Cheap bog filter in a plant pot

Рет қаралды 49,361

Ай бұрын

This is a quick video showing how I built a bog filter in a plant pot for a small fish pond. A bog filter is a great filter for providing crystal clear water. This pond is currently green but this filter will certainly clear it up. I'll make a follow up video once it's clear.
I just took a quick short. 6 weeks from nasty green water to clean and healthy.
• 6 weeks from nasty gre...
If you are unsure what a uniseal (amzn.to/4aIpxFO) or bulkhead (amzn.to/3J6EA0g) fitting is you can find them on amazon. Those links are affiliate links so I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
There's also other helpful DIY products and articles at ozponds.com
In the video I mentioned extending the cable on the low volt pond pump. Here is the video on how I did that- • Extending the cable on...
And heres a link to a playlist on other filters that I've built for my various ponds- • OZPOND DIY POND FILTER...

Пікірлер: 149

@randyj4452 Ай бұрын

I'm thinking of starting a couple of these and learning to maintain them before I do my big pond! Thank you for your videos!

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Great idea. That’s the way to do it 👍

@bluecollarfox913 Ай бұрын

The angle of the outlet also creates a slight whirlpool affect in that round pond which’s brings waste to the center. If you place the filter intake in the middle your picking up that waste very efficiently. That’s awesome

@ptownjerk Ай бұрын

I've been planning a backyard pond and I love making all my enclosures as natural as possible. your channel has been a HUGE help! Just wanted to say thanks for all the videos :)

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Thanks you. You’ve put a smile on my face 😊👍

@limitlessends 29 күн бұрын

When you have the update, would love to watch that!

@ironhead320 5 күн бұрын

Nice set up

@silicondave2797 Ай бұрын

I give it 42 days. I should go buy some impatiens this weekend. Great work. Good luck and have fun !

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

😂 I love how specific you are. Thanks mate you have fun also 👍

@sweetkoiyo Ай бұрын

I absolutely love watching your projects. I always learn something new. Thanks Kev. Looking forward to seeing the update on this one. Hope all is well with you and your family. ❤

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

That’s nice to hear. We are all well and I hope you and yours are also 👍

@peterferguson2344 Ай бұрын

Another great idea 😮 thanks Kev 👍

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

🍻👍

@jonfranklin9361 Ай бұрын

Great build.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

🍻

@SuperMaxibaby 27 күн бұрын

love this ,will be starting one this week

@Ozponds 27 күн бұрын

Wonderful! 👍

@Chilled_Mackers Ай бұрын

I reckon 4 weeks - it probably would be a ballache, but any chance you could picture the water sample each week - for the final video? Also, you are not lazy - you are rightly economical with your energy! I will continue to type it on your videos as it tickles me as much as I tickle the like button! Can confirm, uni-seal type fittings are a "b'stard" to fit a dry pipe into. No, I'm not going to make any puns there - you all can do that yourselves! Superb work as always Kev.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Thank you! Someone that feels the pain of a dry pipe in a uniseal 🤣. I’ll take some snaps 👍

@upkpoxer Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing and inspiring! I just got a delivery of 500kg lava gravel 8-16mm. Going to build a bogfilter for our goldfish pond. And later also a bogfilter included in a new swimpond.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Nice 👍

@erichenpets676 Ай бұрын

Have a 6000 gal koi pond that needs a total overhaul and rebuilding of filtration. Love your content!

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

I hope it’s of use to you 😊👍

@rudyetienneastudillo9260 11 күн бұрын

i can't tell you how helpful your videos have been. i started with a small 30 gallon pond using the design of the bog filter you showcased. i am now using the same design for a 3.5k gallon pond and wondering if it is a good idea to also include a mechanical and skimmer as i plan on having about 50 fish in it. thank you so much for all the info. the $4k started kit some companies provide made me want to rethink things until i stumbled upon your channel! thank you sir!

@Ozponds 11 күн бұрын

I always think more filtration is better. So yes if you can add the mechanical and skimmer 👍

@searchingfortruth619 29 күн бұрын

Nice vid. Ive always looked for a truly mini ecosystem setup thay could fit in a small apt. Would be real cool if you could make a vid like that.

@Ozponds 28 күн бұрын

Maybe. I’m running out of space.

@MandyJane123700 Ай бұрын

It looks great. Now I am wishing I'd set my return pipe at an angle so the water goes around before going back into the bog. It still works just fine the way it is, but when the day comes that I need to build a new one, I will remember. Maybe. lol

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

😂 maybe. You sound exactly like me!

