Loop 1
skimmer/Mid water pick up>Leaf basket (big one)>small pump>(provision for backup BIO)>solar heater (bypass)>split foam fractioner/Algae scrubber (Please read BIO filter)>small pond 3 TPR (circular flow)>Fountain to big pond
Loop 2
2 x 4” BD> 500g SC Vortex>5000 gph big pump>fines filter vortex?>big pond 4 TPR (stream flow)
Loop 3
Small pond BD to big pond. This get flushed say weekly as required.
I know I've said it before, but why would you want to flow the BD on the upper pond into the lower one? And
how does it flow into the lower one? If not done correctly, it'll just empty the upper pond into the lower one and overflow it.
Questions. Statements.
1) I can see the need to run the pump on the BIO circuit continuas as the critters need to breath and eat so loop 1 24*7 no problem. On the mechanical filter loop can some one please explane why it needs to run 24*7. Why can't I just circulate the pond volume say 2 times a day?
If using a stream design, if you shut that system off, you've essentially "killed" your stream... and you're only skimming the water off the
top of the pond, through your bio circuit, and back... I'd think you'd be in danger of killing your fish with only this little bit of flow. I know it's expensive to
run the pumps, but if you want your fish alive and don't want the pond to become a disaster, I wouldn't plan on a turnover rate of once every 12 hours.
I know it's kind of blunt... but it's just my opinion.
2) I will provide back up space for BIO in a more traditional way. What I do not like about the traditional way is it does not treat Phosphate. That is why every body advocate relative large water changes and a small amount also suggest plantings (This will help but plants chosen grow slow and thus have a small inpact).
For these reasons I chose to go with the Algae Scrubber (treat Ammonia and derivatives and phosphate). There is lots of testimonials although negative ones about string algae blooms if the nutrients are there even in small amounts. The scrubber just grow the algae in a controled way out of sight.
Like I said before, I don't know anything about the algae scrubber, and I've never seen anyone use it over here... so I can't comment one way or
the other... I hope it works just like it's advertised! :clap:
3) Brushes I see them they sound good. But I do not see them on lots of setups. Help here please.!?
Many, many people swear by them... again, I don't have any so, I can't really say.
4) What is kaldnes?
A maker of K1
Attachment 396573
5) Do I need a air pump can I not return water through the middle of my BD in an upward direction?
You can definitely return water through the top of the BD... but the more air added to the water, the better. You need an air pump. Use water
over the BD if you'd like, but add air to the water too. In South Africa, I don't think this is an item you'd want to be with out. It's well documented
that your fish will benefit with added air.
Please help me understand the consepts or why my ideas are bad ones.
Thanks.