don't feed the fish the same day you top up - any bacteria killed will be replaced after 8 hrs or so. You can get away with no deco for 10% changes/top ups. However, I recommend using a small amount of water conditioner (that includes a deco) as it will also neutralize heavy metals and the ammonia released from the chlorine. Seachem and Microbe Lift are good.
It’s not so much the fish as it’s the bacteria. In the past I’ve never used de-chlorinators when doing small top ups, however lately I’ve noticed excessive string algae after top ups. Seems something in my mains water has changed, I’m still experimenting (adding de-chlorinator for the amount of water added) and will make a video in the future. But as far as the fish are concerned no issue.
@@Ozponds thanks guys. So nothing catastrophic, give it a go and keep an eye out is what I'm hearing ;)
Good to know the chlorine isnt powerful enough to nuke everything at 9:1 since some days the water level can go down a decent bit, but those same hot days the bacteria would be warm and happy
@@Ozponds phosphate is added to mains water in the UK in some areas, to stop lead poisoning from old pipes- Google it. Phosphate is the main limiting factor for string algae growth, it only needs to be above 0.035ppm to cause problems. It's not chlorine, unless it's at high enough doses to kill enough bacteria, some bacteria feed on the same nutrients as the algae (phosphate, nitrate, potassium compounds) That is how some anti string algae treatments work, by using bacteria to consume the algae food...
Very interesting 👍
considering the amount of small fish you have the buildup is quite bad , the brazilian style pond seem to the best so far , they use sand at the bottom , not sure what system they using , yea and flow rate and dead spots
I’ll need to check it out. I love learning about new systems. 👍
Hi Kev
Couple of quick questions,I intend to use a 200 li drum as a bog filter for a (approx) 3000li pond. Will it be adequate? And will it be as efficient if it is installed horizontally rather than vertical?
Regards Jeff
A little on the small side. Could always add another in the future if needed. I’ve got no problem with the barrel being horizontal👍
@@Ozponds Thanks , I'll make allowance for an extra on now.
Hi mate what Jet/powerhead is that at 3.04? cheers
It’s just a hose connected to a pump. I have about 6 jets connected to a jebao dcp-15000 pump.
@@Ozponds thanks
"How do you keep Pebbles clean" ? .. Keep her away from Bam Bam as she grows up! (Sorry, an `ol Flintstones joke). Sorry Kevin, my joke book is running towards the Index section.
🤣 you silly sausage!
🐸🐟🍻👍🏻
✅🐸🪷🐟🍻👍