skimmers and floating plants

[bulldog]

We are wanting to add a skimmer this year to cut down on debris and reducing cleaning time.  Big question we use a lot of floating plants for shade and as biofilteration.  How do you keep the floaters from getting pulled into the skimmer?  Or is there any other ideas for reducing debris.  We try to vac out the pond but the build up from everything getting to the bottom of the pond, then it causes an algea problem.  We are putting in 3 bio water fall weirs this year to get more benefical bacteria.  Also how important is it to have UV filters?

[tranquility]

Hula hoops then attach a piece of string or fishing line to either one of the rocks or even a stake in the ground....

[Jerry]

Or use 1/2 inch drip tubing to make smaller ones.  A dowel to join them works.
very easy.

[miguynmkoi]

Like they said! 

[LynneNY]

Hula hoops then attach a piece of string or fishing line to either one of the rocks or even a stake in the ground....

Yep - that is what I do as well. Our waterfall creates such a strong current that anything floating goes directly to the skimmer, so I have to tether everything to the side of the pond.

[bulldog]

Thanks all some good advise will try some of the ideas 

[perplexed ponder]

I have used fishing line and tied it around water hyacinth, near the roots, and then to a rock on the other end.

[PHYLAL]

I have used, and continue to use, both the fishing line and the drip tube hoops.  If you have a koi that thinks hyacinth roots are something to snack on throughout the day (like mine) you can add a basket to the bottom of the hoops constructed out of any type of plastic coarse mesh or “deer fencing”.  This is put together with wire ties and attached to the hoops with same.

This keeps the koi away from most of the roots and provides a place for the smaller fish to hide.  If you want a floating island, simply attach a piece of fishing line to the hoop and a non-corrosive weight of some type.  This will keep it in the middle of the pond even with a current.

I modify the hoop-and-basket idea and make them any shape I want and tie them fast to rocks along the edge of the pond. 

[DavB]

I corral mine behind my hardy Thalia, a vigorous bog plant than be planted pretty deeply, and grows 4 ft. above the surface.  Goldfish, no Koi.  My lilies make the skimmer almost worthless for a few months of the year anyway by totally blocking the surface water flow.