[Greenbuilding] surface area

Thu Jun 7 13:28:43 CDT 2012

I would definitely avoid concrete as a biological media. Limestone in ponds affects pH for sure and increases the potential for string algae. I have been assisting contractors across North America for over 15 years design ponds and solve problems. Calcium from rocks and cement will cause problems that are hard, if not impossible, to solve. 

There are different types of useful bacteria for biological filtration and they all grow differently on different substrates. I would encourage designing a natural filtration with different types of media (metamorphic rock (3/4"-6"), plastic (chips, foam, strips)). Can never over size a filtration system, only undersize.

Ensure that there is a good flow rate to allow dwell time for bacteria to do their thing. Fast water will scour the bacteria off the media. Slow water may not have enough oxygen for good bacterial function.

If using a separate filtration pool I would design a slotted pipe matrix under the gravel that will allow water to up flow for filtration, and yet have the ability to be used as a suction line for a down flow backwash system. With the correct plumbing arrangement, one pump can do both. Applying water on top of gravel during the suction will rinse the clogged pores. This will decrease the solids build up between the media and reduce the need to rebuild as often.

If the filtration pool has plants, their roots will spread throughout the media and clog the pores, reducing the flow rate through the body of the filter and allowing more bypass to occur. You can reduce the root spread by planting in fabric planting pots. Every year or two you can run a knife around the inner edge of the pot and cut the rootlets that penetrate the fabric pot to reduce their spread. Planing in plastic pots will create root run-out (long roots running around the inside of the pot looking for water). To encourage a good root ball, allowing more energy for stem and flower, fabric pots are a good choice. Most suppliers provide 5 year plus guaranty not to fall apart.

Lastly, I would apply some natural sludge eating bacteria in the late summer to encourage the reduction of sludge build up in the pond and filter. The bacteria will continue to work through the winter when flow through filter is not happening. Lack of flow assumes one is in a freezing climate and drains equipment to avoid damage.

Hope this is helpful.

David Wentling

From: Gennaro <gennarobc at gmail.com>

To: Green Building <greenbuilding at lists.bioenergylists.org>; Stephen <sl at 210nle.com> 
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 9:21 AM
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] surface area

Yes, a top choice. Looking for a local supplier without luck so far.
Gennaro Brooks-Church
347-244-3016
Sent from my phone
On Jun 7, 2012 10:35 AM, "Stephen" <sl at 210nle.com> wrote:

Pumice? Some floats, maybe sinks after a while. Lots of surface area. 
>-------Original Message-------
>From: Alan Abrams 
>To: Green Building 
>Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] surface area
>Sent: Jun 07 '12 10:11
>
>in our region, recycled, crushed concrete is available in several popular grades.  not very lightweight, but I 
imagine the surface would be microbe friendly.
>
>this does however, raise the question of PH, due 
to the alkaline nature of portland.
>
>AA
>
>
>On Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 8:56 AM, Gennaro Brooks-Church - Eco 
Brooklyn <info at ecobrooklyn.com> wrote:
>
>Foam would be a great colonizer but I want to stay away from synthetics given that it is a long 
term swimming pool and I don't want to worry about leeching.
>>
>>Gennaro Brooks-Church
>>Director, Eco Brooklyn Inc.
>>Cell: 1 347 244 3016 USA
>>www.EcoBrooklyn.com
>>22 2nd St; Brooklyn, NY 11231
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>On Wed, Jun 6, 2012 at 11:51 PM, John Salmen <terrain at shaw.ca> wrote:
>>
>>Hi
>>>Your 
talking about a biofilter and foam chips have been used successfully for that in all types of wastewater 
treatment for maintaining a ‘smutzdecke’ (waterloo biofilter is one example) though typically it is graded 
sand and gravel. Netted bags of foam chips with some kind of ballast might work well. Lots of research out 
there.
>>> 
>>>Best
>>>John
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>From:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org [mailto:greenbuilding-
bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Gennaro Brooks-Church - Eco Brooklyn
>>>Sent: June-06-12 8:03 PM
>>>To: listserv Green Building new
>>>Subject: [Greenbuilding] surface area
>>> 
>>>I am building a natural pool and could use some insight into the media used in the regenerative zone.
>>>Typically gravel is used since it creates large surface 
area for microbes and lasts.
>>>Ideally I would prefer something lighter so it can be more easily 
removed when the pool leaks.
>>>I considered 
crushed brick but dust could be an issue.
>>>I salvaged some Spanish S tile I could put in and cover with gravel. I 
wouldn't break it I would just put it in the way it comes stacked on the pallet. Any thoughts on how that 
would compare to gravel in terms of surface area? Keep in mind that microbe surface area is different than 
surface area we can see.
>>>Using safety netting from job sites would have amazing surface area 
but I am not interested in the leeching possibilities.
>>> 
>>>Any thoughts?
>>>
>>>Gennaro Brooks-Church
>>>Director, 
Eco Brooklyn Inc.
>>>Cell: 1 347 244 3016 USA
>>>www.EcoBrooklyn.com 
>>>22 2nd St; Brooklyn, NY 11231
>>>_______________________________________________
>>>Greenbuilding mailing list
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>>>Greenbuilding at bioenergylists.org
>>>
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>>>
>>
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