MoonShadows said:How many gallons is your pond, Cal, and what kind of filtration do you have?
15,000 gal.....9ft at the deep end with steps in the front on the left, and a ledge in the back on the right.
We recently had the spa re-plastered, and are keeping it clean by setting the all the spa water to go through the
Pentair pool pump/filter. I keep one chlorine tab in the spa float, and built a trampoline cover for the spa using
PVC, shade cloth, and wire.
To filter the pond algae, I use this filter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016M6DODK/
which is totally worthless as is.....after 3 mos continuous use, it barely collected any algae. The problem is the foam filters DO NOT fit the inside...they don't prevent the water from going down the sides without going through the filter!
I almost tossed it, but had seen someone on YouTube show how they built a filter unit and used quilter's batting as the filter material.
So I threw away the sponges, spacers, and bioballs (worthless), and used low loft quilter's batting.......WOW! It filtered waaaay more in 2 days than
the sponges did in 3 months!
I've had to clean it every 2-3 days, but have got it down to a 10 min process. I'm hoping the pond will clear up on it's own as the days get shorter & colder.
It's been 4 days since the last change, so will do it tomorrow.
In spite of all the ducks coming each AM & PM, the pH is 7.2, and no detectable nitratates, nitrites, or ammonia, and
total dissolved solids are down to ~1000, vs 2500 when we first started (due to all the chemicals).
bumplbea said:Thanks for the new videos. What an amazing wild life refuge you have created. Build it and they will come.... Many of the birds are lucky , good eats and a bird spa with a beautiful garden and frequent diving in the pond for a dip. The plant material is so facinating to me . Can't grow any of them in my zone but find them exciting to see in such a lush garden and so well kept.
I have a resident blue herring that soars in once in awhile and tries to get a few fish ....easy Pickens...the fish have a few crevices built in to the bottom and lower sides to discourage raiders from dining on the fish also several floating plant barges to protect the fish from flight hunters lurking around. The dogs keep him at bay. Usually in summers I keep a lot of floating vegetation to cover the top of most of the pond and protect the fish. It is funny how the fish know the difference between a predator and the hand that feeds them. 
The plants ducks fish in the video all look happy and healthy. A testament to how well your pond is balanced . Any under water plants ? It's not easy to keep pond water clear and healthy . Eco balance is tricky. Do you use a pond eco filter? Eco filters have been a staple in my pond and it been very handy & easy to clean .
If there was an award for the best pond designed from a pool I would nominate yours.....ducks are so comical for some reason, always keeping it real!
Happy Holidays!
Thanks, Bea!
The pond was about 2/3 covered by water hyacinths & hardy lilies from June~Sept, but they are dying back now.
No underwater plants....what kinds? We have more hyacinths in a smaller pond and tub that are still buff, and
will protect them from the cold to re-stock the big pond in the spring.
I'll have to cut back the foliage on the big island of iris, and divide it. It's massive now, and the roots are probably tapping into
sludge in the deep end.
Here are some pics to show the progression:
Just before the conversion in Feb 2018
First island...too rectangular.....re-did it to make it irregular....
Iris's ready for planting on island...
Agggghhhhh! What were we thinking???!!
Became very green with bubbles (protein).....getting nervous.
Better, but needs more plants..
By the end of July...
Don't need the skimmer now, but grows water hyacinths great.
Early May....
Late June....
Misty late July...
A single girl had the place to herself for a spa day....
Bubble bath...
Casual dining.....
And at its best (slideshow).... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016M6DODK/
Hope you enjoy.
