DIY Pond Filter

[kingr34gtr]

did your filter media start to float when water was in it

[Nsx25]

Do you have any suggestion for those who are using round buckets for the filter? I am using a 32 gal round bucket and using a 2 inch pipe that runs through it. I used cement glue since it was an abs pipe and its stil leaking. This is the 2nd time that I have to redo it and its stressing me out. I also can not find any 2 inch rubber washer to go around where the pipes meet at the bucket. Please help me fix this problem.

[betomty84]

hey, i'm about to make my own diy filter, but tell me something, how did it work? is your pond water clear?

[MrSilent937]

I small scaled this with the pump to 250GPH and works great in aquariums .

[chrisdinskates]

nd what happens when it gets dirty ?

[MrSilent937]

subbed u this thing is kicking ass with my 6 turtles hatclings in my 75 gallon tank .Thank You so much . Join us on fishtank tv . com ,we do ponds also :)

[mat2dong]

Anyone post a parts list yet?? Please post a parts list:)

[SqwishSqwash]

thanks so much! I made a mini version for my 50 gallon pond. I used a round bucket, and it DID still work :)

[saltwatermike1]

how is the pond doing now with homemade filter

[enticed2zeitgeist]

Nice and clean! Might want to light proof it so that algae doesn't grow in it though?

[Jlandkenzo]

i want to make that filter!!!

[MrFareez123]

Excellent video... i learned a lot!!



[godspeed500]

very amazing

[CHINESEdemocracy101]

that filter is no way big enough for that pond.

[agentmoller001]

This is a good video EXCEPT those scrub pads!!!!! You shouldn't use those because they have anti - algae something or another in them. Just spend the small amount of money on the bio balls and filter foam for this project. Everything else is PERFECT!!!!!

[aquaticjace111]

NEVER USE SPONGES OR SCRUBBERS FROM THE GROCERY! as these contain anti- fungal chemicals and should never be used for aquarium or pond purposes. better BUY ACTUAL FILTER MEDIA FROM the fish stores and stop being too cheap because YOUR FISH WILL DIE. you can buy ceramic rings, filter sponges and activated charcoal from the petstores. ceramic rings make the water clean for the fish, they serve as the biological filtration. activated carbon removes the cloudiness and the filter sponge removes poop

[Almostazn12]

Jus got done making this and I am very happy thanks a lot for all the help!

[Almostazn12]

what kind of power head is that? im looking for one but not sure if i need a fountain powerhead..?! o.0

[SocalDNM]

How many gallons is your pond?

[627westwind]

built a version of your filter, a cheaper one without using bulkheads. and after 2 months of continuos running, got rid of the green water. it was really a surprise! because the petshop stores advised me to use uv lights which is too expensive.because they said that there's no way that i could get rid of the green water coz my pond is exposed to the sun.well....your bio filter did it!!!!thank you very much!!!!

[IsItRuddorRoach]

do i need to use a bigger bucket for a bigger pond as mines is big enough to swim in lol

[2pet007]

Im really having a hard time on finding that PVC bulkhead fitting...

[fathmongful]

COOL experiment. but can tell the sizes of the pvc pieces your using?

[Harvey87774]

Nice job, I've used a builders muck bucket, works a treat

[mrcharlie0220]

my pond is 5000 litres with small Koi,,,what size bucket would you recommend for that please...

Excellnt idea you came up with and i really want to make myself one,just wondering on the size of bucket to use...

[paulalexander]

Completed the job in just a couple of hours here in Ireland! Parts total cost €25 and the pond is crystal clear, what can I say, good job and thanks for the advice, good luck....

[paulalexander]

Nice job man ! This is the real deal ! You saved me a fortune, great vid and as I say "nice job" my local store was looking for €300,,,,,,take a hike!

[nikeo671]

how is your pond now? still good?

[judynz1]

Thanks for the great video. My problem is, the use of plastics & how it leaches Toxins. I dont suppose you have had the algae tested !! It wouldnt matter for gas so much. Just a thought.

[aerohusker]

"The use of plastics & how it leaches Toxins" ....Judy, Judy, Judy

[buddyclubs]

i think the media pads you used are not good for the fish, it release chemicals into the water if you haven't rinse it before used, i recommend proper filter media for the bio filter.

[thegreenwindninja]

where can i get a power head ?

