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How to refresh my fish pond?

Thierry

Hi Team

I have an outdoor covered fish pond facing North east, capacity 1500 L.

Could you please advise:

1. A water pump, filter, uv light (all integrated ?)

2. 3 pond lights?

3. Do i need to remove the middle pot and install a new pump there?

4. Im thinking if can fit through central pot water feature

My current pump with small integrated filter (after 2 years) is not pumping water although everything appears to be working. And it was connected to an external UV. Also, my 3 led lights are weakening now, need replacement.

Need to fix this asap as theres 8 goldfish

Thanks

Thierry

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Thierry

As an immediate fix for your pump, I suggest using an AQUAPRO AP2400F Pond And Fountain Pump. This will aerate the water in your pond and help your goldfish breathe. As for the pond lights I recommend the Holman RGB Colour Pond Light - 3 Pack if you want to put them underwater. However, if you only want spotlights around the area, I propose using Solar Magic 100/300lm Hi/Low LED Spotlight.

I suggest removing the old pump and its fittings and determining the best position for the new pump. To filter the water, I suggest using the AQUAPRO 450 x 160 x 160mm Large Pre-Filter Sponge to help clear the water in the pond. I'm sorry but there are currently no 3-in-1 pond pump combinations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Thierry

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24037#Comment_24037

Hi @EricL

Thanks for the advice.

Went to the store.

The pond pump fountain was out of stock.

I notice theres aqua pro , all in one 2000 pump, medium at $418.97. any advice comparing to your suggested pump? And reason why you didn't

propise this

Also do I need a UV light?

Thanks

Thierry

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74668#Comment_74668

Hi @Thierry,

It sounds like @EricL might have just missed that one. It appears to be a relatively new product, as I hadn't seen it before. It sounds good to me and suits your requirements. It has slightly less flow than the model @EricL suggested but is adequate for your pond.

You don't need a UV light, but it helps to control algae, and if you don't have one, you'd need to look at other control methods like chemicals.

I'm sure @EricL will chime in after the weekend if it wasn't just an oversight.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

Thierry

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/100957#Comment_100957

Hi @MitchellMc

I have also seen other pump models that can be installed outside the pond ,and dig under soil...

In my case which one is better?

Thanks

Thierry

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Thierry

As it so happens I run Koi fish that are more demanding and are closly related to gold fish I am in the middle of expanding my fish pond to take larger koi and gold fish populations. Current 7000L new is 25000L So i have to use external filter system and koi are quite messy fish. The amount of reseach i had to do to understand the nitrogen cycle fish diseases and parisites with cures and everything can be huge as we are creating a mini world and if it is out of balance fish die. I Bought my self a high quality microscope to do fish health and water studies.

I have spent much time studing fish needs and filtration systems so I will try to be concise with information too help you should you wish to ask further questions feel free..

IMPORTANT : First question have there being any fish deaths? Please describe death numbers and symptoms this will aid in rescuing your pond.

Do you have pebble rocks in your pond? Bloated white cotton wool growth etc. where there skin red veins etc?

Gold fish are surprisingly resilient fish and can live some surprising conditions but they do need some basic TLC to live better healthier lives.

Lets state some facts: based apon your immediate 1500Gold fish need.

ALL IN ALL System is super easy to run and install no piping but NEEDS min 5000L per hour as you have fish.

A smaller AQua pro 2000 will work but it will all most need a fortnightly clean. an Allinone pump will work great for your pond size as it has enough Filter material for benificial bacteria growth. has UV lamp (replace lamp yearly) the fountain feature will aerate the water plenty on small fountain. (gold fish dont need aerating if pond is open and wide like yours as long as less than 30 fish. The more fish you have the more aeration and filter you need. Looking at your pond I estimate currently15 to 20 fish plenty given they will grow bigger. The more fish the bigger the filteration , bigger UV and and bigger biofilter area you need and the more often you have to clean them.

Position All in one anywhere fountain wont spray water out. You can have water flow into a pipe up into a trickling water feature or mini water fall instead of a fountain.

I Recommend highly ### for your pond:

To cope with your 1500L with fish in it. External System! Is a pump with no filter, pumping water to an external filter and return to pond. The following will Handle your pond with ease.

