Koiphen.com - Pond Construction and Filtration http://www.koiphen.com/forums/ Issues regarding, plans, and advice. en Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:48:55 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.koiphen.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png Koiphen.com - Pond Construction and Filtration http://www.koiphen.com/forums/ Plumbing for wooden pond. http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138484-Plumbing-for-wooden-pond.&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:07:31 GMT Hi all. I have built a temporary pond (8' x 8' x 3' deep) to hold some of my fish until I get my main pond done. It is constructed of 3/4" plywood with 2x4 bracing all around the outside spaced at 12" OC with an additional 2x6 on top of the top 2x4 brace. The liner is between these two pieces. My question is: I want to install some plumbing (In pond skimmer, retro BD, midwater feed to filter). Returns will be over the top. I'm not sure if I should use liner collars, bulkheads or even a shower drain for the midwater filter feed. I'm concerned about using collars because of supporting the pipe. If I use bulkheads (which I already have) should I sandwich only the liner between the two pieces of the bulkhead or should I sandwich the liner AND the plywood between the two pieces of the bulkhead? Just not sure how to do this. Any help will be appreciated, including other ideas. ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration Cherokee http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138484-Plumbing-for-wooden-pond. <![CDATA[my "official" pond build thread]]> http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138483-my-quot-official-quot-pond-build-thread&goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:17:55 GMT So, I started digging a few weeks ago, and here is where I'm at.

1200 gallons, 11 feet x 8 feet x 1.5-4 feet in depth.

I'm running a 3" rhino BD to either a DIY sieve or radial flow filter (have not settled on this yet), then to a moving bed with K1. All of this will need to fit in my 4 foot x 4 foot x 2 foot pit below water level. Unfortunately, I have no room for a S/G filter.

The return line from the BD will feed two TPR's. My skimmer- (probably Savio Compact) will feed a 15 long, 5 foot high waterfall. My pump will be in the filter pit. Probably a 2500 GPH external.

Here's where it gets a little weird. :scratch: In the pics below, you'll see three grates that rest half way down the depth of the pond. These are at about the 2 foot level. These are safety grates (i have children in the area), and are build to rest on a ridge I build in the blocks. I will leave an area in the back for the fish to escape predators and go below. I will also have a scarecrow set up to spray unwanted guests...

I plan to remove these grates in one to two years when kids get older and I can put up a fence. I will have one TPR blowing across the top of the grates, and another below for circulation.

I'm sure this set up will raise some eyebrows,:no: but it's sort of what I'm stuck with. I'm curious to hear if people think it will screw up circulation or fish happiness...

Sorry for the long winded explanation :D:
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]]> Pond Construction and Filtration beanbone http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138483-my-quot-official-quot-pond-build-thread turnover rate http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138465-turnover-rate&goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:10:43 GMT Is there a point where you can have too much turnover in your pond? The reason I ask is that I'm looking at a pretty small pond (4' x 8' x 6' deep to 6' x 10' x 8' deep), and want to get as much turnover as is reasonable, give the fish some current to swim in, but I don't want to create a bad environment by over doing it. ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration raviolihart http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138465-turnover-rate PVC Gasket? http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138459-PVC-Gasket&goto=newpost Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:16:23 GMT Hi,

I have a 3" diameter hole in my fiberglass skimmer which my flexible pvc goes through to my pump. Problem is when the water level goes higher then this hole the water pours through and floods the surrounding areas.

