Below are a list of products and services that will help people looking to build their own ponds and filtration systems without spending a fortune.
Downloadable formula PDF
Formulas I use to build a pond.
- How big should a bog filter be?
- What’s should the flow rate be?
- What sized pump do I need?
- Waterfall & stream flow rates
- Calculate water in motion
- Pond volume
- Plumbing sizes
- How much liner?
- How much rock?
Want me to help you with your pond design?
You can reach out to me if you need personalised help with your pond design.
You can contact me via email and I can share tips and insights into your plan.
My aim is to help as many people as I can. Therefore if you require personalised advice I ask for a $100 donation to cover my time.
Pond liner
Pond liner is the one thing that I personally never skimp on when building a pond. In my opinion the best liner is EPDM rubber. While not cheap it is incredibly durable and stretchy which is great if you are placing large rocks inside the pond.
Firestone or Elevate EPDM pond liner
- Highest quality
- Exceptional warranty
- Used by all the professionals
HDPE or LLPDE liner
I’ve only ever used this on a grey water wetland I constructed but it is still going strong.
- Not as thick as EPDM but excellent puncture resistance.
- Much cheaper than EPDM
Pond pumps
After the liner the pump is the next most crucial component of creating a healthy and easy to maintain pond. Below are links to some of the pumps that I like to use in my ponds.
Variable speed low volt dc pumps
- Cheaper than other comparable pumps
- Extremely energy efficient
- Easy to use control panel
- Multiple fittings included
Solar compatible pond pumps
- Save money using the sun
- Great for areas with no mains power
- Make sure you get the DC 12V model
Pond filtration Products
All ponds need a good filtration system. Below are products that will help you create DIY filters that are just as good as any store bought filtration system.
Bio balls
- Cheap
- Lots of surface area
- Great for high flow filters
Matala filter sponges
- Best quality
- Biological and mechanical filtration
Japanese filter mat
- Cheaper than matala
- Still good quality
- Biological/ mechanical filtration
Useful products for building a bog filter
As you know I think one of the best ways to filter a pond is using a bog filter. Bogs provide exceptional results and are cheap to make.
If you are using a container to create the filter you will need to create some water tight seals. This can be done using unseals or bulkhead fittings.
Uniseal
- Cheap
- Watertight
- Can be used on rounded containers
Bulkhead fittings
- Easy to install
- Watertight
- Perfect for square, rectangle containers
Water treatments
I Don’t add many products to my ponds, with that said there are 4 things that I like to always have available: Beneficial bacteria, A flocculent, Hydrogen peroxide and diatomix or nualgi.
Beneficial bacteria
I’ve tried quite a few types of bacteria for ponds and I think my favourite is Aquascape maintain.
It contains bacteria, a phosphate binder, water conditioner and clarifier (flocculent). For that reason it’s just a good all rounder.
Pond flocculent
- Will Clear up muddy water
- Helps single celled algae clump together so it can be collected by the filter
- Fish and plant safe
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is a great way to combat very stubborn algae.
A good starting dose is 1/2 cup (125mL) of 3% hydrogen peroxide per 100 Gallons (400 Litres) of pond water.
You can also buy hydrogen peroxide is stronger mixes, this can be more economical if you require a lot.
Remember all ponds are different start small and find what works for your situation.
Diatomix & Nualgi
Both these product encourage the growth of diatoms. These are a type of algae that form the base of any aquatic food chain.
By promoting diatoms nutrient that would be otherwise available for problem algae is moved up the food chain and provides a fantastic food source for your fish.
If purchasing diatomix use code: ozponds for free shipping.