@SmithClassicCars Ай бұрын

Hey Kev! Love the channel and have been inspired by your videos. Just put into service my first homemade bio filter thanks to you and I've a question. With standing water in the bio filter at all times, and no fish in the filter, is there any concern over mosquitoes breeding in the bio filter? If so, what do you suggest to prevent this? More rock above water level, some sort of netting...? Thanks so much!

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Rock above water level if that’s a concern.

@emmwhite3945 23 күн бұрын

Awesome ❤🇨🇦

@DeepSeaLugia Ай бұрын

I’ve just set up a tiny pond and this information is interesting. Wonder if the out flow can be a waterfall if a bit of aqua epoxy is used to make a spout

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Yeah you can adapt it to do all sorts of cool things 👍

@leohorishny9561 11 күн бұрын

My barrel pond with 20 gallon bog filter is working well enough, but I would like to know: when I remove the string algae, can that be placed just in the ground when I plant something in the yard, as a nutrient booster, or do I need to add it to the compost pile to break down first? TIA

@Ozponds 11 күн бұрын

Either, either.

@Vi-Tai Ай бұрын

great stuff. i just built a patio pond! i would love to hear about your qualifications or experience right before the goal of your channel. i think it would make the intro sound lots nicer :D

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

I have no qualifications I’m just a hobbyist who wants to help people like me. “Hi my name is Kev. I have no qualifications just my time spent playing in my ponds. I was sick of seeing all the expensive, unnecessary equipment being sold to people who just want a nice place to sit and relax. If that sounds like something that interests you feel free to subscribe and maybe check out my website that contains helpful articles without too much bias to any particular pond product or manufacturer.” Is that better? I kinda would prefer to just drop the intro but many people don’t know me or that there’s lots of other videos and articles I’ve put out that could potentially help them. I realise it’s frustrating to the people that do watch multiple videos. But at the end of the day it takes me a lot of time and effort, so I’d love it if more people watched, more than just one video before sending emails and questions that I’ve already addressed multiple times. But thanks for your feedback it’s always appreciated 👍

@Vi-Tai Ай бұрын

@@Ozponds your intro sounds nice and is woven into a spot where it sounds natural with the pacing of the video. That addition does sound better. I know you have multiple ponds so maybe you could say the numbers of ponds, or gallons you’ve maintained, or the years you’ve been doing it. I think that would hook the audience moreso and make them more inclined to keep listening or watch more vids

@adrianzmajla4844 Ай бұрын

@Ozponds Haha! That's funny. Don't change your intro to suit people that have not looked for them selves.

@avinashsolankii Ай бұрын

It would be great if you could share a sketch of the assembly. I didn't get outlet pipe mechanism

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

I’ll try and remember to include a drawing in the update vid 👍

@kevincrabb593 15 күн бұрын

Kev, love the channel. I’m starting my first Bog. Question: could i accomplish a bog filter with a round container? I know in your above video it’s a flat surface, but could the 1 inch seal and the bog bolt work on a round surface? Just curious Ty man.

@Ozponds 15 күн бұрын

You absolutely can. Don’t use the bulkhead on a round container. Use the uni seal 👍

@kevincrabb593 13 күн бұрын

@@Ozponds got it. Ty. Can a Matala filter be used in conjunction with the “Bog box”?

@Ozponds 13 күн бұрын

@@kevincrabb593 for sure.

@matthewsmith22 Ай бұрын

Lovely build as always Kev!

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

🍻 mate

@crisguev Ай бұрын

Thanks for your videos. What is name of your taro?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

I think this was sold as Amazon Queen.

@urifeigin 29 күн бұрын

Recently found your channel and its wonderful! one question I could not answer from the videos, you probably explain it somewhere. what is the real difference between a bog filter and a store bought filter with the plastic shapes and sponges? they also add a lot of surface area, and maintain a waterflow, and you need to clean periodically, but also the bog filter needs cleaning? so why are the bacteria growing in a bog filter not also thriving in these shop filters? i must be missing something. thanks!

@Ozponds 29 күн бұрын

The bacteria are pretty much the same. There may be differences in oxygen levels, but that’s probably not something you need to concern yourself with. The bog filter is simply bigger, generally cheaper (because you’ll build it yourself), more efficient to run (requires slower flow rate) and requires less maintenance. It’s just a personal choice. There’s tons of ways to filter water.

