Koi Forum (Nishikigoi - Japanese Koi Fish): KOI Talk: Pond Construction & Water Filtering System: Filter Media

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Filter Media

Marine
Koi Lover

Dec 29, 2000, 3:47 AM

Post #1 of 10 (862 views)
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Filter Media	Can't Post

Hi,

I have just upgraded to a pond of 7 ft by 6ft by 2.5ft (above ground). And I have heard so much about using different filter media. My pond maker used corel & a piece of blue filter mat in the first chamber, corel chips and filter mat in the 2nd chamber, ceramic ring, zeolite and filter mat in the 3rd chamber and filter mat in the 4th chamber.

I have heard alot about using corel chips and its cons. My pond is about 2 -3 weeks old (in the process of maturing). Question is can I change the fiter media ? i.e get rid of corel and replace with filter mats, which will probably mean that I have to restart the bacteria cultivation process again.

Hope to have some advice here.

Thank you.

Khoobg
Webmaster

Dec 29, 2000, 5:58 AM

Post #2 of 10 (862 views)
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Filter Media [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Koh,

the first chamber should always be settlement chamber with the main function to trap heavy fish waste. Use brush or carlnet for this chamber.

Use synthetic matting for 2nd and 3rd chamber which will act as biological filter.

You can transfer part of your coral to the last chamber to act as buffer against pH swing.

You should set your filter right from start and using coral in the first chamber is definitely bad.

Cheers.

Marine
Koi Lover

Dec 29, 2000, 7:25 AM

Post #3 of 10 (862 views)
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Hi,

Thanks for your feedback. How about Ceramic Rings and Zeolite ? Do I need them ? Sorry for my ignorance but it sounds like the green filter mats can do all the jobs. When placing yhr filter mat vertically, must I leave any gap between each piece (if yes, what would be the distance)?

Must I pack the settlement chamber densely with the brushes ? But it sounds like there are more gaps for the dirt to bypass.

I must say that this forum is indeed very useful. It shortens the learning cycle of new comer like me.

Cheers !

SBC
Koi Lover

Dec 29, 2000, 2:16 PM

Post #4 of 10 (862 views)
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Some other factors to watch for is,

1) water parameters. Prevent over-feeding to ensure good water parameters.

2) Ensure adequate supply of oxygen in pond.

3) Shade the pond from direct sunlight to reduce algae growth.

4) Also to have partial water change during weekend including filter-change per month.

Khoobg
Webmaster

Dec 30, 2000, 11:17 AM

Post #5 of 10 (862 views)
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Hi Koh,

Ceramic ring can be used for 2nd and 3rd chamber where you expect to have your most biological activities.

Place brushes close to each other in well arranged format. This will help to trap most of the heavy fish waste in the settlement chamber.

If you use green matting in the biological chamber, you may wish to leave a gap that equals to the thickness of the matting that you use.

Ken Sutanto
Koi Lover

Dec 31, 2000, 11:38 AM

Post #6 of 10 (862 views)
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Hi, Koh,

You can use the zeolite and put in in the last chamber of your filter before your biofilter mature. As Zeolite can abosorb Amonia. Then once your Bio filter mature, you can remove the zeolite but I suggest not to throw away , just keep the zeolite for emergency once biofilter has some problem and amonia up, then you can use the zeolite again.

Just to share my experience.

Ben
Koi Lover

Jan 1, 2001, 9:56 AM

Post #7 of 10 (862 views)
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Control feeding and low stocking level are both very important factor for the control of your pond water quality. The amount of food will depend on the number of koi. More koi in the pond will mean more filtering capacity is required.

Zeolite and activated carbon are useful in the beginning when your pond filter is yet to mature. Do not depend on zeolite in the long run and your pond system should achieve an equilibrium situation without the use of them.

Sufficent oxygen supply to your bio filter will also be one important factor not to ignore.

Marine
Koi Lover

Jan 2, 2001, 10:53 PM

Post #8 of 10 (862 views)
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Thanks for your advice. Very useful.

My pond is turning green now (about 3 weeks old). Is it part of the maturing process ?

Besides the venturi system, I have added additional aerations in the main pond, which I think is more than sufficient. Do I have to provide aeration in the filter chamber as well ?

Thank you.

Khoobg
Webmaster

Jan 3, 2001, 1:59 AM

Post #9 of 10 (862 views)
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Adding aeration in your bio filter will ensure that they will have sufficient oxygen for the bio activities.

Khoobg
Webmaster

Jan 3, 2001, 3:57 AM

Post #10 of 10 (862 views)
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Hi Koh,

Have you install trickle filter or add any plant to your filter system for nitrate removal ?

It is normal for pond to turn green with the production of nitrate by the bacteria and you need to add one of those I mentioned above to remove nitrate or your pond will remain green for a long time.

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