[TheinfamousJoker]

@thegreenwindninja You can buy one at the home depot or any fish store (i think) at least thats where i got mines (Home Depot)

[montyloree]

I built a similar system to what you explained...it seems that the algae isn't being collected in the scrub pads... it's only day 1.... should i leave it longer? I've made it so the water/materials must flow through the scrub pads... I'm just wondering if it needs a few days for the algae to stick to the scrub pads.. right now the algae doesn't seem to be sticking....

[montyloree]

I built a similar system to what you explained...it seems that the algae isn't being collected in the scrub pads... it's only day 1.... should i leave it longer? I've made it so the water/materials must flow through the scrub pads... I'm just wondering if it needs a few days for the algae to stick to the scrub pads.. right now the algae doesn't seem to be sticking....

[montyloree]

A great easy design....

Q: did it work?

Q: how long did you need to run that to clean out your pond?

Thanks

[robynbythec]

Anybody know where to find a square/rectangle bucket used here? I've tried everywhere -- big box stores, hardware, paint, feed stores, etc. I cannot find anything like this. Help?

[montyloree]

@robynbythec It looks like a lard bucket, or soap bucket

[Meldium]

@robynbythec ive seen at walmart a bucket just like that. same size but in yellow. it's from "Tidy Cat" cat litter. Good Luck

[abdrashidqs]

thanks.. great video..

[imthevictorr]

suggestion: go to joann's or almost any craft store buy a 12 oz back of polyester fiber, used for stuffing pillows or dolls etc... it can fill that whole bucket and only cost 2.99

[stuntone]

Check out my water clarity, let me know what you think! = )

[stuntone]

Made my 1st bio-filter from your vid. It works very, very well thanks. Keep tha fish happy!

[alberto4991]

i like your design. so is the pond clean?

[Arteolike]

Oh and PS, you do not have to use a square bucket, you can use a circle bucket, just use a rubber bulkhead called "uniseal' they work great! and install in seconds! ALSO they are so so so much cheaper!

[99gman]

Bulk Heads/PVC Bulkheads...check with your local pet store, if they sale pond equipment they will most likely have your bulkheads you require in the parts section behind a counter, you will have to ask & doesn't hurt to bring some connecting pieces. Check the Irrigation section of your Home Improvement Big Box store too...I have all my materials just haven't gotten around to put it all together. Will let you have it runs.

[Aaaa7xxxx1]

Is it possible for you to email me with a list of materials?

[scottkyba]

@Aaaa7xxxx1 Sorry, I never wrote them down. Just watch the Video and make a list.

[9912699125]

@scottkyba may i know how much water do you pump pump?

[deepestthinker]

i believe bio filter media needs to be exposed to the air ...not submerged

[scottkyba]

@deepestthinker It can work either way. Just like a Aquarium canister filter.... or back mounted aquarium filter.

[sleeepee]

where did u buy ur bulkheads. i go to home depot and lowes but they never know what im talking about

[99gman]

Great Video....I've only started to get my shopping list together. Having a hard time locating the "Bulk Heads" maybe I'll check some plumbing & irrigation stores. None of the home improvements shops have the stuff. Anyways I'll let you know how it goes...as my container needs to watertight as the where the filter will sit side by side the pond but down stream from the waterfall. Save me lots O' Bucks.

[99gman]

Great Video....I've only started to get my shopping list together. Having a hard time locating the "Bulk Heads" maybe I'll check some plumbing & irrigation stores. None of the home improvements shops have the stuff. Anyways I'll let you know how it goes...as my container needs to watertight as the where the filter will sit side by side the pond but down stream from the waterfall. Save me lots O' Bucks.

[scottkyba]

@99gman Take a picture with you. Google image search for "PVC BULKHEAD"

[627westwind]

@scottkyba how many months would it take befor i clean the filters?it' been running for 4 moths now. and it is still working great!!!!or should i leave it that way?

[phanovphloyd]

I was thinking instead of the square scrub pads you could also use ployfiber. I bought ployfiber at pet supply store then dicovered walmart had polyfiber in the craft area for pillows/crafts that is the same just 1/3 the cost. Plus the ploy can be changed yearly (keep the round pot scrubbers to maintain bio-matter). Fresh poly filters the fine stuff anyway.

