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| Brief Introduction: |
| Although not a dishonest act, many filter system manufacturers convey the illusion that their pond filters will happily cope with say a 2,000 gallon pond regardless of fishload or environmental conditions. This alas is simply not true, and Cloverleaf have gone to the degree of carefully formulating a series of helpful guidelines which should greatly assist in the pondkeeper establishing a sustainable and healthy pond with a filter of the correct size. |
| General: |
| The water/pond capacities quoted by Cloverleaf within the specification of each model are based upon a series of typical fixed parameters, and where these are different a new calculation should be made with the applicable facts at hand. The Cloverleaf parameters are based upon:- 1/ Fish loads not exceeding 200mm (8 inches) for every 1,000 litres (222 gallons) of pond water. 2/ Pond being greater than 800mm (31 inches) deep. 3/ Fish are only fed once a day. 4/ The pond receives no more than 6 hours of sunshine each day. Note: The following calculations/equations are based upon a pond with a content of 3,000 litres (666 gallons). |
| Pond Depth: |
| If the pond is shallower than 800mm (31 inches), then an allowance of 1% should be added for every 10mm reduction in depth. Assuming then that the notional example pond is only 500mm deep, a difference of 300mm applies – which divided by 10mm generates a sum of 30. This then represents the addition of 30% - obviously illustrating that shallow ponds are not ideal. |
| Fish Stocking: |
| If the total “fish length” (excluding tail dimensions) is greater than 200mm per 1,000 litre of pond water then a related percentage allowance must be added to the calculations. With the example 3,000 litre pond, this is capable of sustaining a fish load totalling 600mm in length, however for the exercise we shall assume that in reality the length totals 750mm – which equates to a 25% increase beyond the normal datum. (This in turn translates to the 3,000 litre pond being reviewed as 3,750 litres). |
| Fish Feeding: |
| If fish are fed more than once a day, then a 10% allowance should be added for each additional feed. So for our example pond calculation we will include for feeding the fish twice a day, and thus add on an extra 10%. (Equating to an addition of 300 litres to the notional 3,000 litre pond). |
| Direct Sunlight: |
| If the pond receives more than 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, then a 5% allowance needs to be added for every further hour. For this example we will assume the pond receives 7 hours of sun each day, and as a consequence 5% must be added. (Meaning the example 3,000 litre pond should be reviewed as actually being 3,150 litres). |
| Conclusion: |
| From the 4 separate calculations made in the above it will be seen that increases of 25% + 10% + 30% + 5% (totalling 70%) must be applied. This percentage of the example 3,000 litre pond equates to an increase of 2,100 litres, and therefore for TRUE calculations purposes in selecting a suitable filter it must be capable of handling 5,100 litres (3,000 + 2,100). |
| Tip Of The Year: |
| Generally speaking it will be the wise pondkeeper with a 1,500 gallon pond who will automatically select a filtration system capable of filtering 2,000 gallons. Purchasing a larger filter system will never prove to be a foolish decision, and indeed such levels of thinking not only help take the future into account but at the same time will likely assist in reducing maintenance. Its nigh impossible to acquire a system that is too big, but it is comparatively easy to acquire a smaller and problematic system that is not up to the task at hand. Be warned. |
