Question
Dear Leigh,
         I would like to know if it is absolutely necessary to purchase all these expensive pond pumps, filters and such like if I want to keep a small number of fish in a pond which holds 1,000 gallons of water.  Is it possible to get the right balance using more natural things such as plants. I just want to keep things as simple as possible and use as little of the latest technology as I can.  

Answer
You will need to buy a pump to recirculate the water the filter can be simply made. Purchase a pump about 500 GPH. Bigger if the next size up is reasonably priced. Get a plastic water basket or a plastic pail and put holes on the side to allow water in. Put the pump in the basket or pail with the spout clearing the water surface to get the fountain effect. Fill ppail half full of lava rock, similar to that used in a barbeque. A big bag should br available at your nursery. Put a layer of fibreglass wool available at the heating section of hardware store cover the rock with the a pice of this and then top off the pail with lava rock. BE SURE TO RINSE THE ROCK OFF WELL TO GET ANY DIRT OR RESIDUE OFF THE ROCK. THER YOU HAVE A BIOLOGICAL FILTER

            HOPE THIS HELPS
               leigh

          Any more info dont hesitate