-AQUAPRO AP3100DW Filtration Pump I/N: 2810303 $300.52 No internal filter 🙂

AQUAPRO AP5000UV Combo Series II Pressure Filter I/N: 2810202 $385.56 UV and biofilter in sponge.

Simply put this system simply filters at edge of pond so you can service it with out needing to pull pump out of water. This can do 5000L pond water plants alone but only 1500L/hour with fish so good for your pond. It has every thing self contained UV Biofilter in the sponges and a self clean back rinse system will save you work pulling filter apart.

Place pump at far end of the pond close to wall and have the water return on the otherside via outlet from Filter unit, and use water falletc to jazz your pond up as you wish.

Some pond information.

@MitchellMc was right about the UV light mostly there for killing alge and stopping your pond turning green. UV also helps kill microscopic organisms harmfull to fish.

Two things a pond filter provides

1. It physically filters out particals (just keeps water clear not alge untill they are big .) This is you basic "water feature and fountain pump" not good for many fish.

2 Filter sponge and bio balls : Benificial bacteria of two key varieties grows on the filter sponges etc some external filter units have things called bioballs that grow additional benificial use full for larger ponds, ie more growing area. The first bacteria converts /eats deadly Ammonia from fish to a less harmfull but still dangerous to Nitrites, The seconcd bacteria eats the Nitrites to Nitrate which in turn is consumed by your water plant and reasonable levels can be present in the pond and not hurt fish. When cleaning your pump filter NEVER use tap water (rinse in1 or 2 bucket of water from same pond) as chlorine kills your bacteria colonies and it could take 1 month where fish are at risk of ammonia buildup why because Converting bacteria needs to rebuild. The black growth on the sides of the pond are also good bacteria thats why your fish lived while pump blocked.

Warning adding tap water is adding clorine this will shorten fish life so best add small amounts of water often as summer evaporates water out. I have a 5000L tank water just for fish water top ups.

Another common fish tank problem is adding sand and rocks as when the fish poop it mixes with the stones and can breds harmful parisites in greater numbers. This is ok if you vacuum your pond regularly but it is eaisier maintinace to have open no rock bottom.

all fish tanks have some parisites at times the trick is to control the numbers and healthy fish are resistant to small attacks.

I wont bog you down with too much info so call out if your fish have any symptoms or showing odd behavior.

Picture my stage one fish tank with aquarium front.

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117387#Comment_117387

A great brand Is OASE (german design ) it is solid and reliable usually lower current motors and last longer than other brands normally

This will fit your pond nicly and no external plumbing required throw it in and it will work but cleaning is required. What youtubes for learning that it will save you money..

Oase Filtral 5000 Pump-UVC-Filter 3 in 1(Allin one for your pond and fish.) $579.00 google it.

You need 5000L/hour everything regardless of brand

@EricL Water lights look nice too 🙂

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117387#Comment_117387

Hi @Thierry,

There are all types of systems. If an all-in-one system is clogging up often, you might like to go with a separate filter system outside the pond. This makes it particularly easy to access and clean when required. If your previous integrated pump filter worked fine for two years, you might just want to replace it with something similar.

Mitchell

Thierry

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126886#Comment_126886

Hi @Jewelleryrescue @MitchellMc

Thanks for the info and advice.

2 fish have died and 2 newly born - that was before I installed the external UV light, connecting to the small pump (with integrated filter). The water used to be so green that I barely see anything in the water.

No, theres no peddle rocks.

What i would like to achieve:
1. For ambience, either put a fountain flowing high enough to see.
To Install either inside or outside the pot (need to empty it as I see theres sand and rock)

2. Waterfall would be nice too, but i am not sure how and where to put it and sort of equipment

3. My fish are small quite small , haven't seen them grow much since last 2-3 years. I feed them once a week , if i dont forget

4. Also would like 1 light underneath the fountain, and 3 lights surrounding the ponds

5. Minimising maintenance

My understanding, i need to get 5000LPH pump.

Questions:
A. With external system, can i still have fountain in middle?
B the all in one, under water i see there's fountain kit, which is nice. Do you have Integrated light under the fountain?

Many thanks
Thierry

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133201#Comment_133201

Hi @Thierry,

You can undoubtedly have a fountain in the middle with an external system. The return line to the pond would get routed to the centre, and a fountainhead fitted. It's this return line that powers the fountain. I haven't seen any integrated lights included on all-in-one systems.

