Springflo filter material. I installed it in the cool of the morning!

[Kittyzee]

No, I didn't confuse clear water with good water.  I/we went down the list of the things we did differently and the only change was the media in the bio filter.  The fish were not stressing in any way, I keep a pretty close eye on those things since I've had them all for almost 15 to 20 years.  Even in the oppressive heat here, I kept them oxygenated and topped my pond every other day.  I would not have been so slow to act had they been in distress.  But my water did clear in less than 24 hours, which still amazes me.   

[Mike S.]

Kittyzee,

I'm sorry if you thought my remarks about clear water being not the same as good water was directed at you. They were not, but I can see how it could look like it. It was just a comment on pond keeping in general, and fish keepers in particular.

I will make sure I express myself much more clearly in the future.

Rapid clearing always surprises me too. In fact, after an overnight clearing, I've seen Koi that suddenly became very skittish and hid from view. I guess the sudden change surprised them too.

Mike S.
Spring Hill, FL

[Kittyzee]

No problem, Mike.  What surprises me (since I don't have any) is how fragile koi seem to be in relation to water quality, air, etc.  I have goldfish--each year I get a couple new babies that make it through the gauntlet of being eaten--and lose a couple of big, slow ones to curious cat play  .....but overall they can take adverse water conditions easier than most other fish. 

My fish were glad to see their 'mother' and I was certainly glad to see them through clear water again! 

[tranquility]

Kitty I think what Mike was trying to say is that alot of times people assume that just because they have clear water then all is good and no need for testing...the same thing applies to green water--it can test perfectly fine....starting over on your bio will make your Ammonia and nitrites increase if your not careful...I can't tell you the number of times I've asked someone if they have tested the water--and their reply be yes...Then when I ask for numbers they look at me like I'm talking a different language-then the next words will be "the water is crystal clear so its good"....Yes Goldies are more forgiving than koi-but, as a just in case I'd be doing more water changes and feeding less untill your shure that your new bio is working good....
Lawanna

[Jerry]

Crystal clear has arrived!

[Esther]

Matala is like the floor scrubber pad media.

[Kittyzee]

Congratulations Jerry!!   

[Jerry]

The nice thing about this stuff is that you can use it in a mesh laundry bag.  Simply pull the bag out slosh if a bit and put it back and you are done!  At least this is what I am advised.  The advice from Carlos has been dead on!

[Mike S.]

With any "loose" media, make certain the water flows through it. If contained too tightly in a bag, it is possible for water to see it as a solid object and flow around it, being that water does follow the path of least resistance.

It's a common design flaw in many home-made filter systems. Once the problem is seen, it can usually be easily rectified.

Not suggesting that it is happening here, just a cautionary note!

Mike S.
Spring Hill, FL

[Jerry]

Caution is good!  Your thought is logical.
I am super clear now.  Pictures to follow....

[tranquility]

I don't use bags---it wads together pretty good and I've never had any problems taking it out and placing it into a large rubber maid tote to clean with pond water....of course if you have a good mechanical filter in place its not usually necessary to clean your bio--if any maybe once a year ....so far the new pond has yet to need it--I can stir my bio around and see just very small amounts of trash floating around...I also have a valve on the bottom that I can open just to make sure nothing is settling on the bottom....
Lawanna

[Mike S.]

Lawanna,

Yes, it sounds to me like you have a well designed and equally well built filter system. A good solids removal section will make the biofilter section work much more efficiently. Many do combine both functions into one, but they simply will never do both jobs nearly as well as when you separate them. Mechanical filter and biofilter, two different functions, each in it's own section.

Mike S.
Spring Hill, FL

[tranquility]

Yep I don't like the combo's either--and filtration is one of the hardest things to get folks to understand....you start talking mechanical and bio and the role they play with the water quality you get that deer caught in the head lights look ....especially since most of the store bought filters are built for gallonage of pond rather than stocking levels as they really should be...
Lawanna

[Jerry]

Not a great photo, but you can see the bottom clearly. Yes to Springflo.

[tranquility]

Looks good Jerry--I can even see one of the turtles down there...
Lawanna

[Jerry]

Here is a better shot that shows the clarity