Waterfall Filter
Ponds & Waterfalls: Water Living
We can’t live without it. Water is the very source of life That is why we are so strongly attracted to it. Maybe because we cannot live more than a few days without water, we want to have it close by. Most people would like to live next to it, whether in the form of a stream, river, lake or ocean.
Unfortunately, there aren’t enough bodies of water to go around for everybody, even for those who can afford living near them. The price of beach front property reflects the fact that it is scarce and in high demand. Even for those fortunate enough to own such property, there is a major trade-off and a good share of disadvantages.
Who wouldn’t like to have a water garden on their property, or a flower and vegetable garden, or even a wonderful orchard with oranges, apples, plums, peaches, lemons and avocado? Maybe a corral with a horse or two. So much for thinking about a garden with most ocean front property. You’re lucky if you have enough land to be able to walk between the houses!
We can now see why water gardens with waterfalls and ponds are becoming so popular. If you can’t take your home to the water, just bring the water to your home!
Why is it so peaceful, yet still invigorating at the beach? Is it the sight or sound of the ocean waves, the smell of the salt water? You may be surprised to discover that the actual feelings of peace, relaxation, stress, and anxiety release has little to do with the sight or sounds or smell of the ocean. Extensive research has shown that moving water puts additional negative ions into the air. Breathing this supercharged air has an extremely positive effect on our body. The ocean creates the greatest quantity of negative ions of all moving water.
Therefore, it has the most beneficial effects on our moods while drawing the largest crowds. For the same reason, waterfalls create such pleasant and relaxing environments. You have probably noticed how wonderful the air smells and feels just prior to, during and after a rain storm – again negative ions.
For a fraction fo the cost of ocean or lake front living, almost every homeowner can reap the benefits of a waterfall and pond in their back yard. Ranging from an atmosphere of intimacy to one of grandeur, it’s whatever the budget can endure. Virtually everyone can own a portion of the best that nature has to offer. There are as many different varieties, shapes and sizes of waterfalls as there are rocks. Consequently, with a pond design of your choice, no two ever look the same and they provide a natural individuality for each homeowner.
Waterfalls can cascade into koi ponds, a stream, swimming pool, spa or simply spill through a rock-covered grate into a subterranean catch basin, from where it gets pumped and recirculated. This type of backyard pond design is great for someone with small children, since it eliminates the need for a hazardous pond. It’s also perfect for someone with a very small yard or for those looking for little or no maintenance.
The soil removed in excavating a pond can be utilized to create a mound or berm to provide elevation for a cascade. A waterfall can pass through terraced retaining walls on its way down to a pond at ground level. By passing through rather than over the top, it will give the impression that the waterfall always existed and the retaining wall was constructed later on either side.
A backyard pond not only provides allure and charm to your property, it is as though you own a part of the Discovery Channel. The pond’s occupants provide a never-ending and forever changing source of entertainment and education. From the antics of a pair of acrobatic turtles to the male crayfish, claws clashing and gnashing over the prize of a fair lady, each day becomes a new chapter in the life of your pond. Are you the type that might say, “I don’t ever want to own fish!” and then eventually end up with several, even giving them all names? I’ve seen this happen over and over again, because pond owners become personally attached to the inhabitants of their water garden pond as if they were family members or pets.
At night a well-designed backyard pond becomes a whole new adventure, especially if you have built-in lighting. The cascading, splashing water against the lights create an amazing symphony of light and sound. Dancing light reflected on the surrounding rocks, plants, fence or house becomes hypnotic and mesmerizing. Most people only experience this atmosphere at expensive hotels or resorts. Now you can own the same experience in your own back yard..
If you are considering a water feature as an investment in your property, may I add several words of caution. Down the road, these may save you the heartache, sorrow and aggravation of dirty, murky, green, smelly water, sick or dead fish, leaky pond or waterfall, or high maintenance and energy costs.
