Riddle me this...2 pond riddle.

[STL Ponds and Waterfalls]

OK I rebuilt 2 ecosystem ponds at the same home. One on each side of a stair case. They are almost identical in size IE: depth, waterfall build, etc. Both are in the 400-500 gallon range, same skimmer and pump, pipe etc. The skimmer is a Pond builder crystal 8" rated for 4800 max flow. The pumps are Anjon Big frog pumps 3000 flow. Although the pumps have been rerdesigned this year without stands on the bottom, just caged pedestals.

The problem is one is staying cloudy and the other is crystal clear. The cloudy ponds skimmer doesn't seem to be skimming correctly. The top of the water entering the skimmer is still, while it has an under current.

I just don't understand this problem. What am I overlooking?

[wurkn with amish]

did you install the flapper backwards keith?

[STL Ponds and Waterfalls]

Originally Posted by wurkn with amish

did you install the flapper backwards keith?

That's it! No I take them off to give the Koi a chance if they decide to venture in.

You think that could help create a better flow into the skimmer?

[tadpole]

Originally Posted by STL Ponds and Waterfalls

OK I rebuilt 2 ecosystem ponds at the same home. One on each side of a stair case. They are almost identical in size IE: depth, waterfall build, etc. Both are in the 400-500 gallon range, same skimmer and pump, pipe etc. The skimmer is a Pond builder crystal 8" rated for 4800 max flow. The pumps are Anjon Big frog pumps 3000 flow. Although the pumps have been rerdesigned this year without stands on the bottom, just caged pedestals.

The problem is one is staying cloudy and the other is crystal clear. The cloudy ponds skimmer doesn't seem to be skimming correctly. The top of the water entering the skimmer is still, while it has an under current.

I just don't understand this problem. What am I overlooking?

What you are observing in the cloudy pond is the result of high organic content. All bodies of water have a biofilm on the surface of the water called the Neuston. Under certain conditions, this biofilm becomes fairly thick, microscopically speaking, but gives the impression that the water is not moving. The water IS moving, it is the Neuston that is almost immobile. Many times this will occur after a heavy rain as a result of run-off. It usually clears itself within a short period of time. Fish spawning can also contribute to this phenomenon.

[STL Ponds and Waterfalls]

So what should be the plan of attack to clear this up?

[tadpole]

How long ago did you rebuild these ponds? If recently, it could be that the pond just hasn't had enough time to cycle. I would try to determine why one pond has a higher organic load than the other that is, as I read it, only a few feet away. A series of partial water changes may help, but again the problem should dissipate on its own. Periodically my own pond will develop this phenomena, but it is usually will return to normal within 24 - 48 hours.

Do you have any photos of these ponds and the surrounding environs?

[wurkn with amish]

I doubt it Keith. I'm stumped as you are and waiting to see what the guru of ponds says.(Tadpole)!!!

[tadpole]

A couple of additional thoughts-
......Do both ponds have the same fish load?
......Does this film appear oily?
......Flake fish food will sometimes cause a film, but I would expect a problem with both ponds.