Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Not aquaponics strictly speaking but I am incorporating some of the elements in my filtration system for a duck pond.

I already have two solids filters in place (radial flow filter and a filter with multiple layers of matala material ) and am now adding a bio filter.''I have purchased 50 litres of K1 media, API Quick Start and a 55-gallon barrel.

So I guess my question is...how do I get this filter going? The API instructions would seem to indicate you simply add it to the water in the barrel and away you go but I have my doubts. Is there not a need to use existing pond water or somehow seed the water with nitrates/ammonia etc? Apart from which the K1 media is buoyant at first so again surely there is a need to let is season for a bit?

My plan is to insert the K1 media, an airstone to oxygenate the water and leave it shut off from the pond for a week or two for the bacteria to get a foothold on the media. Is this a sensible plan?

Is this an established pond?...

If so, then there is absolutely no need to add the Quick Start, the bacteria are already there. Just plumb the bio-filter into the system, ensure it has vigorous aeration, then start flowing the pond water through it. The bacteria will very quickly colonise the K1.

If it's a new pond then there is still no reason to add Quick Start, the bacteria are everywhere and will start colonising as soon as the water is chlorine free (ie: 24hrs of aeration and exposure to sunlight) and there is an Ammonia source (ie: fish or duck waste).

Also, if it's a new pond, I wouldn't add "seed water" from another pond etc, as you risk introducing disease or parasites into an otherwise disease free system. As I mentioned before, the bacteria show up and start colonising as soon as conditions allow.

There is also no benefit in isolating the bio-filter from the rest of the system, get the system water running through it asap.

Thank you for taking the time to respond, I totally understand tat this not being pure aquaponics people are somewhat loathe to get involved.

The pond is very much established and has been in use for @6 weeks now so there really is no lack of ammonia, the ducks make sure of that!. I will plumb in the bio filter, add aeration and see what happens.

Thanks again,