DOC's (dissolved organic compounds) what is it??

[chris]

can somebody explain DOC's (dissolved organic compounds)
to me. are DOC's plant roots from floating plants and stuff
or other stuff in the pond thanks all

[addy1]

Not written by me!

DOC is organic material from plants and animals broken down into such a small size that it is “dissolved” into water. Some DOC molecules have a recognizable chemical structure that can easily be defined (such as fats, carbohydrates, and proteins) however most have no readily identifiable structure and are lumped under the term humic or tannin substances.

The more recognizable types of DOC such as soluble fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are often created within the stream or lake from animal feces or decomposition of fish and insects. This type of DOC is not pigmented and does not influence the color of a lake or stream. However, DOC imported from outside a lake or stream is created by the decomposition of leaves and woody debris that have fallen around or in water. The plant material is slowly broken down by organisms into very small particles that are dissolved into water. Because they are not quickly fed on, they have more time to hang out in the water and react with other molecules to form complex structures that as explained above, are difficult to define as any one type of compound. These humic or tannin substances also often have natural acids associated with them (which can influence pH levels). Yellow to black in color, this humic type of DOC is the most abundant kind found in lakes and streams and can have a great influence on water color.

[Squidhead]

Love that explanation Addy! I guess to put it simply.....it's just waste from the fish, plants and any debris in the water that is dissolved by the water. It is that almost oil slick looking stuff or the bubbles that form that don't pop, but clump together on the sides. The more plants and fish you have, the more that can accumulate.

[koikeepr]

Both these guys have given a terrific explanation. If you see that foamy, greasy bubbly stuff on the top of your pond (typically tan-brown in color), that's DOC's. And you do want to get that junk outta your pond. This is why folks build DIY foam fractioners--to get rid of it. WeWilly posted a photo of one spewing the DOC's seen here (http://www.thepondforum.com/showthread.php?5-Potassium-Permanganate/page2&highlight=foam) on this link.

[chris]

great thanks guys and gals i allways see people on here talking about this and now i know
what it is i have around 30 floating plants and 17 gold fish.
but i have clear water and no slicks or any kind and i do vac the pond every 4 weeks or so.

[cycle1667]

Good to know. I've had tis same geasy slick I've been trying to skim with old sheets.
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[Squidhead]

Good to know. I've had tis same geasy slick I've been trying to skim with old sheets.
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A skimmer would help with that. For a quick fix, take a bucket and tip it just below the surface to get the "oily" stuff in. Then dump the water and then top up when it's all gone. If you have a submersible as pump you could rig a skimmer intake to it and that will help also.

[Meganne]

Squid, a skimmer(as in the skimmer that takes water out of the pond at the surface) would help if the water that is skimmed is removed from the pond, but if it goes to the filtration and back to the pond DOCs remain in the water. the only way to remove is by water changes or by a protien skimmer (as in the skimmer that addes a bunch of air to froth the protiens out of the water and then that froth is skimmed out of the water)
DOCs are often seen at the base of the waterfall or in the stream as the splashing of the water foams up the dissolved organiecs. Mother Nature does it when the ocean waves make sea foam...she is cleaning the DOCs out of the ocean!

my lily pond had it bad this spring! looked like a washng machine was over flowing!

[koikeepr]

This is the foam fractioner birdman has shown in his filtration photos. It removes the DOC foam. Birdman, any chance you can post step by step photos on how to make one of these gizmos? Many of us are interested in putting one in our systems.

[DCinKS]

My skimmer helps a little. I use a bucket to scoop out the top of the skimmer. May not be actually DOC's if it is a slimy slick. I had some on my pond and I think it was algea. I've been going through the new pond whoas. First I had pea sou, then string algea, now pond it pretty clear.

[koikeepr]

It takes a good 6-8 weeks to start up a pond and have it cycle properly. During that time, the pond can go through many stages that can be frustrating. But once you get past that, you get that nice, happy clear and all you have to do is those weekly water changes of 20-25% to keep it that way. Clean out the filter every few weeks and you're good as gold. The more you do this little maintenance routine, the faster it goes. It takes me about 20 minutes per week.

[WeWilly]

Does that include refilling?:giggle:


It takes me about 20 minutes per week.

[koikeepr]

LOL! Oh no! Just the cleaning. The refilling can take a couple of hours, but all I do is stick the hose in and turn the egg timer on. No work on my part--just the hose's. LOL!

[Meganne]

not to be disagreeable....
but I believe it takes 6-8 weeks or so for the filters to mature. BUT it takes a good year, as in getting through the seasons, for a pond to get past new pond syndrome and all it's phases and become more stable and find it's rythm.

of course with me having a yearly clean out of the lily pond it never gets there! however the koi pond has found that 'look' to the water that says it has arrived!

You are 100% correct!

[koikeepr]

Oh, that's not disagreeing at all. Maturing and setting it on it's right path are two different things for sure. The bacteria just begins to hold on at the 6-8 week point where you start to see the clearing. But a mature filter is a whole other thing and can take a year or even more easy!

[WeWilly]

I'm putting my k1 media in my q-tank and treating it with PP to etch it and then I'll mature it with household ammonia.
About 5 sq ft

[Birdman]

This is the foam fractioner birdman has shown in his filtration photos. It removes the DOC foam. Birdman, any chance you can post step by step photos on how to make one of these gizmos? Many of us are interested in putting one in our systems.

Here's a picture of my foam extractor working. I'm in WA. visiting my mom for a few days. As soon as I get back home I'll go to work on that.

[koikeepr]

Thanks Steve. What I like about yours is that it is within the filtration system and not sitting visible on the pond edge where I see many folks put 'em. If I could put something like this hidden under my deck or next to the filter, I'd be thrilled.

Enjoy the time with your mom.