| There's always a lot of talk as to the number of fish a certain size pond can hold compared to the size of the filter. Most manufactuers claim that their bread boxes will do large ponds, when in reality it all depends on the fish load and the amount of food that is fed..The following formula was put together by Werner of Werners Water Gardens and works well. |
| Fish Loads & Filters |
| Instead of trying to make sense of the sometimes outlandish marketing hype of some of the filter Manufacturers--we have come up with our own formulae taking the most current data available. We suggest you cut and paste this information--It is copyrighted, but can be used for non-commercial purposes without prior written permission, and keep it in a handy place While these formulae might seem complicated at first glance, if you follow them step by step you will be well on your way to creating a good environment for your Koi 1. To calculate your pond volume: Length X Width X Average Depth X 7.5 = Gallons 2. To calculate the EFFECTIVE volume of your pond: 'The following factors must also be considered when estimating your pump and filter sizes.' a. Average pond water depth less than 2 1/2 feet--increase by 25% b. If the pond is located in full sun--increase by 25%, half day sun 17.5%. c. Zones: Zone 1-5 add 0%--6-7 add 15%--8-10 add 35% d. If the total "fish length" is more than 8 inches per 250 gallons then an extra percentage must be allowed. By example: A pond of 500 gallons could contain 16 inches of fish, but if the stocking level is 32 inches then a 50% increase would need to be applied - thus meaning that the filter and pump must cope as though the pond is 750 gallons. Another example: You have a 1000 gal pond, 2 ft. deep, in full sun, in zone 6-7 and have 64 inches of fish. 1000 gals+25% for Depth=1250, +25% for Full Sun=1500, +15% for Zone 6-7=1650, +50%for 64 inches of fish =2150 gallons. You need to oversize your filter and pump to take care of a 2150-gallon pond a 115% increase. Pond-On Werner |
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