As mentioned, an unsightly protein scum may appear on the surface of the water
As mentioned, an unsightly protein scum may appear on the surface of the water. This is the result of dissolved organic waste separating out and attaching itself to bubbles of air. A foam fractionator’s, sometimes known as a protein skimmer, is a controlled mechanical way of removing the protein, or dissolved organic carbon, from the water.
In one design of protein skimmer, fine bubbles of air are injected at the bottom of the device and as they rise through the water, they collect or adsorb the organic carbon on their surface. This action prevents the bubbles from bursting and foam collects on the water surface, from where it is skimmed off to waste.
Switch off foam fractionators when you use a pond medication, otherwise they will remove the medication from the water as well. These devices have been available to the aquarium keeper for many years and some homemade designs work well on ponds. The ozone kills free swimming or motile bacteria and algal cells, producing clearer and cleaner water.
Using an ozonizer would render an ultraviolet light clarifier unnecessary. These are known as anaerobic bacteria and they thrive in oxygen depleted water. If you use an anaerobic filter, it will require very careful monitoring. When construction is complete, the pond and filter system should be filled through a water meter to ascertain its total working volume.
Knowing this figure is important, because it enables you to calculate accurate dosage when the pond needs to be medicated. If a water change is required, a check on the meter reading will enable, say, a 10% change to be made accurately. If possible, plumb a meter into the pond main water supply so that you can always monitor the water usage.
Allow the system to circulate for a few days to ensure there are no leaks.