@epiphgd4302 8 күн бұрын

Any update mister? EDIT- Class, the update is published! For anyone looking for it; It's titled ' The BEST DIY POND FILTER for CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER'

@solagratia1600 Ай бұрын

The type of rocks you put in, do you have to be informed whether some types would make the water more alkaline, ie affecting the fish and plants in the water? Great video thanks

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

It’s not something I worry about. In natures there’s all kinds of rocks and all kinds of water parameters.

@asdeasde96 Ай бұрын

I have a 400 gallon cattle tank pond that I have been struggling to keep clear. I have a fountain running on a small pump to aerate the pind, but I'm realizing I should add some form of bog filter. I don't want to have to set up a second pump, so I am thinking that what I will do is make openings in the bottom of a 20 gallon metal trash can (that is just taller than the water level) and put mesh over the openings, then fill the trash can with rock suitable for a bog filter, and then put the pump for my fountain just below the surface of the rock so that when I run the pump it pulls water up through the rock. I think I might also want to place some sort of mesh basket around the pump to ensure that there is a clear flow of water to it, and then I could probably put plants in the rocks as well and not have to worry about the roots clogging the pump. I have watched most of your videos and haven't seen you build a bog filter like this before, so I wanted to make sure that it could work. I'm wondering if I need to limit the size and number of openings at the bottom of the trashcan, or if I should try and have as many openings as possible. Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

I’ve tried rock around the pump before. I don’t like it. It’s makes accessing the pump really difficult. An intake bay has rock over the top of the void but the pump is always easily accessible.

@asdeasde96 Ай бұрын

@@Ozponds Thanks for the suggestion. do you think that a bog filter with the water entering at the bottom and the pump pulling from the top should work fine?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

@@asdeasde96 kinda. Check out the video I made on upflow bog vs downflow bog.

@TJ-un2zv Ай бұрын

From memory my pond took about 3 months it was almost like someone flipped a switch. Just woke up one morning and it was crystal clear.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

It’s a nice surprise when it happens like that.

@realhusky Ай бұрын

I run a 3 watt pump into a flower out over my aquarium so I can cram more plants. That’s the only filtering I run for over 100 fish

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Cool 👍

@EZStudRack 3 күн бұрын

My pump starts out fine then slowly starts to trickle. So I use the next setting but it flows fast. You recommend a slow flow, what would course it to stop working. Head height? I used the same pot you are using. What GPM pump are you using?

@Ozponds 3 күн бұрын

Is the pump screen getting clogged? That will restrict flow. This pump is 300 or 500 litres. I can’t remember which I’m sure I mentioned it in the video or the description. Just remember litres are different to gallons.. 4 litres is approx 1 gallon.

@mashrequl7164 8 күн бұрын

Can the breather hole be placed at the end the pipe which will be going through the bottom of the filter then coming back up on the other side of the filter?

@Ozponds 8 күн бұрын

I’m not quite sure I can picture what you’re saying in my head. Just give it a test before you glue it all together.

@9catlover Ай бұрын

Glad to know it takes months. was expecting it to be clear in weeks! patience is key then

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

For sure. Sometimes it’s really quick but it always varies pond to pond. And how bad it was to start with. This thing was bright green, it’ll take a little while.

@12Jerbs Ай бұрын

The 300 L/hr pump you're using. What make/model is it? Curious what type of flow it with a head of 700mm + the depth of the pond.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

It’s a little resun king.

@michaelernest7224 22 күн бұрын

Hello... I'm half way through a build in Thailand..they don't sell underlay here, not even in China. Should I consider going forward without it? Is there a good substitute? I was thinking those mats with the astro turf.... Thanks.

@Ozponds 22 күн бұрын

Sand is good

@michaelernest7224 22 күн бұрын

@@Ozponds That would work for the base. How about the interior walls?

@Ozponds 22 күн бұрын

@@michaelernest7224 you set the rock and backfill with sand.

@sandymoore4718 8 күн бұрын

I would like to have seen the way you set up the filter I’m assuming it’s under the rocks on the side?

@Ozponds 7 күн бұрын

You can watch the setup video. I’m sure I put a link in the description.

