Downloadable formula PDF
Formulas I use to build a pond with bog filter.
- 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 provide a pond design for you?
You could give me your pond dimensions and I could draw a little diagram for you (I’m a terrible drawer, so be warned).
On the drawing or in an accompanying email I’ll talk about the bog filter size, the pump flow rates, skimmers or intake bays (to help reduce maintenance), any circulation jets, waterfalls ect. Then you would build it yourself and save money.
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 EPDM pond liner
- Highest quality
- Exceptional warranty
- 0.8mm to 1.2mm thick
- 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 supposed to have good 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
- Very energy efficient
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 3 things that I like to always have available: Beneficial bacteria, A flocculent 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
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.