update pond is up and running-new question please read

well, I never did locate a leak (knock on wood) still have no explanation as to the first drain out when I filled it up ?? I'm going plant shopping tomorrow! I do have one question though, if my pump is slower than recommended for the size UV I have, is that a problem? The one that would be correct, I broke a piece off and it doesn't fit....I've never used a UV before.....? I was thinking that the slower rate might be good? more time to pass over the light? or is that just total rationalization and high hopes?

 

Generally speaking, and assuming equally clear water, slower flow thru a UV unit will kill larger organisms up to a point that is limited by the UV power. You MAY get a bit more water heating from the lamp with a slower-running pump tho.

How much slower is the pump you intend to run and what's the minimum recommended flow of the UV?

 

from what I can tell on the paper that came with it (I swear aquarium things come with the worst instructions like none it seems), it recommends 325 and the pump I have is 200.....that's a big difference, no? I did buy a new male part for my 325 so if the one I have on there now is going to be a problem, I can try and see if I can hook up the 325.

well the part doesn't fit, so can I continue to run the 200?

 

Just want to add Barley Straw...this stuff works wonders on keeping out algae...it'll keep the larger algae blooms out but your water can still turn a little green. Not sure how it works but that was the only way in our old pond that I could keep it from being one giant mat of algae. I would just put a football sized piece(women stocking stuffed with barley straw) in the waterfall part(you couldn't see it) and it would be good for all summer.

 

thanks for the idea! I'm always trying to think of ways to limit algae. I did get a few plants today. I got the parrot's head I think it is, some beautiful colored leafy plant that is quite big and a standing clover - also got a head of hyacinth and have a pretty green and white striped plant that came back from last year. It seemed the more plants, the better in terms of filtering water according to the 3reefers on here. I'm really quite excited to get it up and running and landscaping around it to make it look nice this year.

 

yeah I always loved the hyacinth...but man does that grow like a weed! I read somewhere that you can eat it or part of it...but never tried.