We live in Ohio and put in a 5000 gallon pond last fall and am finally getting the to the filtration. I plan to use two 55 gallon barrel sand and gravel filters on the pond for filtration (I used one on a previous pond about a 1000 gallons and it worked great). I was thinking about using two retrofit bottom drains on one line and a skimmer on another line all on an external pump (Helix 6800 gph). I plan to split the flow from the pump between the filters and the waterfall. Couple of questions:
1. Will two 55 gal barrel SG be enough? I am not crazy about pristine water....just enough to see the fish clearly.
2. Should I use 2" or 3" in retro BD?
3. Regarding the BD, is it okay if the pipe goes over the side of the pond then below water level to the external pump that will sit below water level? Not really sure I want to run the pipe through the liner if I don't have to.
4. Lastly, is there anything you guys would do differently like use two pumps, etc? I plan to add another skimmer at some point too. I've got a lot of leaves I'll be dealing with.
I've been a big fan of this forum and the insight you guys give. Would love your suggestions. I've attached a couple of pictures so you can see what I'm working with. Thanks.
Ryan