1. Take your time.
2. Plan it out.
3. Research the subject thoroughly.
4. Seek out an expert in the field. A few years of experience are important.
5. Make sure the expert is licensed and bonded.
6. Accept only concrete and steel rebar construction. Never use a pond liner. Proponents of pond liners will claim there is a 40 or 50 year warranty on the liner. Not true! It’s only true if you leave the pond liner in the box. It would work only in a perfect world – where there were no gophers, squirrels, chipmunks, rats, tree roots, sharp rocks, pebbles or other such objects. Once you have a hole, it is impossible to find. Even a pin-hole will allow 5 gallons of water per day to pass.
7. Do not use submersible pumps. They are inefficient and expensive to operate and are difficult to maintain. Debris collects in them, requiring frequent cleaning. Submersibles can leak oil that may kill the pond inhabitants or, worse, short out and create a shock hazard.
8. Use a biological filter to help eliminate nitrates and nitrites from the water. (I recommend a pressurized back-flushable filter, not a gravity flow.)
9. Install a skimmer for removal of surface leaves and debris.
10. Use two anti-vortex drains on the bottom of the pond for suction line to prevent whirlpools and fish or turtles from being sucked into the drain.
11. Make sure your pond is a minimum of three feet deep to regulate water temperature in the summer months and to discourage herons and raccoons from dining out.
12. Build caves and ledges for turtles and fish to hide in.
13. Install an ultraviolet light to kill bacteria that cause smells and pathogens that kill fish and algae spores that create green water.
14. Do not use mechanical auto-fill valves; only use an electronic one like the AquaFill System. It does not stick or malfunction – thus preventing pond overflow and dead fish from chlorine poisoning.
15. Use plenty of water plants in the falls and pond. They provide extra oxygen and food for the fish and act as natural filters, utilizing the nitrate nitrogen in the water.
16. Use a high-efficiency, out-of-pond pump that conserves energy. By operating it 24 hours a day, a high-quality biofilter (such as one made by Aqua Ultra Violet) will receive a continuous flow of oxygenated water, which the anaerobic bacteria require in order to live. The bacteria are essential for breaking down hydrocarbons, nitrates and nitrites in the water.
17. Make sure you have proper drainage around the pond and waterfall so run-off from the rain storms does not enter the pond and contaminate it with silt, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.
18. Learn basic pond maintenance. (An ounce of prevention is worth a [pond] cure.)
When I say “everyone should have a waterfall,” I’m not simply promoting my life’s passion. Considering how much enjoyment a water garden and waterfall can give you, dollar for dollar, cubic foot for cubic foot, hour for hour, it is your best buy for many long, healthy and happy years to come.
From my experience with hundreds of pond owners in San Diego, I have discovered that the money spent on a well designed garden pond and waterfall will surely bring you more long term pleasure and joy than anything you ever purchased in your life.
Living is not truly living without water.
About the Author
PowerFlo 5000 Waterfall Pond Filter | Pondliner.com
|
|
Pondmaster DIY Pond Filter/Filtration Kit -backyard water garden w/ waterfall $389.00 |
|
|
1200 GPH Pond Pump and Waterfall Filter Combo Kit $184.99 |
|
|
Atlantic BF1000 Biological Waterfall Filter 2500 Flow $136.23 |