I was wondering what solutions you might have to this. I just want the pipe to go through the hole without allowing water to go through outside of the pipe. The pipe is 2" flexible pvc ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration BoomROASTED http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138459-PVC-Gasket New pond pics - SF Bay Area http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138434-New-pond-pics-SF-Bay-Area&goto=newpost Sat, 15 Jun 2013 22:15:48 GMT Just finished the pond up on Friday - its about 3,800 gallons with a small rock waterfall feature and an endless edge. Still some minor tweaking to do but we are happy with the outcome (we also had our yard professionally landscaped at the same time so time to go enjoy the sun and pond). Just finished the pond up on Friday - its about 3,800 gallons with a small rock waterfall feature and an endless edge. Still some minor tweaking to do but we are happy with the outcome (we also had our yard professionally landscaped at the same time so time to go enjoy the sun and pond).
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]]> Pond Construction and Filtration bvadel http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138434-New-pond-pics-SF-Bay-Area Quick tpr question http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138432-Quick-tpr-question&goto=newpost Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:46:08 GMT Hi

I'm installing plumbing today without 1.5 inch tprs in hand. How many inches of pipe should I leave after my PVC goes through the concrete block?

I'm also planning to split 1500 gph flow between 2 1.5 inch tprs. Is this ok?

Finally, I feel a little nuts installing these in my 1200 gallon pond, but I'm working off the assumption that more circulation the better.

As always, thanks so much for the help :rolleyes: ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration beanbone http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138432-Quick-tpr-question Laguna Pressure Flo UVC Filter http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138424-Laguna-Pressure-Flo-UVC-Filter&goto=newpost Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:35:15 GMT Hi everyone,

I'm currently using a TetraPond Clearchoice Biofilter PF-2 on 1400 gallon pond. My water has never been crystal clear in the 4 1/2 yrs of running this filter. I also have waterfall weir filter.

My neighbour is filling in his pond and has a two year old Laguna Pressure Flo UVC Filter (I believe 3200) for sale. $200 for the filter and pump.

Anyone have one or could comment on it? I have done some research on it but haven't found too many positive reviews.

Thanks ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration KoiOntario http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138424-Laguna-Pressure-Flo-UVC-Filter Concrete bottom iNSIDE the liner... be aware, very long post. http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138415-Concrete-bottom-iNSIDE-the-liner...-be-aware-very-long-post.&goto=newpost Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:28:11 GMT I am in the middle:D: of rebuilding an EPDM lined pond which was full of large rocks. Uggh, what a stinky mess. But now I know why there were so many rocks in it, aside from aesthetics:rolleyes:. 1) This pond has existed as built for ten years. 2) There is lots of hydrostatic pressure. ... I am in the middle:D: of rebuilding an EPDM lined pond which was full of large rocks. Uggh, what a stinky mess. But now I know why there were so many rocks in it, aside from aesthetics:rolleyes:.

1) This pond has existed as built for ten years.

2) There is lots of hydrostatic pressure.

3) There is underground water trickling under it, the flow is from an aquifer and does not vary much.

4) The water table seems to be about 14 inches above the pond bottom.

Because of the moving water under the liner, I am not willing to put a bottom drain in through the liner. There's no way to keep it from moving, (and possibly tearing the liner) with a reasonable degree of certainty.

I DON'T (for obvious reasons) want to put all that stone back in.

Possible solution:

First off, we will install hydrostatic pressure relief valves, so liner will not billow up unless pond is completely empty and valves are blocked.

Next we will put a smooth thick layer of concrete with a few large rocks (no room for a machine) set in as decoration over the liner, with additional protection for the rubber and set the bottom drain and pipe into that concrete.
I don't THINK the material under the liner will move too much. (3/4" drainage gravel).

Then bring the hidden pipe from the bottom drain up to a point where it can pass through a bulkhead, in an area that is more stable AND accessible. This way the gruesome details of the plumbing are hidden, and there is a true bottom drain. I know we could use a retrofit drain, but don't see an advantage. The point is to hide the plumbing completely and let the carpet algae grow!

The only risk I see is at the feathered edges of the concrete, but between the valves and some additional protection for the liner and I don't think it will be a problem.

Any thoughts about dyeing the concrete so that it is less obtrusive this season? (Not going to let it get coated in neon green.:uggg:)

Anything special I should know about the concrete or curing? ;) Doh...