Mitchell

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133201#Comment_133201

Hi @Thierry

Yes 3000L - 5000L per hour for all components to keep things straight forward and larger filter minimises maintinance periods too.

The 5000L rating for pond stuff is for no fish, just water. Fish load down the filter with OASE 5000 Pump-UVC-Filter 3in 1 this will support fish in 2500L tank. your pond will be very clean and healthy for the most part and need a little less attention. And yes included fountain.

The 3000L rating for Bunnings Aquapro AP3100DW(this is 3000L per hour Pump i/n 2810303 and the Aquapro AP5000UV Combo Pressure Filter I/N 2810202 will support your 1500 litre fish pond. and yes it will still support a fountain in the middle and waterfall at the side if you wish you will have to buy a fountain and base for it separatly best to have water pipe coming out the side of filter and spraying horizontal it still looks and sounds good it can be a simple tube. No water lights included.

You can add a tee piece and divert water to a water fall feature you just need some more tubing People in store at bunnings can help you with extra components and make sure it all fits together.

Buy lights separately as you wish for. A water fall is just a dish shape with a hose water inlet at the back or same for a fish ornament that spouts water out its mouth . Many personal choices here easyest is in store service in plumbing section. Below pic is a sample of your possible system.

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133201#Comment_133201

Hi @Thierry

Ok lets help your fish it is not good two are dead so lets try make them more comfortable.

Your tank size is 1500L we will add some salt to the water is a controlled manner to follow.

Salt acts like a soothing tonic to fish and it helps them generate a slime coating to repel parisites.

Salt should not be used all the time as it will lose effectiveness and may accumulate increasing saltiness. We can not exceed 6 parts per million.(PPM)

Salt will help diminish parasite populations and bacteria in water.

Rocks breed anaerobic parasites that fish touch while swimming so its great you dont have them.

Salt non ionized regular table salt in packets from supermarket is good (can also use plain pool salt)

The most important thing is to not change water parameters to fast as fish will suffer .

What to do to help your fish with a health tonic

Instructions in a bucket of collected pond water mix 450gm salt in bucket until dissolved fully each day for 5 days

This will raise your estimated pond salt levels to 5 ppm With a safety margin incase pond is plus minus 500L.

Stop add no more

Salt will diminish slowly over time with any water changes

Sick Fish

If any fish look or act unusual put one table spoon salt in one bucket of pond water and put the fish in the buckets for 10 mins watch them. If they become distressed or start swim funny return them pond asap. They should vomit up helping reduce internal gut parisites if they present.

Visually Sick Fish if you wish put them in a shallow bowl glass container and take photos of there conditions both sides fish and top I might be able too help more. Red sores, missing scales white scales and white fluff, bloated bodies etc.

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Thierry

I should tell you i like the use of your space and the pond looks good 🙂

I was thinking too much about pond pump stuff problem to appreciate your space here and say so. Nice space.

I re read you initial post you have 8 gold fish that not a lot. (I did a quick count of your fish in picture and doubled it roughly for 2nd half of the unseen under water in pond and as you said they breed so more fish may come. If you use recommended pond filter options 30 goldfish will be comfortable in 1500 L.

So my estimate was for more fish which dosnt change any pump information for 8 fish as the more water a filter system can handle the better water quality. If some one double filtered your drinking water thats great but under filtering it is yuck says your fish.

Fish farmers have 1000s of fish in small ponds but they have super filters and constanly monitoring there fish health because within hours mass deaths can occur and loose of profit.

You can drill your pot base with care and have a fountain tube in the middle spouting. You can lift your pot and put pavers underneath to allow water pipe access with out squashing it you can use a 3in 1 system and take the water outlet and divert it to your pot water spout or a cascade on the side too.

You mentioned a lack of growth and you feed them once a week I might increase that to one medium pinch of food every two days as a guide if this is possible for you or every time you visit them and feel like feeding them.

Once a week is ok the fish will scavenge and eat mosquito larve and other water bugs and even nibble on the growth on the pond hoses ( look for clean nibble patches on your hoses) as food. But they will definaly eat the smaller babies (that is nature and stops over population in your pond, a 10mm mesh made into a under water box will be a safe spot for baby fish) only the strongest will survive if they really hungry they will pick on adult fish and kill them reduce competition for food I am estimating as they dont always eat them.

