Post by Carl on Nov 20, 2019 17:34:22 GMT -5
I've updated the "Aquarium/Pond Answers" article about pond "Veggie" filters
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/pond-veggie-filters.html
Here is an excerpt:
With many "In Pond" Veggie/Bog Filter, a good design that allows for an embedded water pump to pull water into the rock around the Veggie filter can also act a "Skimmer", thus replacing the need for a skimmer, which I personally do not recommend anyway based on issues of "skimming" Hyacinth and other desirable surface plants.
Leaves, pine needles, etc. are often pulled to the outer surface of a well constructed "in Pond" Veggie Filter where it is then easily scooped out.
More bluntly, the use of pond skimmers which are really nothing more than a pool device with the word "pond" slapped on it, is a device that any long term pond professional knows is nothing more than a piece of equipment that is meant to separate you from your money by retailers with little practical knowledge (or worse). A well designed Veggie Filter will cost less and in the vast majority of ponds.
In fact it may also save on pumps, as the strain on the intake side of submersible pumps can often cause premature failure.
The FACTS are submersible pumps were NOT designed to run skimmers, especially in a pond environment (as compared to a sterile swimming pool). As well the FACTS are Skimmers are designed for sterile pool use and to be run by direct drive pool pumps, not the commonly used submersible pond pumps!! It is noteworthy that even swimming pools with high bio loads of debris sucked into skimmer will eat even the best of direct drive heavy duty pumps (I have witnessed this just with my parents swimming pool that is under a forest of pine trees).
The bottom line, do not fall for the misinformed/uneducated or dishonest seller of skimmers for a pond and purchase such a device.
Sadly in recent years, marketing and social media has taken over the hobby/industry, with mentoring taking a back seat. So if someone gives you the sales pitch that a pond skimmer is "revolutionary", they clearly have no knowledge of history and how these were long ago professionally dismissed. So run for the closest exit!!
Carl
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/pond-veggie-filters.html
Here is an excerpt:
With many "In Pond" Veggie/Bog Filter, a good design that allows for an embedded water pump to pull water into the rock around the Veggie filter can also act a "Skimmer", thus replacing the need for a skimmer, which I personally do not recommend anyway based on issues of "skimming" Hyacinth and other desirable surface plants.
Leaves, pine needles, etc. are often pulled to the outer surface of a well constructed "in Pond" Veggie Filter where it is then easily scooped out.
More bluntly, the use of pond skimmers which are really nothing more than a pool device with the word "pond" slapped on it, is a device that any long term pond professional knows is nothing more than a piece of equipment that is meant to separate you from your money by retailers with little practical knowledge (or worse). A well designed Veggie Filter will cost less and in the vast majority of ponds.
In fact it may also save on pumps, as the strain on the intake side of submersible pumps can often cause premature failure.
The FACTS are submersible pumps were NOT designed to run skimmers, especially in a pond environment (as compared to a sterile swimming pool). As well the FACTS are Skimmers are designed for sterile pool use and to be run by direct drive pool pumps, not the commonly used submersible pond pumps!! It is noteworthy that even swimming pools with high bio loads of debris sucked into skimmer will eat even the best of direct drive heavy duty pumps (I have witnessed this just with my parents swimming pool that is under a forest of pine trees).
The bottom line, do not fall for the misinformed/uneducated or dishonest seller of skimmers for a pond and purchase such a device.
Sadly in recent years, marketing and social media has taken over the hobby/industry, with mentoring taking a back seat. So if someone gives you the sales pitch that a pond skimmer is "revolutionary", they clearly have no knowledge of history and how these were long ago professionally dismissed. So run for the closest exit!!
Carl