If you made it this far, I thank you. If you have any suggestions or similar experiences, bless you.:D:
Eric ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration epse30 http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138415-Concrete-bottom-iNSIDE-the-liner...-be-aware-very-long-post. Plumbing and Winter http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138411-Plumbing-and-Winter&goto=newpost Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:59:30 GMT I am posting this agian because I posted in wrong section origianlly,

I'm in CT and we freeze come winter. I am installing a pressurized filter system with external pump. My skimmer and BD piping will run underground about 20" below ground and surface just before the pump. Pump and bead filter are outside.

So everyone tells me I need to shut down the skimmer, lower the water level below the skimmer and drain the skimmer line. Only use the BD and circulate the water through the filter and back out to the pond through Jets/TPR. It makes sense so this is what I will do. Agree?

Question: Check valves--If my pond is 4' deep and my piping is 20" below ground why would I need a check valve for either the skimmer or BD? Gravity will/should feed the pump--certainly for the BD but I would think also for the skimmer---right??? I ask this because if I can't get all the water out of the skimmer line a check valve would prevent water from expanding in the pipe potentially--right? Can't I skimp using check valves in my situation? If NO, then where should I install the BD and Skimmer check valves? Can I just burry the valves in the ground or should I make them accessible from above ground like in a service pit?

Question 2: How would you drain the skimmer line? With air? So I need to prep the pipe with a fitting that accommodates a compressor? If yes, should I install this on the pipe just as it comes out of the ground and connects into the pump?

Question 3: I plan to cover the pond with a solar cover. Should I do same for pump and filter?

Thanks in advance for helping me with your advice. ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration Patrickcrocetta http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138411-Plumbing-and-Winter plumbing plan? http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138373-plumbing-plan&goto=newpost Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:41:10 GMT Hi all,

See my plumbing plan attached. I plan to use all schedule 40 PVC, high quality ball valves, and sweeps instead of 90 degrees everywhere on this plan.

I'm curious to hear if you think this layout will work, or if I'm missing anything with valves, piping sizes, etc.

Thanks,
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]]> Pond Construction and Filtration beanbone http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138373-plumbing-plan Pond Plumbing Pipe Size? http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138364-Pond-Plumbing-Pipe-Size&goto=newpost Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:25:42 GMT I am designing my pond for a pressurized bead filter with pump. These are about 30' away from my 4,000 gallon, 4' deep KOI pond. I want to run a 3" diameter pipe (for my BD) and a 2" diameter pipe (for my skimmer) each running individually, side-by-side, about 20" underground and joining together via a 3-way valve (to control flow) just before the pump.

Questions: First, do you think 1/2 HP pump should do the trick--considering all outflow will use a 2" diameter pipe and run about 15' back to a head height totaling 6' (4' high waterfall plus about 20" depth of pipe coming up from underground also....I am installing 3 jets so the water will be split to the waterfall and to the jets? Second, I live in CT and in the winter, things freeze. Should I shut down my skimmer and drain the piping near the pump to avoid pipe freeze or keep everything running? Third, how do people continue to protect and use the air diffuser pump in the winter? Does it freeze as it is open to the elements??? Forth, should I continue to run the pump and bead filter throughout the winter or just shut it all down and drop a submersible pump/filter into the center of the pond? What about the waterfall in the winter--shut it down and just run water through my jet system?