It is a great bonus nice work your pond under cover this will reduce alge growth and rain water changes pH. Later if you wish to lean more buy a water test kit and learn what the results mean but I also understand you just want some fish and not want to know the history of water . I had that level of knowledge too at one point but my koi demanded I learn more to live longer.

Feel free to ask me to clarify anything i failed to explain properly.

Thierry

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24061#Comment_24061

Hi again @Jewelleryrescue

Thanks for your response and for sharing your fish tank - looks fantastic!

To summarise the case of my pond, I have 8 fish and pond is facing east, and but is under cover.

I still get algae issue but UV light should fix it.

I like the idea in your previous photo of the Blagdon inpond 5 in 1.

Also, the pot is sitting on 2 bricks and rocks surrounding it. Theres already a small hole (should be ok if only power cord will go through it)

I will check if the pump can fit inside the pot together with a fountain + LED light, and if possible to have a cheap frog water feature linked to it, from flow control.

1. Should i get a blagdon 5 in 1 3000 Or 6000? As from what i read the 3000 should be enough? Will UV light 5kw on 3000 enough?

Thanks Thierry

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74680#Comment_74680

Hi @Thierry

If you wish to use blagdon 5 in 1 the 6000 will properly support you fish now and into the future with its larger capacity and it has that led light too and enough capacity to run a side water feature later. 3000 may just work if you clean it regularly but not enough water pressure for side feature.

Can I suggest the fountain Blagdon go into the middle of pond stand alone no pot surrounding it (as blocking/limiting water flow will hinder water cleaning function around the pond Also if in the pot pump return water must enter small base hole of the pot half blocked by the cord and it is possible to get dead spots in your outer pond alge spots etc. Water through the pot hole wont be big enough to replace pumped out water in pot pump could run dry.

Now you around your middle feature fountain you can add two pots either side, or 4 pots in a square around but away from filter with the fish swimming under the 4 plants it will give them a more interesting happier environment or design your new pot layouts.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/100965#Comment_100965

Hi @Thierry

My apologies for not seeing this pump on offer. In reference to the AQUAPRO 2000 All-In-One Pump And UVC Filter System, it should work with the size of your pond. Have you considered making an independent filter for the entire pond? It is mainly made of an Award 50L Black Storage Container with Lid and Wheels, Ki-Carma 20kg 10-20mm Drainage Gravel, 3M Scotch-Brite 120mm x 80mm Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges, QEP Tile Sponge and Everhard 600mm x 6m Drain Matting.

The basic assembly involves cutting a hole at the bottom to let the water out. You can place a hose or a pipe fitting of your choice for the outlet. The rocks go to the bottom then the scrub sponges next followed by the QEP tile sponge. The top part is occupied by the drain matting. The outlet of the pump is run through the top of the giant filter. In essence, it is like a giant freshwater aquarium filter only on a much larger scale.

Done properly you'll be able to propagate the nitrate-eating bacteria that will keep your pond fresh and clean. It will provide you with long-term filtering and you won't have to keep cleaning it compared to a small filter. In combination with the salt regimen that @Jewelleryrescue suggested your tank will be very clean and free of algae.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117396#Comment_117396

Hi @EricL and @Thierry

Bio balls vs rocks.

I totally respect EricL advice as it is the mainstream solution here but I do believe this area is evolving as to better solutions for tomorrow.

I think you will like to grow with my journey down this rabbit hole as I am building a mega filter trying to keep this real. See if you agree ? The rock solution is ok but there is new evidence of a better way of building a self cleaning bio tank as I am in the middle of that project now. When I finish my design pros and cons I will share the design into the future after I test proto type and tweak final design.

Rocks specifically (volcanic perforated )add more surface area to grow bacteria on an inside if they porous that is 100% true. But they are heavy and clog up over time and water flows around them not through them. Clogged rocks invite parasites to breed in an on them. So its a pain to clean them and once bacteria colonises rock surface it slows down growing. To clean you have to dig them all out wash them (heavy work) even in pond water killing bacteria is un avoidable and waiting for a colony restart can be a month. (there are some great colony restart additives that do work in 3 days)

Key point is there are 2 bacteria types one is aerobic the other Anaerobic in a rock system anaerobic bacteria hide deeper into the rock pores away form any oxygen. Please discuss with me if I get any facts wrong I need to learn too so I dont built a white elephant.

