This is my first time trying something like this. I’m making a 30 gallon half-barrel water garden with 2-3 goldfish, some aquatic snails, and appropriate flora (hyacinth, anacharis, parrot’s feather…). I would like a fountain and filter, but the closest electrical outlet is 50 ft away. I am trying to avoid the hassle of installing UF cable, and have considered as an alternative this solar fountain:
http://www.siliconsolar.com/shop/catalog/Night–Day-Solar-Fountain-Pump-Kit-p-2.html
I can’t tell if the fountain pump is also a filter, and it won’t be running 24/7. I’ve been reading but haven’t been able to determine what degree of filtration is recommended for a container garden with fish. At least it will keep the water from getting stagnant, which may discourage algae growth, and it will help to oxygenate the water. If I were to couple the solar fountain with weekly 20% water changes, would this be sufficient to deter algae growth and keep ammonia/nitrite levels down?
from my experience one has to have a pump going 24/7. this keeps the water flowing and if the pump has a built in filter it also keeps the water clean. occasionally you may have to change the water as depending on how much sun your container pond gets it will have some degree of green water which is algae. the snails help to keep the algae that grows on the bottom and sides of your container cleaner,but a good filter is a definite plus. check with your local Earl May or where ever you are getting the container pond from. Sometimes less is better when it comes to small container ponds as you are wanting to do.
February 28th, 2010 at 3:08 am
you might have to talk to some one special on this like a county agent at your state capitol. i,ve seen a store along side of the road next to a nursery farm that actually dig a pond for you and
put fish,rocks,trees and a large fountain in the middle of it. maybe you,ve seen such a place and they might give you some help. as far as electricity goes use an extension cord with a timer plugged into one end so it can turn off and on while you,re
gone. i have also seen wind mills along side of a pond for agitation and kill weed growth.
References :
research through out the years along the path of life
February 28th, 2010 at 3:50 am
First of all, where is your sense of economy? A fountain pump costs $20.00, and and a heavy duty extension cord costs about the same. Second, if you have the proper balance of plants and fish you won’t need a filter or a fountain. I think you had better do some more research. I have 2 water gardens in my back yard, and do not own either a filter or a fountain, and only have algae when the sun is hot and the temperatures are, too. And they’re a lot bigger than 30 gallons!
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February 28th, 2010 at 4:27 am
from my experience one has to have a pump going 24/7. this keeps the water flowing and if the pump has a built in filter it also keeps the water clean. occasionally you may have to change the water as depending on how much sun your container pond gets it will have some degree of green water which is algae. the snails help to keep the algae that grows on the bottom and sides of your container cleaner,but a good filter is a definite plus. check with your local Earl May or where ever you are getting the container pond from. Sometimes less is better when it comes to small container ponds as you are wanting to do.
References :