[scottkyba]

@phanovphloyd Good Idea.... :)

[phempton]

I just finished building this filter down in Texas. My pond is about the same size but in full sun. Last year it was pea soup all summer and I thought I'd give this a try. Thanks a ton, the plan is solid. Only problem is the term "bulkhead". No one knows what those are. "Rain Barrel Kit" will likely get you farther. Also my outflow is 3/4" and dumps into a U-shaped chute (black downspout cut in half). This keeps up with the pump inflow just fine. Again thanks!

[scottkyba]

@phempton They are called "Bulkheads". I had trouble at the hardware store as well. For some reason they dont put them on the regular shelf.... Do a google image search for "pvc bulhead" nd take a icture with you.

[takenbythesky]

i feel like i watched this video for nothing you never enven started the darn thing

[scottkyba]

@takenbythesky Watch the second part.

[missjouxiong]

Could you give me a shopping lists of how to make those filter so I would know what to buy?

[scottkyba]

@missjouxiong All the parts are shown on the video. :)

[riverlifeva]

doesn't protect the pump.

[fly2000jtb]

Thanks for your reply. I think later I will install one (clean out valve) mine is just for a small tank with a map turtle in it. We get so tired of sucking water out to clean the tank. This is perfect for her tank 50 gal home made long tank. Thanks again , Joseph T (fly2000jtb)

[reptileboy9111]

COOL VIDEO!

[fly2000jtb]

me again, I built a filter from your plan, just have one question about cleaning the filter? Like hot water heaters(vale at bottom) , do you put a cleaning valve at the bottom so you can get the solids out? Or are you thinking the bacterial will eat it all? Joseph T (fly2000jtb)

[scottkyba]

That would be a good idea for clean out. Thanks for the Comments...

[fly2000jtb]

By biological do you mean something that lives in there and eats algae? Or does it take the fish droppings as well? How offten will you need to clean the pads or replace them? Cool video gave you a 5 I plan to make one for our turtles Thanks

[scottkyba]

Yes the Biological means it breaks down the animal and plant (organic) waste. The pads should last many years and it the only time it would need to be cleaned is when the non organic (sand and forien items) that are sucked up collected in the bottem of the filter.

[pablo2cabrera]

hohoho...really nice!!!

[abmroque]

great video thank ya so much bro

[lynda46]

With that many Scrub pads" its going to be a PITA to try and clean. If you look at a shop brought filter the "pads" are nowhere near as tight fitting, which also makes cleaning much easier.

Nice try, and good luck

[scottkyba]

They are not as tight as looks. Filter ran great for the whole summer without clogs or need for cleaning. But you could put them looser if you want. Thanks for the comment.

[citybuilder1]

thanks for the great video!!

[essesala]

Grazie dall'ITALIA very good

[mailace2009]

Great video! I'm considering putting in a pond and this looks totally doable for me. Is there any way to know the max size pond that this size filter would work on? What about the pump? How do you determine the gph? When the time comes, how do you clean the filter? Thanks!

[scottkyba]

The filter should work well for any pond up to twice as big as mine. Perhaps bigger. You could make 2 if you had a very large pond.

My pump is a 526 GPH. Since its pumping water up its not going that fast. Seems to be just the right amount.

You shouldnt have to clean it for many months. If you live in a climate that the fish come inside when winter hits then you could clean it every year, A good rinse of all components is all that should be required.

[SALtyf1shs]

how much was your power head

[scottkyba]

I bought it on ebay for like $25. Its a 526 GPH.

[outrundk]

This is very good inspiration, thanks.

[sonnycf]

You did an awesome job! I will be doing mine in the next few days, this sure is a very helpful tip. Thanks a lot!!!

[moveEcritik]

i would have used some watherproof silicone to seal those bulkheads But this video gave me some great ideas thank you

[scottkyba]

Yes that would be a good idea since I have had to tighten the bulkheads a few times this year.

[arsyad1982]

i've tried this filter...good, very effective..you can see how koi in my pond are very2 healthy...check out my koi vid....

[stupidmexicanchicken]

wow! im impressed that is the best sump ive seen

[boukis1]

Great filter made on this past weekend and cleared my water up in 3 days , The bucket leaks though but it does its job. THANK YOU !

[scottkyba]

Use some waterproff silicone. That seems to do the trick and stope the leaks.

[omegaracer1]

terrific video, you made it easy to understand