@MarvinBowen Ай бұрын

First, that uniseal is going to be super helpful for me. I didn't know those existed. Second, I am confused about "no more than two months" to clear the water. Why so long? What if you add water from one of your other ponds that is full of life that'll eat the green? I had green water last summer. I added pond water from a local nature preserve and my water was crystal clear the next day. I think I did that on the advice of Father Fish. I know you know a lot about this so I'm interested in your thoughts. You've also inspired me to make a little filter for my barrel.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

I could absolutely clear the water quicker. Could even just drain the pond. But I want to see how long it takes the filter alone to do it. It doesn’t come across in the video how bad this pond was.

@MarvinBowen Ай бұрын

@@Ozponds it looks pretty bad too me. I'm just curious about the process. I might not be patient enough because when I opened my pond last year it went green and I had my bog going for a week or two and it didn't seem to be getting any better. So then I got water from the local pond. So maybe I just needed to wait longer.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

I wouldn’t wait if I weren’t using it for KZfaq content 👍

@MrJmhess77 Ай бұрын

Very informative and easy to follow instructions. Thanks for sharing. I do have a question, do I still need one of the $200 pond bio filters using the Bog filter method? I would think not as the bog seems pretty reliable and more natural?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

A bog replaces a biological filter. However more filtration can be useful you might like to fill the other filter with sponges to trap fine sediments.

@MrJmhess77 Ай бұрын

@@Ozponds Hey Kev, quick question in this example you did above; how would you increase the outflow back into the small pond? Is that all based on the power of the pump you are using? I would like to build this setup but I would like to have a little bit more/faster water flow as it will be fed into the top of a small waterfall which will then streams about 8-9 feet back into the pond. Based on your reply above about having another filter with sponges, I'm wondering if that would be a better route to take? I apologize for all my questions man, I am going to lie down and read the entire PDF tonight. I've been in pond planning mode this week binge watching your vids. 🙂

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

@@MrJmhess77 yes, the flow is determined by the pump capacity. If you are going to oversize the pump on a bog filter, use a valve on the breather pipe. That will let you regulate a bit how much flows to the bog and how much flows over the surface. If you blast too much water through the bog it’s not as effective.

@MrJmhess77 Ай бұрын

@@Ozponds perfect! Thank you. I actually sat down and read the PDF last night and it's all starting to makes sense now.

@MrJmhess77 28 күн бұрын

@@Ozponds Have another question for you, instead of having the 1inch outflow pipe back to the pond can I cut a spillway into the top lip of my container barrel so the water is pushed out and over or no don't do that "Jason, are you crazy?!?!" ---- I know you mentioned if I do over size the pump (FYI - I will to be) I will need the regulator there so I just wanted to ask. I really appreciate it. Do you have a tip area where I can buy you a "coffee"?

@todosmekieren Ай бұрын

Do you protect the pump with a pre filter or something? To prevent clogging and sucking up baby fish.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Yes. I’ve shown how I do that in previous vids 👍

@susanfortenberry7134 26 күн бұрын

I have a 20 gallon water garden container, with a small (DC 7V) solar powered/with low water shut off fountain pump. I have it rigged up with clear potable water tubing to fall into a terracotta saucer to give small birds a place to bathe/drink. I have 2 one gallon containers of native plants (a water lily and and a pot of mixed wetland plants) in the container plus a clump of coontail and 5 Gambusia fish. I would like to keep the waterfall feature with a bio/bog filter. I have looked to find a waterfall bog/bio filter and your set up is close to what I am interested in but without the waterfall into a basin for birds feature. Do you have any suggestions?

@Ozponds 26 күн бұрын

I just try and show or explain the things I do. You can modify any of my setups to suit your particular needs. As long as everything is sized proportional to your goals.

@susanfortenberry7134 24 күн бұрын

@@Ozponds what would the total size of the bog/bio filter need to be for a 20 gallon container water garden with a small solar powered filter, 2 one gallon pots of plants and 5 Gambusia? Should it be in the 1 or 2 gallon size? What is too big? I don't really know what the necessary proportional size should be, this is my first attempt at a container water garden. Any info is greatly appreciated. Your videos are wonderful!

@Ozponds 24 күн бұрын

@@susanfortenberry7134 I really can’t do the math on everyone’s particular setup. That’s just not fair to me. I provide the information for you to make an informed decision for your setup.

@francus7227 Ай бұрын

I look forward to seeing the results. I "tickled" the thumbs up 👍 button to feed the algorithm monsters.