New Filter concept (actual proto type design still being finalised so bear with me at concept level)

Anaerobic Bacteria Tank

Its being proven the that bacteria eats the ammonia and Nitrate mostly as its growing! as food. So think Tank no1 The pond water can be dumped into a settling tank with bio balls buffeted by incoming fish poop and water. The water movement with minimal pond air as pond intake is in the bottom of the tank anaerobic water. The incoming water movement keeps the bio balls clean and no home to parasites as well as knocking of the old anaerobic bacteria enabling regrowth for maximum self cleaning and bio filtration. The poop settles towards the bottom with the the old bacteria and is flushed out periodically on to grateful garden plants via a floor drain valve.

What is a "bio ball".... well its a man made plastic ball various designs that are hollow to allow maximum surface area for bacteria to grow on inside it and out.. The same bacteria grows on all surfaces in your pond feeding on fish wastes. If it grows on pond walls why do we need more well thats because we are stocking the pond with more fish that a nateral pool of water can provide and we need larger colonies of bacteria.

Aerobic Bacteria Tank.

So think bio plastic balls floating in a 2nd tank not overly congested you want bioballs to move with a steady stream of bubbles underneath as one of the bacteria types is aerobic (needs oxygen) .

What happens is the bioballs are constantly bouncing around each other and knocking of bits of old bacteria which is perfect as its only the new bacteria growing is doing most of the converting. So the old bacteria falls to the bottom of the tank dead as waste and if you install a floor drain simply open valve into your garden it will suck out the bottom mess in a jiffy and plants love it.

Key features are

constant self cleaning (rocks cant do this)
no build up of old bacteria (rocks add to this problem)
No or minimal parasite breeding ground ( Sediment clogged rocks parasites can thrive)
maximum bio filtration with constant young growth ( old growth bacteria reduces bio filtration.)
Easy to purge waste. (rocks are labour intensive at all levels install and clean)

Pumic volcanic rock floats and may work instead of bioballs but over time will smash its self to sand.

Well thats the future it will take a few years for those facts to become mainstream but you heard it hear first.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126895#Comment_126895

Hi @Jewelleryrescue

Thank you for the insight on other possible filters. It's definitely something worth considering, I suppose it depends on how big the filter tanks will be. I reckon the third filter tank would be a biological filter such as a floating raft with plants in it. When the nitrate enters the water the plants absorb it and clean the water at the same time. But your idea of flushing the solids into the garden is great as this will be like a natural fertilizer for the garden.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133207#Comment_133207

Well @EricL your very close here re plants getting involved.

If you make the plants with no soil ( as soil is a nice little hidy place for water micro organisims to breed in). Basically treat them as hydroponic just use floating raft with bare roots but I cant vouch for that is a real solution definatly out of my skill set.

When it comes to hydroponics I really a I have no idea in that last plant stage of the nitrogen cycle. That's a lot of more study in itself.

FYI in a man made koi pond plants shouldn't be in the water but around the edges in the garden to once again to keep dirt out. The larger the pond the less it is vulnerable to dramatic and sudden pond water changes and or pH swings if sudden influx of rain water etc

I remember knowing zero about fish but i still enjoyed keeping them and made tanks for them yes my fish lived an died and had strange conditions so I learnt more to save more fish. But it is important not to bog regular fish owners down too much just guide them and help them and fish to be a little happier so if you see me not telling a fish owner something its to strike a balanced solution. Thierry wants to put pump in pot plant I had to suggested no as the pump simply wont work well.

Trivia : Did you know Koi fish in perfect conditions can live 100+ years? lol puts alot of other pets to shame re life cycles but in realitiy they live an average of 23 years as there owner may pass away and pond gets neglected is one scenario they get shorter life spans.

Thierry

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137104#Comment_137104

Hi @Jewelleryrescue and @EricL

Thanks for keeping the ball rolling.

@Jewelleryrescue i like the idea of the Bragdon 5 in 1 6000, which i will like to give a crack. Its a cheaper option and an easy installation. I think its the only one model in the market.

As advised, will remove the middle pot.

