Homemade Water Garden Filters

Making a Pond Filter

• 1

  Locate or purchase a plastic 5-gallon bucket or garbage container. A 5-gallon container will be sufficient for most backyard ponds. Larger ponds will require multiple containers or one larger one.

• 2

  Drill a one to two-inch hole near the bottom of the container using a drill bit made for larger holes. This will be the exit hole for clean water to re-enter the pond.

• 3

  Drill a smaller hole near the top of the container. This hole will need to be slightly larger than the diameter of the existing outlet hose from the water pump. The hose should fit snugly into this hole.

• 4

  Using a scrap of window screen and some duct tape, tape the screen over the bottom hole on the inside of the container. The screen will catch any debris that makes it to the bottom of the container.

• 5

  Fill the bottom half of the container with lava rocks. Lava rocks consist of many tiny crevices that will filter the water as it flows over them.

• 6

  Fill the top half of the container with pieces of foam and fiberfill from old pillows and cushions. These pieces will filter sludge and debris from the water. This material will need to be replaced frequently until the pond water is clear. Once clear, personal judgment can be used when determining the time span between replacements.

• 7

  If it is necessary to cover the top of the container, use window screen. An open top will allow oxygen to enter the water as it is filtered.

• 8

  Place the outlet hose from water pump into the hole near the top of the container. If it fits loosely, caulk it in place using a silicone caulk on both sides of the hole.

• 9

  Place the completed pond filter where the clean water will re-enter the pond. This could be the edge of the pond or at the top of a waterfall.