Pond Filter Dilemma.

[msasa19]

I know this should be in the pond section but thought I would most likely get a reply posting here.
I moved into a new house that had a pond but had no filter just a decorative fountain pump and 4 fish. The fish died in the winter unsurprisingly. So as the weather has started to get better I decided to measure the pond. It has multiple levels. And see how much was in it when I did a calculation using the measurements it told me I had over a 1000 litres. So I bought a hozelock easyclear 3000 as it had brilliant reviews. This filter can manage a pond upto 3000 litres and turns over 1000 litres per hours, perfect I thought.......
So today the weather is nice and sunny so I decide to empty the Pont using a 3 litre bucket and count them out of curiosity. And to my surprise I have totally messed up. The pond only holds 160 litres. so my urgent question is, is my filter now to big? It's unopened. So I can send it back hopefully!!!

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, I think your filter is too big, tbh. And, at 160l, your pond is really too small for fish as well

 

[msasa19]

I was only planning on putting 1 fish in it, looks like I'll have to send the filter back

 

[fluttermoth]

Goldfish are very social, it wouldn't be fair to keep just one

 

[Munroco]

I have had a pond for 25 years, I don't filter it or change the water. I just leave it to nature. My goldfish breed every year and a few make it to adulthood.

 

[cooledwhip]

Hey quick question just thought I would ask it here. I plan on making a summer pond (moving the fish inside for the winter) for goldfish. Is it as simple as just digging a hole and putting in the pond liner? I was thinking maybe a couple hundred gallons to house maybe 8 orandas.
 
Do you really not filter it? How big is yours munroco

 

[Munroco]

It's about 16' * 8' at its longest and widest points and its a couple of feet deep. There are usually about 30 adults and loads of fry in different stages of development. (some pics here http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/438019-class-of-2014-revisited/)
 
Mine is basically just that, a hole with a pond liner. There are certain things you need to do though, ie making sure you have no sharp bits in the hole (people line ponds with things to prevent that, ie old bits of carpet) I'm lucky in that about a foot below the topsoil where I live is pure sand.
 
You will need oxygenating plants to stop the water turning green (not bad for the fish but hopeless for watching them).
 
I think my pond is naturally filtering itself. There is usually a layer of mulm on the bottom for the plants which are thriving. The must be enough bacteria in there to use up the ammonia and nitrites/nitrates. I feed my fish every couple of days in the summer on average but they get on fine without my help.