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deletedbear OP t1_iudih46 wrote

Reply to comment by Effective_Roof2026 in Noob seeking advice on building artificial stream in my backyard (tropical climate) by deletedbear

I'm in a zone 13 according to hardiness index.

I'm aware of the mosquito problem re: dead spots.

Is there no option for algae control besides chlorine and salt?

Will a water filter that is used for ponds that has UV lights work if made part of the pump system?

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Zchwns t1_iudwk91 wrote

UV will promote algae blooms; so if it’s outside you’re going to get blooms. Likewise, artificial UV lights may also exacerbate the issue, even though it may kill bacteria.

With water features, you want some good bacteria. A naturally stable water system will have bacteria to break down detritus. Using UV may kill this beneficial bacterium

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deletedbear OP t1_iudxek6 wrote

Good point about the good bacteria, but why then are uv sterilizers often promoted for algae control?

genuinely asking, i know nothing.

will a biological filter be more important then for in control algae?

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Zchwns t1_iudys46 wrote

I’d use a mechanical sponge/mesh filter medium as it scrubs the water of existing solids and allows healthy bacteria to survive. A sump system is often used to do this for big water systems.

To clean, take a bucket of existing pond/river/tank water and rinse the algae out of the sponge by squeezing it. Using water from the feature will prevent death of healthy bacteria, as “clean” water can very quickly kill everything in the filter medium (municipal water sources are sterilized with things like chlorine in amounts that don’t affect us but destroy bacteria and viruses)

Research the nitrogen cycle, as it’s very important for keeping water healthy without keeping it sterilized. A properly cycled water system can also support life, if you ever wanted to add small fish.

Using UV in high doses can completely sterilize water, but also leaves it vulnerable to bacterial/chemical imbalance and algae blooms.

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deletedbear OP t1_iug4etl wrote

Thanks! This is great!

Just to double confirm will this work in a climate like mine?

Super sunny (when it doesn't rain) with average temps of around 30c year round.

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Zchwns t1_iug6qh7 wrote

I can’t confirm anything, as I’m not an expert nor do I live in a tropical climate.

However, I am basing my reasonings on Tropical Fish keeping where the water is maintained about 25-30 Celsius, and for that I’d say it could likely work.

I’d suggest reaching out to people in your area who might be better equipped to answer specific questions for your climate. You can also make a lot of great connections with people who have similar interests as well. Do some research and ask around and you’ll have all the answers you’ll need.

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deletedbear OP t1_iug76gi wrote

Thanks again! Will reach out to some local forums :)

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Zchwns t1_iug8ay3 wrote

No worries at all!

There’s so so so much you can do with a properly cycled water system, from keeping fish and animals to growing plants. My aunt and uncle have a koi pond outdoors with plants all around. It’s a beautiful water feature.

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deletedbear OP t1_iug8kdt wrote

sounds amazing. I'm hoping for it to be a slice of nature too, so i can go camping in my yard since i dont have much time for that now.

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