Picking filter equipment for my pond, questions about filter pit dimensions
Hello,
Getting ready to frame up my footers for pond and I have questions about size of filter pits.
My pond is going to be 4' in the ground and 3 or 3.5' above ground, so I'm not going to need a very deep pit to keep to keep my gravity fed options open.
I'm looking at doing two different systems with two different filter areas. The pond sits near my house where I enjoy it from my sun room windows and also the side of my deck. I had originally planned on 3' from the house to the side of the pond which could easily house some filter equipment and be covered by some decking. The second area is off to the side of the pond on the far side from the deck away from the house.
I haven't bought any filter equipment yet, though I have found a very, very good deal on a new Nexus 220+, so I was going to buy that soon. It is about 47" wide, so my question is I have this in some sort of enclosure to hide it from sight how wide does the enclosure need to be to get around and work on it if need be? Is allowing 1' on each side really cutting myself short and making life difficult? If the unit is 50" long, and it sits in line with a Cetus Sieve a pump, and a return pump and UV how much space length wise should I allow for easy plumbing and access?
I have a 3rd possible filter location around the corner that is 25' away and elevated about 3'. It might be better to run the sieve right next to the pond in the 3' area between the house and pond and then pump it up to the 3rd possible location where space is no consideration?
My other system I'm planning is compact sieve to a DIY barrel system, ether birdman S&G or a 3 barrel K1 static/moving bed system. I would like to add a bakki shower off the skimmer, though that might be later upgrade when money allows.
I'm really intrigued by the Nijikawa drum/bakki como https://playitkoi.com/products/nijikawa-niji-no-taki but I have a general aversion to drum filters only because they are so mechanical and have so many moving parts that when it does break or have issues I would worry I wouldn't be able to fix it easily, whereas the more simplistic systems are more "Johnny koi pond owner" friendly? Am I being small-minded about this? Should I just bite the bullet and if my budget allows go for it?
If i have two separate systems do I need UV on both systems or will one of the systems doing only 60 or 70% of the water handle the job?
What brand pumps do people really like? Variable flow and reliability are my two biggest considerations.
Thanks for any input, looking forward to posting pictures and chronicling my build this summer.
I've had my RDF for years already filtering my temp pond. It has a combi bio chamber so its much longer than an RDF needs to be. I looked around at several RDF brands though and came to the conclusion I would be safe with a chamber that was 4.25' wide, 8' long and 37" deep below the water line. I made the chamber longer than it needed to be, just in case I ever switch brands, I should have enough room to adjust pipe connections.
I love drums, do they break, yes, but in my humble opinion, as long as you have a way to bypass the drum while you wait for parts, I think it's ok. The pond might get a little dirty but as long as the bio can do it's job. I've also had pretty good luck getting, say, a new board shipped overnight in the one emergency I've had over 10+ years now running them. What I wouldn't like is if my drum system weren't gravity-fed, though. I like that even if something goes wrong that all or at least some of my bio is still flooded.
That system is interesting. my gut reaction is I don't like the idea of pump-fed mechanical filtration, but honestly, the screens are so tight these days that I'm not sure how much it matters if the pump chops up some stuff on the the way to the filter.
Filtration is a tricky subject dependent on each fish keepers priorities, experience levels, budgets and expectations. You won't get concensus, only a variety of different opinions and experiences. Hopefully these help steer you towards an educated decision.
I second going as big a filter pit as possible for future proofing. Have you considered internal filter walls inside the pond? Less plumbing, easier flow control, no need for flood control, only one hole to dig etc. The filter area can still be covered over by decking. They make drop into sump - drum units which are often simpler and cheaper.
Looking at the filter you linked, CONS: I dislike showers because they need a large water flow and are quite noisy. Lose heat in winter. That media will be difficult to clean? Any screen blockage will reduce the flow rate to shower? All in one compact units can be a problem for everything if any one component fails -> may need total replacement of everything? I wouldn't use pump fed to mechanical filtration unless is a closed pressurised filter. The clean cycle is timer only (not self aware). The electrical pumps are very close to sprayed water, only covered. Will the steel heat up significantly in sun?
PROs: I like the stainless steel (is it 316 grade?). I like the chain drive and metal cogs. The shower will oxygenate and cool during very hot summers.
I have a Burton Drum Filter from UK so not much help to you. Many stainless drums are similar in concept so apart from sturdy build, I looked at the electronics aspect (ease of use, functionality) and companies after sales support and parts availability - speed. Burton's will still be in business 20 years from now.
I’d go a bit wider than 1 foot on each side of your equipment, having at least 18" gives you more flexibility for maintenance. As for the drum filter, if you're not into the mechanical parts, that’s totally fair, but they’re reliable if you keep an eye on them. If budget allows, though, the Nijikawa could be worth it for the convenience. For UV, if you’re running two separate systems, you’ll likely need a UV on both for better clarity, but it depends on your specific water load. For pumps, I’d recommend checking out brands like Sequence or Laguna for reliable variable flow models.
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