Pump/filter for outdoors

Becca

Becca

Members
I was thinking of tossing a bunch of white clouds and/or emperor tetras in an outdoor tub for the summer (not that this feels much like summer - or spring). I have a 100 gallon stock tank I could use, but I'd need to figure out filtration for it.

Honestly, I'm trying to keep the energy costs of my fish habit a little lower after seeing what our winter power bills really looked like (they didn't actually read our meter all winter and based the estimates on months when the house was vacant - :eek:).

I'd like to use sponge filters run by an air pump, but air pumps aren't exactly designed for outdoor use. Does anyone have suggestions for housing an air pump and protecting the cord from the elements?

Another option would be a solar powered pump, but I've had mixed luck many solar-powered items I've tried.
 
Localzoo

Localzoo

Board of Directors
I was thinking solar...but when we tried with the one I got it didn't wrk...lol that was a fun project. Maybe someone has advise. Dan(cichlidaddicted) might know he does ponds for a living so he might have a better idea on solar or pump waterproofing etc...


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Spine

Spine

Members
I never used any filtration on my outdoor tubs. I just threw in a bunch of potted plants and added water if the rain didn't top it off.
 
Frank Cowherd

Frank Cowherd

Global Moderators
Staff member
I use the common vibrator air pump outside all winter to keep a hole any ice that forms on my ponds. I do have outlets, GFCI protected, that I plug into. then connect the air tubing and then put the pump inside a fish bag. Using duct tape or zip ties snug the bag up around only the cord and airline tube. But do not make it real tight. Then there is maybe 8 or 10 inches of bag past the tied point which keeps out rain and bugs. Used this for years.

I use kiddie pools or wading pools outdoors in the summer (they are cheap) and because they are shallow and wide, they need no aeration or filtration. They do need only an hour or so of sun a day. Any more sun and they will probably turn green. SO shade them by placing them on the north side of a building or tree that does not shed too much. or use plywood to build a sun shade.

If you really want to filter the pond, get a piece of Poret or similar sponge about 10 by 10 and support it above the surface of the water with egg crates or whatever. Then put a water pump in the bottom of the pond and connect a hose or tube to bring the water to the top of the sponge. If arranged right it could look like a fountain. The sponge acts as a filter and might need to be cleaned only once all summer but it is easy to see if it needs cleaned. ANd it helps aerate the water well if it is above the pond surface.
 
Becca

Becca

Members
Frank Cowherd said:
I use the common vibrator air pump outside all winter to keep a hole any ice that forms on my ponds. I do have outlets, GFCI protected, that I plug into. then connect the air tubing and then put the pump inside a fish bag. Using duct tape or zip ties snug the bag up around only the cord and airline tube. But do not make it real tight. Then there is maybe 8 or 10 inches of bag past the tied point which keeps out rain and bugs. Used this for years.

I use kiddie pools or wading pools outdoors in the summer (they are cheap) and because they are shallow and wide, they need no aeration or filtration. They do need only an hour or so of sun a day. Any more sun and they will probably turn green. SO shade them by placing them on the north side of a building or tree that does not shed too much. or use plywood to build a sun shade.

If you really want to filter the pond, get a piece of Poret or similar sponge about 10 by 10 and support it above the surface of the water with egg crates or whatever. Then put a water pump in the bottom of the pond and connect a hose or tube to bring the water to the top of the sponge. If arranged right it could look like a fountain. The sponge acts as a filter and might need to be cleaned only once all summer but it is easy to see if it needs cleaned. ANd it helps aerate the water well if it is above the pond surface.
Click to expand...


Frank - kiddie pools are GENIUS! I could probably fit 2 under my deck and placing them under the deck will keep them out of the sun! :D
 
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