keithatrax

right when i get round to it im going to build a veg filter next to my pond its going to be about 5metres long with a width of about 0.5metre.
any thoughts on what depth i sould make it or do i need diffrent depths for diffrent plants? the water will be filterd through vortex & nexus befor veg filter so im not relying on this for filteration just want it to look nice and add a bit of oxygen.

trickydicky

Keith i found something on the net yesterday pertaining to this subject , i will endevour to do my upmost to find the link for you as it was very informative in relation to plants best suited to different depths etc this also included information on what plants would give vigorous growth which would be better for nitrification...

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trickydicky

Found this so far and hope it'll give you an idea


Plants: The most natural way to remove nitrate from the pond water is to use plants. As plants grow they use nitrate to build the leaves and stems that they use to collect sunlight to use to produce food for growth as they grow they require more nitrogen.

The best way to grow plants for vegetable filter is to grow them in a shallow water coarse that is fed from the biological filter, where nitrate production occurs. The more the plants are cut and removed the more they grow which means they will remove more nitrate. The plants also pick up other toxic metals and chemicals so they are good for purifying the water as well


The simpler the filter design the better it works and the maintenance is also simple. The vegetable filter should be large enough for the flow from the bio filter and long so that the water takes a reasonable time to travel through the filter giving the plants a chance to pick up the nitrate as it goes past in the water. The filter must be free flowing, as you don't want it getting clogged and overflowing. The plants will need regular trimming to ensure the maximum growth is achieved. The only down side is the plants do not grow well in the winter months when the weather is cold.

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keithatrax

cheers mate will do sum reading

trickydicky

Although not my cup of tea the veg filter route it will be very interesting to see how it works for you what with your pond been new...
I take it you will be taking notes on progress etc ? Will be good to read as to the outcome and benefits achieved or lost if any..although i think it can only do good for the pond

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keithatrax

yes m8 will do but still lots to do befor i get to that

amphibian

i like the arum lily looks great when it flowers and grows really fast. my koi love the water hyacinth they use it as shade in the summer and love it when put there food amongst it can keep slurping for hours (like those summer nights on the lakes) not sure how they'd work with the skimmer though!
The depth really depends on what you'd like in there, perhaps different depths so you can always change the type of plants to suite the ponds appearance.
if you go with the idea of funnels you could have a deeper area at either end as you will still be able to drain any waste away win win!

trickydicky

im sure theres someone who's planted in large baskets then fitted these along a channel to make for easier cutting back and they too like you said amphibian have them at different depths

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Fimbar

Hi, I am just completing my pond with the same type of set-up. i got the idea from A Japanese guy i buy fish from. It works for him, he has no blanket weed and some great fish. My Veggy filter will run the lenght of the pond (5m) is about half a metre deep and wide. It is fed from the Surface skimmer at the moment.
Additionally I will have a Sand filter and 4 bay, with sieve. When I can afford it i may go for a Bakki Shower.
I have not decided on the plants yet, so any advice would be welcome

cheers

Mike

abbeyline

For many years now I've planted or more accurately dropped in Watercress into one of my filters 4 bays. It grows like wildfire during the summer and just about holds it's own during the winter. I get no blanket weed.