Lots of questions, thanks for your help! ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration Patrickcrocetta http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138364-Pond-Plumbing-Pipe-Size what is a settlement chamber http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138357-what-is-a-settlement-chamber&goto=newpost Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:41:28 GMT ok well so I have heard alot them and I still dont know/get what they are should I add one? my pond roughly 1000 glaons and I am switching to an external pump how big would it need to be? ok well so I have heard alot them and I still dont know/get what they are should I add one? my pond roughly 1000 glaons and I am switching to an external pump how big would it need to be? ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration KoiKid55 http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138357-what-is-a-settlement-chamber physical filtration limits? http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138352-physical-filtration-limits&goto=newpost Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:32:26 GMT Is there a point where you can get too fine a mesh while trying to physically filter that will impede water flow? I see sieves with 300 and 200 micron screens, why not get finer? I understand that their purpose is to act as a pre-filter, but why not have multiple stages of filtration, where you... Is there a point where you can get too fine a mesh while trying to physically filter that will impede water flow? I see sieves with 300 and 200 micron screens, why not get finer? I understand that their purpose is to act as a pre-filter, but why not have multiple stages of filtration, where you could go down to 10 microns (or lower)? ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration raviolihart http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138352-physical-filtration-limits Time to finish the BD, to filter circuit. Recommendations welcome http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138346-Time-to-finish-the-BD-to-filter-circuit.-Recommendations-welcome&goto=newpost Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:41:38 GMT Been almost a year since I started this pond up. It's been running OK. Other than some green water issues, and some issues with getting the KH and GH stable soon after starting up and all the rains came in this spring.
I installed a 4" Koi Toilet Bottom drain when I installed the liner and ran the pipe over to where I wanted the filter pit. Originally I had planned on the first part of the filter being two gravity fed Cetus sieves. But as time as passed I don't like the idea of so much a pit. Water had a tendency to stand in this area after hard rains and I have looked into building the pit and figured it was going about the same to replace the filtration idea with the pit and go with a Zakki MC-50 sieve and Zakki shower system. By going this route I don't have to be as critical about the exact positioning of the sieve and can set up all the waste to go to a 3" main drain that will take all over flow water from both ponds , the back flush for the filter falls, and the waste from the sieve. Running a pit would not have allowed this as the drain line would have to be dug out right through the piping for the BD.
Pump room floor size now is going to be 12' x 8' with 5' x 3' being used for the pump and sieve footprint. Plan is to mount the Shower filter above the sieve and let the flow gravity feed back to the pond.
So here are some pics of the plumbing and pit area. This is all new to me and I'm just trying to avoid as many mistakes as possible. Again, any recommendations welcome.
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]]> Pond Construction and Filtration fishin4cars http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138346-Time-to-finish-the-BD-to-filter-circuit.-Recommendations-welcome Filtration upgrade http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138345-Filtration-upgrade&goto=newpost Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:39:58 GMT I’ve been lurking the past couple of weeks, trying to soak up knowledge on how to improve the functionality of a koi pond. I’ve come to the realization that the filtration for my setup severely lacking. It consists of an Atlantic PS400 Skimmer (6” weir) with 2 matala pads, 20.5”Atlantic Waterfall... I’ve been lurking the past couple of weeks, trying to soak up knowledge on how to improve the functionality of a koi pond. I’ve come to the realization that the filtration for my setup severely lacking. It consists of an Atlantic PS400 Skimmer (6” weir) with 2 matala pads, 20.5”Atlantic Waterfall filter with one matala pad and a bag of bioballs, and a Laguna MaxFlo 2400 pump.

Current pond dimensions are 16 x 6 x 2, with a small area near the waterfall at 3 ft. I think it is 1300 gallons or so. I plan on digging the whole thing out to 3 ft, maybe angling to 3.5 at the deep end. This would give me somewhere around 2200 gallons give or take.


Questions
• Can I do one BD on the “deep end’ and then install TPRs on the other end, directing flow towards one end?
• Can I do one 55 S/G filter? I’d like to keep it hidden as much as possible, probably putting it where the current filter falls is. This would be almost entirely above water level.
• Settling chamber – What size would I need here? It needs to fit in the current landscaping outline, but I can move plants around
• Pump – replace mine with an external. Size and type recommendations?
• Do I remove the skimmer completely or work it in somehow?

This sketch is what I am thinking: http://www.koiphen.com/forums/attach...6&d=1367634877

I need everything to be virtually hidden, as you can see the pond and landscaping from all four directions. Here is what I have to work with:

All help, criticism, and feedback as much appreciated! :yes: ]]> Pond Construction and Filtration jz0717 http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?138345-Filtration-upgrade