|
|
Atlantic BF1500 Biological Waterfall Filter 4000 Flow $224.53 |
|
|
Atlantic BF1600 Biological Waterfall Filter 3000 Flow $238.00 |
|
|
Atlantic BF2600 Big Bahama Waterfall Filter 6000 Flow $426.35 |
|
|
Atlantic BF4800 Big Bahama Waterfall Filter 12000 Flow $729.09 |
|
|
6000 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 18W UV $159.99 |
|
|
NICE AQUARIUM FISH TANK HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 15 GALLONS $18.99 |
|
|
1972 KOOL FILTER KING CIGARETTES WATERFALL AD $4.99 |
|
|
LAGUNA PT 344 MAX FLO 1500 GPH Waterfall/Filter Pump 3000 gal countryfishgirl $125.00 |
|
|
Nature’s Way WaterPad Waterfall Filters – 2 Boxes $5.99 |
|
|
NICE AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 40 $28.99 |
|
|
Serenity Pond/Waterfall Filter-bio-biofilter-koi-fish $152.85 |
|
|
Crystal Pond Waterfall Filter-spillway/biofilter/koi fish/water garden/tank/pool $199.50 |
|
|
13200GAL KOI POND WATERFALL BIO POUND FILTER w/ MEDIA LOWEST ANYWHERE $99.95 |
|
|
SAVE AQUARIUM FISH TANK HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 15 GALLONS $18.99 |
|
|
LAGUNA MAX-FLO 600 WATERFALL/POND & FILTER PUMP BRAND NEW/FACTORY SEALED $94.99 |
|
|
Atlantic BF3800 Big Bahama Waterfall Filter 8000 Flow $678.63 |
|
|
1971 KOOL Cigarettes Filter Kings waterfall Ad Print $9.99 |
|
|
6000 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 18W UV $159.99 |
|
|
FINE AQUARIUM FISH TANK HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 15 GALLONS $18.99 |
|
|
1971 Print AD Kool long filter kings cigarettes green white water falls bushes $6.99 |
|
|
Atlantic Pond Waterfall Bio filter with 17″ falls – Atlantic BF1250 $99.99 |
|
|
FINE AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 40 $28.99 |
|
|
Pondbuilder PB1076 Elite Waterfall Filter 3500GPH Flow $303.23 |
|
|
Pondbuilder PB1083 Elite Waterfall Filter 6000GPH Flow $483.23 |
|
|
Pondbuilder PB1243Elite Waterfall Filter 20000GPH Flow $967.84 |
|
|
Pondbuilder PB1090Elite Waterfall Filter 10000GPH Flow $677.08 |
|
|
Submersible Waterfall Pond Pump With Filter $34.99 |
|
|
SAVE AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 40 $28.99 |
|
|
Laguna Max-Flo Waterfall And Filter Pump 2900 Gph $240.87 |
|
|
Savio 22″ Waterfall Pond Filter-Make offer!! Save $$$ $420.75 |
|
|
Laguna Powerflo 5000 WaterFall / Skimmer Filter Pads , skimmer filter $24.90 |
|
|
Laguna Powerflo 5000 WaterFall / Skimmer Filter Pads , skimmer filter $28.90 |
|
|
Pondmaster Pro Biological Filter/Waterfall Filter 3000 $128.33 |
|
|
6000 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 18W UV $159.99 |
|
|
YEAH- AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 40 $28.99 |
|
|
YEAH- AQUARIUM FISH TANK HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 15 GALLONS $18.99 |
|
|
5W 500L/H Hanging Waterfall Filter For Aquarium Fish Tank $15.99 |
|
|
5W 400L/H External Hanging Waterfall Filter For Aquarium Fish Tank $11.99 |
|
|
Aquarium Hanging Waterfall Filter 300L/H Fish Tank New $9.99 |
|
|
SAVIO LIVINGPONDS POND WATERFALL FILTER $466.90 |
|
|
Savio LivingPond Waterfall Pond Filter Biological with 22″ Weir, 5000 Gal Ponds $429.99 |
|
|
5000 GPH PUMP / FILTER WATER FALL FOUNTAIN POND SUBMERSIBLE FOUNTAIN NEW $154.99 |
|
|
Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 2400GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $269.99 |
|
|
Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 2000GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $239.99 |
|
|
Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 600 GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $114.99 |
