Overview
Most Pond keepers have little idea how
many gallons their ponds hold. It is important to know the exact volume
for any number of reasons, the most important of which is applying any
kind of treatment to your pond.
Calculations
1. To calculate your pond volume: Length
X Width X Average Depth X 7.5 = Gallons
Formula for a Circle 3.14 x
Radius x Radius x Depth x 7.5A circle with straight sides and no
plant shelves. Measure across the middle of the circle. This is the Diameter of
the pond. 1/2 of the Diameter is called the Radius. A circular pond that is 10
feet wide (10 ft. Diameter) and is 3 feet deep has a Radius of 5 feet (1/2 the
Diameter) so the formula would be 3.14 x 5 (R) x 5 (R) x 3 (D) x 7.5 and that
would equal 1766.25 gallons.
2. If you're one of the unfortunate people
that have to pay for your water, the simplest and easiest way to determine
the exact volume of your pond, is to check your water meter before and
after the initial filling of your pond.
Instead of trying to make sense of the
sometimes outlandish marketing hype of some of the filter manufacturers--we
have come up with our own formula taking the most current data available.
To calculate
the
a.
If the average pond water depth less than 2
1/2 feet--increase by 25%
b. If the pond is located in full sun--increase
by 25%, half day sun 17.5% and so on.
c.
If you're in Zone 1-5 add 0%--6-7 add 15%--8-10
add 35%
d. If the total “fish length” is more than
8 inches per 250 gallons then an extra percentage must be allowed. By example
a pond of 500 gallons could contain 16 inches of fish, but if the stocking
level was 32 inches then a 50% increase would need to be applied – thus
meaning that the filter and pump must cope as though the pond is 750 gallons.
Another example: You have a 1000 gal pond, 2 ft. deep, in full sun, in
zone 6-7 and have 64 inches of fish.
1000 gals+25% for Depth=1250, +25% for
Full Sun=1500, +15% for Zone 6-7=1650, +50%for 64 inches of fish =2150
gallons
Conclusion
You need to oversize your filter and pump
to take care of a 2150 gallon pond a 115% increase.
While these formulas might seem complicated
at first glance, if you follow them step by step you will be well on your
way to creating a good environment for your Koi and pond fish.
