Water Gardening: Home Made Pond Filter - cheap, 2 by ApopkaJohn

ApopkaJohn wrote:
I originally bought the pump to use as a fountain aerator for the pond. The idea came to me to also use the pump to vacuum the water through some gravel and carpet contained in the 5 gallon bucket, then pump the water upward to the surface of the pond. In theory, the filter material is upstream from the pump, so the spinning impeller stays clean and won't clog with slime or dirt. Our exit pipe is a small fountain, so I can notice if the filter starts getting clogged when the water starts to slow down. This is not a skimmer or a bottom filter, but it seems to trap alot of free floating debris and traps microscopic algae and clay particles. Our pond is 450 gallons and we had a former problem with green and cloudy water, also the pump sprays a small fountain so it provides aeration, beauty, and a pleasant trickle sound. We installed the outdoor electric outlet near the pond with a ground-fault circuit and also a manual on/off wall switch indoors.
#1 Picture shows pump/filter in operation a few days after filling up the pond.
#2 Picture shows water green and cloudy after a few weeks but eventually the water cleared after flushing out the filter materials in the bucket. So far have done monthly filter cleanings. Anticipate fewer cleanings needed.
#3 Picture shows crystal clear water two months later as the pond water fish/plants and microbiology has balanced.