Green slime in the filters

[Pondlover1]

Is there some way to build a pond with filters that do not require cleaning out the green gook that accumulates
every couple weeks in waterfall box and the skimmer box?

[dperry]

I can understand your frustration cleaning out those kinds of filters as they are cumbersome and awkward to get to.  The green stuff will accumulate.  My opinion is that there is but one thing to do and that is to make the cleaning of filters easier by making them more accessible.  That, along with creating a settling tank before the filters to allow much of the "gunk" to settle out before the filters, will make life much easier.  I installed a concrete filter box with vertical slots in it that accept half sheets of Matala mat filters.  When they get filled with gunk, I simply lift them out vertically, wash them off with a hose and slip them back in.  It takes less than a minute to clean the filter elements in that configuration.

Don Perry

[CMM]

We built a 70 gallon homemade bio filter from a Rubbermaid container about 5 years ago and it has virtually cut out the need to clean the filter. It is happiest when ignored. You can read about it here................... http://www.skippysstuff.com/index.html

This is Skippy's idea - not mine but we are so happy we built it. We have a handy lilac bush near our pond and the filter hides behind it. It could be trickier hiding it if your pond is out in the open.

Hope this helps.

[Jerry]

I have cleaned my Skippy, but it may not be necessary at all. I do it every few years. Heck, i may never again!

The leaf catcher is a different story. It need attention. sometimes i will just use my hand, other times remove it an blast it clean.