I would suggest a skimmer AND a bottom drain...please please put in a bottom drain. IMO its best to have the bottom drain flow via gravity itno a settling chamber and then have the pump pull from there. That way the solid waste can settle out before the water is sent to the bio filter. You can split the intake of the pump so it pulls 1/2 from the skimmer and 1/2 from the settling chamber and it sends it all to the bio filter and then to the UV (optional) and then back to the pond.

I would also recoment the UV. If you get one correctly sized for your pond it will not only kill the green water, it will also kill some of the parasites as well. While I have a homemade filter, the Aquabead filters are supposed to be very good.

Hello,

I would recommed using a Biofalls filter, skimmer and a bottom drain if you are going 3 ft or more deep. UV lights do help but if you dont have a lot of sun they are not necessary.

If you have any questions, give me a call and I can give you some advice. I install ponds and run an online store.

www.underwaterwarehouse.com

Thanks

Dan
215-788-5103