Build pond filter yourself - construction instructions in 5 steps
- Material and preparation
- The filter scheme
- The preparation
- Contents of the tons
- Ton 1 - vortex
- Ton 2 - brushes
- Ton 3 - Granules
- Ton 4 - rough mats
- Ton 5 - fine mats
- The order of works
- frequently asked Questions
- DIY against purchased variant
As the owner of a garden pond, you probably already know the problem: the expensive and supposedly effective filters do not always live up to their promise. You have to partially clean the purchased filters in summer several times a week and the result is not convincing. Therefore, we present you an effective and simple method of how to build a pond filter yourself and provide clear water for a long time.
The cleaning of the garden pond is crucial for the water quality and therefore for the flora and fauna. Without a high-quality filter system, a life-threatening environment would arise for fish and other inhabitants. The basic principle of the self-built filter is to run the water through five different filter systems. It is filtered in various ways to remove as many unwanted components as possible. The result is clear and pure water. They work with larger barrels, resulting in a considerable filter volume. By increasing the filter volume, the cleaning intervals can be increased, which significantly reduces your effort. The filter presented below must be cleaned on average every 2 years and produces clear and pure water.
Material and preparation
You need these materials:
- 5 rain barrels (200 liters capacity)
- Pump (power at least 5000 liters per hour)
- 18 to 20 brushes (15 × 50)
- 1 fine filter mat
- 1 coarse filter mat
- UVC lamp (power between 30 and 40 watts)
- Pipes (75 HT):
- 4 intermediate pieces for the connection of the rain barrels
- 10 90 degree angle
- 10 short straight tubes for the insides of the passages
- 5 tubes that run down the tons
- 10 rubber passages
- Granular, around 170 dm³, ie 0.17 m³
Tip: You can either use a submersible UVC lamp and place it in the first bin, or you can use a classic lamp and place it between the pump and the first rain barrel.
Use for the connection between the pipes and the tons of pipe penetrations, which are realized by means of rubber seals. This makes the construction less sensitive to movement.
The filter scheme
The presented filtering process is only a suggestion and may be modified at its discretion. However, you must ensure that the different filter systems provide optimal coverage of the various filter techniques to filter out as many pollutants from the water. We have decided on the following levels:
- Whirl and UVC
- to brush
- granules
- rough mats
- fine mats
The preparation
First, you have to prepare all five tons. These are finally connected to the corresponding pipe system.
Tip: In order to remain flexible when handling the tons, you should not finally connect the barrels with each other. However, you are already drilling the holes, as this will not be possible later on.
After you have installed all the pieces of tubing inside the barrels, place the interconnections, but before you fill them with the filter material. Just the barrel with the granules is very heavy and therefore hardly to move.
Each ton will be equipped with two passes at the top. The passages are provided with rubber seals. It is recommended to place the holes around four centimeters below the upper edge. It is important that the two passages are exactly opposite. Therefore, first of all, mark the drill holes.
Tip: Set up all tons in a row. Now stretch a rope in the middle over the tons. This will provide you with a line that will guide you in locating the drill holes. It is ensured that when later setting up the tons, they also stand back in a row.
Contents of the tons
Ton 1 - vortex
Action 1: In the first ton, you attach a long pipe on the first pass, which reaches to the bottom. This is used at an angle. The lower inlet of the tube ends at the side of the barrel and is provided with a 90 degree angle (elbow). The goal is to force water to rotate. It should emerge parallel to the ground close to the ground and ascend in a circular flow direction.
Principle of operation: Due to the rotation, coarse particles settle and can be collected in the middle of the container. Heavy substances also do not sink and are therefore also removed from the water.
Action 2: Place a submersible UVC lamp in the first bin.
Operating principle: The lamp cleans the water by means of UV light.
Ton 2 - brushes
Also in this barrel, you attach a pipe on the first pass, but this is now straight down. Put filter brushes vertically in the bin. Make sure they are close to each other for stability. For a 200 liter ton, 18 to 20 brushes should be sufficient.
Operating principle: Coarse particles are removed by the brushes, while the water rises from bottom to top.
Ton 3 - Granules
The third ton is filled with granules. It is suitable among other lava rock . This should have a size of about two centimeters. In addition, use an aerating stone, which provides the ventilation.
Active principle: The stones are used to colonize microorganisms. The aeration promotes settlement and propagation.
Ton 4 - rough mats
The fourth barrel is equipped with coarse filter mats. In the specialized trade systems are offered, in which the spacers are already integrated.
Operating principle: The filter mats now filter finer particles out of the water.
Ton 5 - fine mats
In the fifth ton set fine filter mats.
Operating principle: The filter mats now hold finer substances than in the previous stages.
The order of works
Step 1: Using a suitable attachment, drill two holes into the barrels and fit them with the rubber passages.
Step 2: Place around 5-centimeter pieces of pipe on the insides of the passages. Insert a 90 degree angle to the first section of pipe, which must point vertically downwards.
Step 3: Set the tons to the desired positions. They must stand in a row and should only have a distance of about one centimeter at the top. Connect the barrels to the passages using pipes.
Step 4: Fill the barrels with the respective filter material.
Step 5: Place a pump in front of the filter system.
frequently asked Questions
frequently asked Questions How much is the filter system ">
Tip: You can either use a submersible UVC lamp and place it in the first bin, or you can use a classic lamp and place it between the pump and the first rain barrel.
How do I drill the holes in the barrels?
It is important to cut the plastic and not to drill traditionally. An HSS drill is suitable for this purpose. Drill slowly and set the drill off in between. The material heats up slightly, which leads to melting of the plastic. Thus, it takes some time to drill the holes, but it is not difficult to realize.
What do I have to consider when buying the materials "> 
DIY against purchased variant
A high quality filter system for the pond is crucial for the water quality. Finished filters are commercially available, but they are usually very maintenance intensive. Their advantage lies in the small size and in the simple attachment. If you want to build a natural and effective filter, the DIY version is best for you. If, on the other hand, you would like to install a deployable filter as quickly and easily as possible, then purchased filters are the right choice. One of the biggest advantages of the homemade filter are the five stages and the filter volume of 1, 000 liters. This creates a great cleaning effect and the water is effectively cleaned. For fish harmful chemicals do not get into the water.
Tips for quick readers:
- Build filter system from five rain barrels:
- Ton: Vortex and UVC
- Ton: brushes
- Ton: Granules
- Ton: rough mats
- Ton: fine mats
- Cost around 471 euros
- Create passageways between the tons
- connect with plastic pipes tons
- Drill slowly, settle in between
- Pump introduces water into the system
- first filter coarse, then filter fine
