FishStix,
Welcome to Koiphen! You will have everyone's attention with this build.
Going to stay tuned for this one.
Ahhuhz, your pond and garden has filled in wonderfully,BTW.
Yup!
Chuck
I recommend getting in touch with Zac Penn for some insight into a system for your particular layout. The thread below shows components of a system he designed that works quite well- even though the implementation is not the same as the original pond owner's plan. Adding some better skimmers in conjunction with the RDF/moving bed/Zakki (and possibly a UV) would make for one very enjoyable pond.
https://www.koiphen.com/forums/showth...New-Filtration
Jim
Regarless of which filter system you are using you still need something to hide them. I don't like looking at any equipment either but easy access and easy cleaning should be considered.
Last edited by vipertom1970; 07-02-2012 at 10:26 PM.
Your project sounds very interesting, I'll throw my hat in the ring as well.
A couple of my projects......
https://www.koiphen.com/forums/showth......&highlight=
https://www.koiphen.com/forums/showth...ild&highlight=
https://www.koiphen.com/forums/showth...ild&highlight=
Thanks for all the information guys. Much appreciated. I spoke to a couple of my engineers and they think a 20k gallon pond would work well. Part of it is on a hill so I can put a waterfall that will look natural outside the grotto. I will have my assistant take some pictures tomorrow to post up soon. We are also considering a 2nd pond at the top of the hill so the waterfall is actually real. Will let you all know.
Whatever you choose the end result should be minimal maintenance
The will of God will not take you where the grace of God cannot keep you. .....
"I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." -Winston Churchill Zone 7a
I believe it can happen... Koi World Peace
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - Margaret Thatcher
KPOTY 2024
Just make sure with the hill that they plan to eliminate any run off to avoid fertalizers and such getting into the pond.
One thing to consider is that you don't have to run a waterfall 24/7. If you are talking about just for looks, consider having it on a separate pump or even a 2-stage pump. Only turn it on when you want it on. The biggest advantage I see with this is that your rocks will stay clean of algae/dirt/etc. Make sure it is designed to run dry when the pump is off (no standing water).
MN Mike
5400g 10'x14'x 5
Dry Stacked Block Walls - Drop-in Liner
4" BD - Cetus Seive - DIY Skimmer
125g MB w/8ft2 Biollow9
Converted Trition II Sand Filter
My Pond Construction
My QT Tank
My Indoor Overwintering Tank
Calculating K1 Bio Media
Sorry about the hold-up guys. I haven't had a chance to talk with my assistant as I had an emergency and had to hop on my jet out to Saint Tropez. It's been non stop traveling but I am back now and will keep you updated with photos in a day or so. Thanks again.
Hey, Just an update. I have decided to go with three RFD's from Aquatic Eco-Systems. My engineer and his team were able to work out a very involved layout, which I am just waiting on the blueprints.
Does your engineer know anything about building a Koi pond?
Chuck
That is a VERY good question. Your engineers could be bio-chemists that design water treatment facilities but that doesn't mean they are qualified to build a koi pond. Trust I have seen it first hand with under qualified professionals thinking they know what they are doing. My favorite line from one of these people is... "I have a koi pond, so I think I can design one!" hahahahahaha I own a truck but I sure as hell cant design one and have it work right!
You obviously seem to have enough money to make anything happen, but that also means your design team will only see $$$$ in their eyes when designing. You should really slow down, contact some of us KOI POND professionals and have us take a look at what your engineers have come up with. You also need to work with reputable dealers for this project so you do not end up getting burned. A certain someone, that started this forum, comes to mind as a person with the financial means for his spectacular pond that got SERIOUSLY burned by his installer.
Another thing I want to talk about is sustainability. You are blessed with having the means for an extravagant pond, but that doesn't mean you need to have a pond that requires an expensive electric bill. That is one reason I started working with airlifts. I could design a system for you that would move 20,000 gph and only cost you $300-$400 a year in electric costs.
I really look forward to seeing your property and this pond take shape. I just wanted to slow you down before the buggy got in front of the horse
Zac
P.S. There is an executive airport 15 minutes from my house so I wouldn't be opposed to taking a little airplane ride J/K ... No seriously
Zac Penn.... Please sign-up for our MAILING LIST HERE904-294-2231
Zac@DeepwaterKoi.com
www.DeepwaterKoi.com
I think on this one I have to agee with Zac. Take it slow and do it right the first time. You will be much more happier in the end.
If you do an uphill second pond to a waterfall you need to make sure if the power is off that the runoff from the upper pond does not overflow your main pond. I would be guessing that you will have a generator that will automatically kick on in case of a power loss. Have you already got a smaller koi pond? There are many people on here, myself included, who were sure they could handle educating their professional(not koi pond professional, tho) about how to build a good koi pond and ended up with a mess that had to be redone. PLEASE, especially if you don't hire one of the professionals from here, post all your plans and design specifications here. And do it before the first shovel of dirt. The folks here will look at your plans and help prevent any major mistakes that will require a big redo. You have been lurking here for a while so I am sure you have seen many of us make mistakes. Everybody here is really looking forward to seeing your project and want you not to have regrets when it is done. Make sure you include plans for a quarantine tank with filtration! Waiting
Your post talking about your engineers raise a lot of flags with our pond community. You ask for help, but then turn it over to outsiders we know nothing about. If you really want our help, please post your design for us to evaluate before you start digging. Many people have been burned by so called professionals who really knew nothing about koi ponds.
too bad it is not April?
Chuck
I thought trolls were long gone!?
steve
Tell me it ain't so!!!!!!!