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I'm considering building a pond in the metro Atlanta Georgia area. I've owned a pond before that had an under gravel filter when we moved into the house. The filter was essentially a network of white plastic pipes with holes drilled into them that were hooked to a pump that fed an external veggie filter.

I've read that under gravel filters are not the best solution. Are there other alternatives?

Ambo100
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Jim Blizard
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  • @Jim Blizard, do you mean something like this, [Filtration Systems for Ponds & Water Gardens](http://www.watergarden.org/site/Filter_index.html)? Also you may find this worth a read, give you an idea or two (following the links within may also prove worthwhile): [A Water Garden for Wildlife](http://greengardeningstl.com/2009/09/07/a-water-garden-for-wildlife/) – Mike Perry Jul 29 '11 at 23:19
  • @Mike, that is the sort of information I'm looking for, but I wanted first hand experiences. Thanks for the links. – Jim Blizard Jul 31 '11 at 13:17
  • @Jim Blizard, you didn't specifically ask if people had "first hand experience" with other filtration systems. I have used such systems a couple of times, both times they have worked well (for me). In my limited experience, regardless of the filtration systems used, regular maintenance (upkeep) of the chosen filtration system & the pond itself are key... – Mike Perry Jul 31 '11 at 13:35

1 Answers1

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There are many different applications for a pond that size.

The first is a skimmer. Installed outside the pond, keeps pump and plumbing hidden for better appearance, easy cleaning, catches floating debris in basket and fine debris with fiber filter mat Submersible pump sits inside the skimmer or external pump can be used to pull water from skimmer.
Flow range of 1000 gph to 3500 gph.

Another is the Gravity type System which may be used with a waterfall or stream application. In the Gravity type filter, water is pumped in and exits by gravity back into pond Mechanical and biological filtration using foam pad which can be easily cleaned without having to remove from filter Thermometer and sensor to let you know when to clean are options in some systems. Maximum flow 2300 gph

There are other types of systems available including systems that can be buried. If there are any pond builders or stores in the area just visit to see what is available. If you like to be creative there are many systems available that can be put together on a budget. I have found many pumps submersible and not and filter systems with pumps included from pools and hot tubs etc.

A stream and waterfall can also aid in filtration. You can build a stream using pond liner. Rocks and vegetation can be added for natural filtration. There are so many variations. One stream even had a bog built in to naturally filter the water. Ponds and the systems involved are many and varied. enter image description here

The picture is from a pond I built. It consisted of a one large (1000) gal and a smaller pond (150) gal that were connected with a 25 foot stream with waterfalls, bog plants and fish. The small pond was built higher up and the water was pumped up from the big pond. No filters, just the pumps. Lasted for years and was completely natural.

Gardening Directions
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