|
|
Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 1500GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $209.99 |
|
|
Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 2900GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $299.99 |
|
|
Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 4200GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $329.99 |
|
|
Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 900 GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $149.99 |
|
|
Pond Waterfall Filter by Atlantic 26″ Big Bahama series $426.35 |
|
|
Pond Waterfall Filter by Atlantic 38″ Big Bahama Series $678.63 |
|
|
Pond Waterfall Filter by Atlantic 48″ Big Bahama Series $729.09 |
|
|
GOOD AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 40 $28.99 |
|
|
Laguna Max-flo 2400 waterfall and filter pump $85.00 |
|
|
Laguna Max-flo 2000 waterfall and filter pump $150.00 |
|
|
Laguna Max-flo 2000 waterfall and filter pump $150.00 |
|
|
GOOD AQUARIUM FISH TANK HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 15 GALLONS $18.99 |
|
|
★ Aquarium Hanging Waterfall Filter 280L/H Fish Tank ★ $9.98 |
|
|
Professional 20 x 30 Deluxe MEGA Pond Kit 5200 GPH Pump 26″ Waterfall Filter $1,325.00 |
|
|
Laguna MaxFlo 600 Fish Pond Koi Waterfall Filter Pump $76.59 |
|
|
LAGUNA POWER FLO 5000 WATERFALL POND KIT FILTER FALLS $338.90 |
|
|
SALE- AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 40 $28.99 |
|
|
1971 KOOL FILTER KINGS CIGARETTES-WATERFALLS AD $4.99 |
|
|
SALE- AQUARIUM FISH TANK HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 15 GALLONS $18.99 |
|
|
2012 American Pro Pond Kit 16′x16′ Filter/Skimmer -water garden-waterfall-koi $2,098.50 |
|
|
3900GPH CalPump Waterfall Koi Pond Pump W/Filter screen $168.00 |
|
|
Laguna PowerFalls Filter-waterfall-biofilter-koi/fish pond/water filtration/tank $177.50 |
|
|
LAGUNA POND WATERFALL MINI POWER FALLS FILTER SPILLWAY $144.95 |
|
|
LAGUNA POND WATERFALL POWER FALLS POWERFALLS FILTER PAD $19.95 |
|
|
NEW EASY PRO SMALL AQUAFALLS POND WATERFALL FILTER AS $419.99 |
|
|
NEW EASY PRO MINI AQUAFALLS POND WATERFALL FILTER AT $249.99 |
|
|
Little Giant F1000 Biological Waterfall Filter, Dual Inlet, WF5 $299.95 |
|
|
Little Giant F5000 Biological Waterfall Filter, Dual Inlet, WF10 $399.95 |
|
|
Crystal Pond Professional ClearFalls 24″ Waterfall/Filter Kit Model WK24 New $165.50 |
|
|
Jebo Waterfall Bio Filters $12.99 |
|
|
AC Powered 3.5W Waterfall External Hanging Filter 250L/H for Aquarium $15.05 |
|
|
AQUARIUM TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 80 GPH $18.99 |
|
|
Savio 16″ Filter / Waterfall Weir FREE SHIPPING $89.99 |
|
|
Savio 16″ Filter / Waterfall Weir + Stone Kit Combo FREE S&H $199.99 |
|
|
AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 20 $26.99 |
|
|
AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 25 $28.99 |
|
|
AQUARIUM TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 135 GPH $28.99 |
|
|
AC Powered 6.5W Waterfall External Hanging Filter 680L/H for Aquarium $29.27 |
|
|
CRYSTAL POND CLEARFALLS WATERFALL FILTER 24″ WEIR $151.88 |
|
|
CRYSTAL POND CLEARFALLS WATERFALL FILTER 40″ WEIR $237.88 |
|
|
Laguna MaxFlo 2900 Fish Pond Koi Waterfall Filter Pump $186.00 |
|
|
AC Powered 6.5W Waterfall External Hanging Filter 680L/H for Aquarium $29.77 |
|
|
SAVIO LIVINGPONDS FILTER AND WATERFALL 070 16″ SPILLWAY $186.75 |
|
|
SAVIO LIVINGPONDS WATERFALL FILTER F100 22″ WATERFALL $420.75 |
|
|
MATALA Waterfall Pond Spillway for BioSteps 10 Filter 11″ Weir $49.99 |
|
|