Questions:

1. The bragdon 5 in1 6000 pump says max flow per hour is 1500. Is that sufficient for my pond?

2. The 4 plants with pots- whats plants do you reckon i should get?

Not sure about the quantity of the filters etc, and other ongoing costs such as filters replacement but if once a year to clean im happy with that.

Thanks

Thierry

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139790#Comment_139790

Hello @Thierry

There are a variety of pond plants available at the store but it depends on what is currently stocked. I suggest visiting your local store and having a look in the garden area and asking a helpful team member to show you where the pond plants are.

General examples of water plants are the Arthritis plant, Golden Marsh Flower, Nardoo, Water Ribbon and Fairy Lights. Please remember that each plant serves a purpose, some are oxygenators, floaters and submersibles. Oxygenators grow rapidly and absorb dissolved mineral salts directly through their leaves which would normally feed algae. Floating plants provide shade and safe hiding spots for fish in outdoor ponds. Submersibles are plants such as water lilies and numerous other small plants with floating leaves and flowers which can be planted in any vacant spot in the pond. They provide shelter for the fish, produce oxygen and their flowers add colour to the pond surface.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your pond fully restored.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139790#Comment_139790

Hi @Thierry and hi @EricL

Yes I think the Bragdon 5 in 1 6000, will suit your pond well. at 1500L/hour. I think you will be pleasanly surprised allround. Make sure you get the one with the nozzle sticking out at right angle to the fountain spout as this will run your side water feature as you said you wanted. $399 it has valve so add water feature later. as per the previous pond picture guide. blagdon-inpond-5-in-1-6000-multi-filter-1500lh-aquatic-supplies-australia-556935_2048x.jpg

There quality is very high for the price.

Pump /filter makers always over state there pumps capacity as a rule get the bigger pump like i said it is better to filter water twice than not enough,

The fish are in there own toilet water how many times would you liked that filtered per hour if you where a fish?

That means 1500L/Hour in 1 hour all your water cleaned once this is ok. It is a blagdon british company and has good reputation and it also offers quality Maintenance kits for $32.95 annual but if you are prepared to squeeze out the filter material into 2 buckets of pond water. Bucket 1 is for squeezing muck out, bucket 2 is a rinse only. Sponge dose not have to be 100% clean. This way you can stretch not having to replace sponges etc. UV light should be replaced as a separate item once a year as it loses UV capacity 20% per year. Aquaticsuppiesaustralia I buy from too has them in stock as well as Bragdon 5 in 1 6000, Top the pond up with tap water frquently to the top aviod large water changes.

I wish Bunning stocked them to sell to us but they cant stock every item on the planet, so not there fault.

Thierry keep your pot as one of the four as you wish just keep your pump in open water in the middle or fountain will splashes over the sides. I am not really knowledgable on plants but look at your local nursery at water plants or wet zones plants that like constant wet roots. Do not add any more salt to pond as salt can kill plants. Salt only used when fish sick infrequently but not in pond unless advised. Take plants out when salt present for 3 monthes is safest. Use google to check plant wont hurt fish and fish ponds

Salt all you fish with one table spoon salt in bucket of water every 6 monthes it will help keep parasites under control. (I salted you fish in pond to help knock parasite population down as 2 fish died.) I didnt see your fish bodies dead so a range of possible causes possible salt is a safe general cure all but it can be over done..

If you wanted a more gushing side water fall feature spend $100 more and buy ( larger pump 3000L/hour)

Blagdon Inpond 6 in 1 9000 Multi Filter (3000L/h) $499

Thierry

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141637#Comment_141637

Hi @Jewelleryrescue

Thanks for your help.

My last concern is whether the fountain and water feature will have enough pressure before consisering the 6000 model

The waterfall feature which will be a splitter frog (the only one interesting online) sitting approximately 25 cm above water level of 37cm (to double check) ( see green mark). Size hose will be 10mm.

