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Filtration Info
Pond Size and
Configuration
Don't be fooled by imitations. |
| When considering pond
size, always build as big as budget allows. Many koi enthusiasts
start with a small pond, and regret that they did not build bigger
to begin with. The more water and filter volume, the greater
number inches of koi that can be maintained within. An important
factor when determining pond size is the depth. Depth of the pond
adds to water volume, controls temperature, and gives koi hiding
room from predators. In the Northwest the minimum depth of a koi
pond should be at least three feet. However, a depth of five to
eight feet provides better temperature control, and will allow
more room for koi to exercise. Volume of a pond can be determined
by the formula "length x width x depth x 7.5". Included
in the depth factor is the recessed area where bottom drains or
drain will be set. This drain should have a down slope of at least
one - two feet. The sides of a pond also play a factor in volume.
Many people include a step for water plants. These steps can add
volume but also can have negative effects. One problem with
stepping a pond edge is that predators have a shallow point at
which to enter. Predators such as the Blue Heron will perch
themselves anywhere in which the water does not rise above their
knees. In most cases sheer pond sides are recommended for at least
a two-foot depth. Plants can be added if needed by stacking
something under their bowl or using hanging baskets. One other way
to add plants if wanted are to create a separate bog area with
overflow water spilling in. |
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| Bead filters work by both
mechanical and biological means. The pond water is pressurized and
forced through a maze of beads allowing each bead to be in contact
creating a large surface area. Do to the large surface area
created by the thousands of tiny beads, this type filter takes the
least amount of space and is very efficient. The last type of
filter I will discuss is the ultraviolet (UV) filter. The UV
filter is used more for water clarity than filtration. The UV
style of filtration uses light in the ultraviolet spectrum to
destroy bad bacteria and algae blooms. UV cannot function alone
because once the algae or bacteria are destroyed they must still
be filtered out of the water by supplemental filtration. I
recommend using a combination of mechanical, biological, and UV
filtration for the best results. Of course , no filter will work
without properly circulating water, or the oxygen to produce
needed bacteria. |
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