Savio Livingponds Waterfall Filter For Koi Pond Systems- FREE SHIPPING $420.75 |
|
|
Professional Quality Laguna PowerFlo Filter WaterFalls 5000 For Koi Ponds $385.00 |
|
|
Atlantic Big Bahama Waterfall Filter – 19″ waterfall $350.67 |
|
|
AC Powered 3.5W Waterfall External Hanging Filter 250L/H for Aquarium $15.60 |
|
|
Nelson’s 15.25″ Spillway & Waterfall Box -pond-garden-water-filter-MADE IN USA! $75.70 |
|
|
Aquarium Fitting 2 Pin Flat Plug Waterfall Filter Gray $14.11 |
|
|
3 pk filter for Catit cat water fountain / waterfall systems #50056 $9.29 |
|
|
Intermatic T104P201 DPST Time Switch In Plastic Enclosure $99.20 This Time Switch provides coordinated control for heater and filter pump operations. This two circuit switch is designed to turn off a gas fired swimming pool heater approximately 20 minutes before the filter pump shuts down. Eliminates the problem of pounding and knocking due to overheated water, reduces scale and lime deposits and extends the service life of the heater. Works on Jandy Laars, Ray… |
|
|
Intermatic PE153 Digital Time Clock In Metal Enclosure $239.95 This multi-purpose 24-hour control panel is an easy to program, three-circuit mechanism capable of automatically switching loads according to a preset schedule and providing control over a variety of different applications. The control panel is designed t… |
|
|
Nikken PiMag Aqua Pour Gravity Water System $299.00 As dependable as gravity. The PiMag Aqua Pour can provide you with Nikken PiMag water no matter where you are. It’s a portable waterworks – producing PiMag water without electricity or plumbing. The PiMag Aqua Pour features several stages of filtration. Water flows through a carbon medium, ion exchange resin and zeolite. Pi ceramics are in the filter, to impart “the water of life.” Final stage fil… |
|
|
Intermatic P1121 Heavy Duty Above Ground Pool Pump Timer $19.96 … |
|
|
Waterpik NML-603(S) Linea 6-Mode Showerhead with OptiFLOW, Chrome $29.04 The Waterpik NML-603 features an elegant design to bring a new take on the traditional shower head. With sleek lines, the NML-603will fit in with any decor you have, from traditional to modern. It isn’t just about looks, however. Thanks to Waterpik’s pulsating massage technology, you can get a relaxing spray or an invigorating powerful massage. And thanks to the Waterpik’s OptiFlow technology, yo… |
|
|
Beckett 7060210 325 gph Submersible Pump $34.95 Circulate water in your pond while being kind to fish and plants. With the Beckett Versa Gold fountain pump, you can pump 300 gallons of water per hour for fountain art, spa drainage, and ponds. Easily attach tubing for a water feature or different fountain nozzles for more creative looks. The pump sits flat underwater and is heavy enough that it doesn’t need suction cups or other attachments to h… |
|
|
Marpac TSC 330 Travel Sound Conditioner $64.79 Marpac Marsona TSC-330 Travel Sound Machine The Marpac Marsona TSC-330 Travel Sound Machine is a lightweight and relaxing sound conditioner that emits… |
|
|
Lasko 1115 3-Gallon Evaporative Recirculating Humidifier $50.99 1.75 gal – 3 gal/Day – 1500 Sq. ft…. |
|
|
Lasko 1128 9-Gallon Evaporative Recirculating Humidifier $64.99 4.50 gal – 9 gal/Day – 3200 Sq. ft…. |
|
|
POND/WATERFALL PUMP, Size: 400 GPH (Catalog Category: Pond:FILTERS, PUMPS & ACCESSORIES) $62.10 Designed specifically for medium to large size ponds and statuary. Energy efficient magnetic drive. Fish safe. Maximum pumping height 6.5 feet. 400 gallons per hour. Intake 3/4 threaded, discharge 3/4 threaded. Barbs included for easy connection to flexible tubing.(Size: 400 GPH)… |