I either like the daisy or bell jet, high enough to see from inside living room (around 60 cm above water depth of 37cm) (to double check)

Screenshot_2022-12-06-14-36-48-07_260528048de7f2f358f0056f785be619.jpg

Thanks

Thierry

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143026#Comment_143026

Hello @Thierry

It should indicate on your owner's manual the maximum header or the maximum height that the pump can achieve pumping against gravity. If it says for example a header of 1 meter then having your pond accessory within the height limit means that water will still be pumped out. It's best to consult the owner's manual so you can see how far you can position your pond display and still get water to it.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143026#Comment_143026

Hi @Thierry and @EricL

Thats another reason to generally always go a bigger pump than exactly needed

but yes the Blagdon Inpond 5 in 1 6000 Multi Filter (1500L/h) will operate that nice frog water spout with 10 mm ( I have a fish shaped one 🙂 with with the fountain going plenty of presssure to spare. This pump rated at 1.3meters

Have that little frog sitting on a nice piece of flat rock or some thing underneath the flat something run the hose out of the pond just lift it up a bit so hose isnt squashed. now your hose is hidden. take pictures of any new dead fish if they croak lol sorry bad pun.

It comes with a variety of water fountain heads as you know so try em all . I like the dome shape i think it will be a winner with the light under it. as The light is automatic at night too is nice. The fountian has a flow control so you can adjust the fountain head height to suit your viewing area just ensure no water splashes out as this will empty your pond. You can always have a splash board redirect water back in if a regular breeze was to blow water out. but your pond pretty sheltered i am guessing.

Thierry

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144000#Comment_144000

Hi @Jewelleryrescue

Just checked the distance from middle pump to frog, its 180cm,not sure if its too far.

I require at least 70 cm of fountain from ground level.

I also see theres 9000L (from youronlinepetshop) and its only $30 extra but power consumption is twice. Need to consider this option in case the 6000L doesnt work? What do you reckon? Thanks

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144750#Comment_144750

Hi @Thierry

Pumping on a flat level surface is not an issue, it is when it pumps vertically that becomes the point of contention. When pumping vertically a load is applied to the pump. The operations manual will often have a recommended distance for the frog accessory in order for it to work effectively. Using a 3000-litre pump on a small 1500-litre pond might be excessive as you mentioned it also doubles the power consumption.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144750#Comment_144750

Hi @Thierry and @EricL

. Rest assured Thierry the horizontal hose distance is not an issue for your pond,

@EricL is right in saying for your short distance 2m, pumping is not an issue . You could go 10m hose and still not have issues. I am saying with a 2m pipe and slight rise less than 50cm out of the water the 6000 should perform well and operate a fountain at the same time.

Too answer you question: You are saying you need 70cm height that is for the actual fountain height right? The Bladgon has extention tubes for the fountain to allow you to adjust the height of your water feature plus it has the flow control valve to adjust water coming out.

As you have lookup on line each fountain head dose a different pattern and alters in water height but this is adjustable with fountain tube extentions supplied with the 6000 so you have many options.

9000 If you wanted to power a large gushing water fall using lots of water then get the 9000 but for your fountain and frog. Your frog will be washing your house windows with too much extra pressure. You might need 6 frogs in a row just to drop that extra pump pressure or an extra underwater T junction and valve to relive some of the unused pump pressure. So For your desired setup the I believe the 6000 will do you the job for you.

Thierry

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145305#Comment_145305

Hi @EricL and @Jewelleryrescue

Thank you so much for going along with me on this journey - appreciated much.

I was doubtful due to the feedback from I received from retailers apparently 'pump experts'.

Some negative feedback: It's not designed to power water feature, can cause pump failure; the hose can only travel up to 75cm from fountain to water feature. If operate both fountain and water feature, the fountain pressure can go max 60cm high.

@Jewelleryrescue 70 cm height total - from the pond ground level to water splashing (fountain) , a total height of 70cm is sufficient to see the view from inside my living room. (Note: pond depth is 37cm + 33 cm for fountain

@EricL While I read the manual, it says inpond 6000L can power both fountain and water feature simultaneously. And the pump max head is 1.3m. No mention of recommended distance for water feature (frog) to work effectively

I will still be considering the 6000 L model as the 9000L consumes twice power. Whether or not, the frog feature will work, it is a bonus. Given the combined info, Im confident it will work.

Thanks

Thierry

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145737#Comment_145737

All good @Thierry

You can run a 5 - 10 meter 10mm dia hose to you frog it will still work it is not a spiting alot of water to look good. Just make sure hose isnt kinked or squashed.

Well I am sure would be interested to see a pic of you final operating pond if you can spare a moment once its all done.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146069#Comment_146069

Hi @Thierry

Please make sure to post a photo update of the setup while you are preparing the pump. I'm sure our members would be keen to see what your pond will look like once you have everything installed.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

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