@avinashsolankii Ай бұрын

Did the same

@francus7227 Ай бұрын

@avinashsolankii Hah ! I wrote it but forgot to actually tickle it. Thanks. I'm on board now.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

It loves a tickle 😉

@suzannemoran7281 Ай бұрын

Hi Kev , it's always good to have a refresher on how to make a bog filter. Thank you 😊. The cutter that you use to make the hole in the pot . How do you know what size goes with what size pipe ? 😊😊😊🐔🐓☀️☀️☀️🐡🦋🐠🐝🐟🐋🦎🐢

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

There is a sizing chart on most good sellers of uni seals, however I just match the drill hole with the uni seal. When you are holding the seal you’ll see how easy it is to select the right hole size.

@suzannemoran7281 Ай бұрын

Thanks Kev..😊

@nicolecourt7829 28 күн бұрын

Will that work for a 1000 lit.pound ? In summer there is turtle in but I don’t want to clean it because of the larva of dragonflies in it and I think I have salamander too but it’s so green and pesty in hot summer…

@Ozponds 27 күн бұрын

Anysized pond 👍

@sandyl1899 16 сағат бұрын

Hi Kev. Newbie here. I’ve kept fish tanks most of my life. However, I’m new in the pond area. My question is: Can you have too many bog filters?? I’m just picturing plants galore! Plz advise.

@Ozponds 16 сағат бұрын

I don’t think there such a thing as too much filtration.

@sandyl1899 16 сағат бұрын

That’s what I thought too!! I’m all over it!

@12Jerbs Ай бұрын

Hey Kev. My pond has black jelly-like algae forming around the edges and on the surface of the pond. My bog filter, which is covered with clay balls (i.e. water surface not above the clay balls), has this same black algae forming between the clay balls, on the surface of any exposed water. Any idea what may be causing the black jelly algae?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Are you feeding the fish?

@12Jerbs Ай бұрын

@@Ozponds no. They rely on any bugs that land on the surface of the water. I have some mint and other plants around the edge of the water, which are growing rather well. They have been shooting out roots (?) which are along the surface of the water. I do need cut those out.

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

If the fish are happy, I’d be happy 👍

@merrilllocklear2141 Ай бұрын

I started a pond last sumner water turned green after a month should I add another bog filter or a uv light to it?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Maybe. Pretty hard to determine with the information provided.

@MM-TheEnd 4 күн бұрын

If the pond didn't have fish, couldn't you just have cleaned up the water by putting alum in it? Also, I find that I would need so much additional space for such a filter and would also need to factor in that it's quite a big visual presence right next to the pond. Both of these would be issues for me. Is there no way around it?

@Ozponds 4 күн бұрын

If the pond doesn’t have fish you could use lots of things. There’s also lots of ways to filter water doesn’t need to be a bog. But you do need to match bio loads with filtration capabilities. I just find a bog the easiest way to do it.

@Raj-yy7xx Ай бұрын

Instead of scoria rock, could you use Biochar instead?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Maybe. Give it a try.

@veasna5244 Ай бұрын

I’m digging a pond and today I got a groundwater problem. It’s about 1- 2 inches deep. Is there any solution for that? Thanks

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Yes. I made a video within the last year. Can’t remember the exact title but it’s got something to do with overflows and drainage. You should be able to find it in the previous uploads 👍

@jonisolis9645 Ай бұрын

🌿🌿

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

😊👍

@j.g.9271 Ай бұрын

How about adding charcoal to the filter?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

You can. Once it’s full it needs to be replaced.

@kenmcguire2427 Ай бұрын

Because your bowl already has natural biology going, I am going to guess 2 weeks will be enough to establish a working Bog filter and perfectly clear water. 😊

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Be nice if you were right. It was pretty nasty. On the video you couldn’t smell how bad it was.

@kenmcguire2427 Ай бұрын

Well, then it will be interesting to see just how long it does take.

@Mrsboncouer Ай бұрын

Lol...I'm currently trying to grow green water😂

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Clear waters easy. Green waters easy 👍

@SableSunsets Ай бұрын

2 months for it to clear up ? Why so long ?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Just cause it’s so feral. It’s gross!🤢

@venki4uall Ай бұрын

I would drain the nutrient rich water to my plants from pond and would restock fresh ground water 😅 nature always does the filter 😂 won't waste my money and pump and filters

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

Valid option.

@mindsablank8061 Ай бұрын

Follow up video?

@Ozponds Ай бұрын

I’m just editing it. I ended up just ranting about how good bog filters are. It was supposed to be a simple update video but it morphed into something else.