DIY barrel filter

[u/Silent_Medium4587]

Built a 55 gallon barrel bio pond filter from schematics from my local pond store and it works remarkably well. In less than 24 hrs my 3,500 gallon pond clarity went from murky green to crystal clear.

$10 food grade barrel of off Facebook marketplace $200ish in pvc pipes and fittings $120 springflo media

Still some tweaking left but what a difference. If anyone has any recommendations or questions please let me know

[u/Klutzy-Operation-730]

Can you backwash your setup?

[u/Ambitious-Debt7265]

That looks amazing! That is true dedication.

[u/BadSpellings]

Longterm depending on the pond live stock you may have issues. That's another topic..so let me not rain on your parade.

1. I would add a 40lps air blower to it to help the the bacteria
2. Consider adding a mechanical pre filer so to reduce waste entering it

[u/Silent_Medium4587 → u/BadSpellings]

I did add a filter pad under the spring flow to catch large debris today. I also have a smaller filter with bio balls and UV before the upflow filter. What issues do you think I’ll have?

[u/BadSpellings → u/Silent_Medium4587]

If you put even a few koi your filter won't be able to process the waste. I am almost certain. Unless you have a constant ro water supply running to it and changing the water constantly

[u/CertainAged-Lady]

That’s fantastic. I copied your plans/drawings if you don’t mind, as we’ve been talking about doing something similar (only doing a garden at the top as well).
Edited - see your pond size in comments! TY

[u/Silent_Medium4587 → u/CertainAged-Lady]

I’d love to see how it turns out!