Small pond - filter or UV

by Isla
(Rocklin, CA)

We have a small pond/waterfall (3 interlinked bowls) - around 80 gallons total with a submersible pump. 7 small goldfish but no filter, we hand clean it every couple of weeks. The filters available are very confusing, what do you recommend for such a small 'pond' and should it be UV? I have been reasearching the Fish Mate and Cyprios smallest filters but to avoid wasting money on the wrong filter, please help with recommendations. Thanks.

Doug says that he doesn't make specific product recommendations. But, the important questions to ask - is this a filtration issue you're dealing with or an algae issue or a ?? issue. So why put in a filter is the key question.

I see you have a very small water quantity and it has to be difficult to keep it clear with that small amount with a pump running.

Water plants will easily keep that small amount of water clear but they'll clog up a pump so you need a simple filter for large organic matter and you need to clean it every two or three days or you'll burn out your motor.

UV treatments of several different products will keep the water clear but you'll still have to clean out the "gunk" every few weeks. And UV lights work best on filtered water because bacteria and algae live on the small particles going through the filter. So your light isn't as efficient without a filter.

So - filters do one kind of thing (keep gunk out of water) and UV keeps water algae and bacteria clear.

The issue for me is not the product but rather what you're tying to do. And understanding the consequences of filters and UV on this small body of water.

So - UV is going to cost you money regularly both to run it and replace the bulb (likely yearly) - do check the cost of that bulb out before you get too enthusiastic about this solution. And what it will cost you to run it 24/7.

Plants are relatively inexpensive but they will require you to purchase a filter to take out the gunk before it hits your pump.

Which filter is pretty much up to you as they'll all do the same job. My choice is the one that's easiest to take apart and clean. :-)