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HELP! Bad pond construction...

 





 


White_Tiger
New User

Aug 4, 2005, 2:32 PM

Post #1 of 14 (2792 views)
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HELP! Bad pond construction... Can't Post
I recently have become a Koi enthusiast. I have decided to build a pond and have been researching and planning for a month so I could do it right the first time. Recently at work I was talking about it and someone told me about all the problems they have had with their pond, and the koi that have died. There is no Koi club here and not much in the line of "professionals". I was invited to try and help with his pond to learn more and went to go see the pond. This may be a bigger project then I had anticipated. I have been reading posts here for a month, and thought I would ask for everyone's help.

The owner would like to reduce pond maintenance and keep his koi alive for a relatively low price, and have it look good. His current pond is 10,000 gal, fed by one 3,500 gph pump that draws from a skimmer (with UV lights) into a single 50 gallon drum up filter with ribbon, that feeds two 2 foot waterfalls that each have a 5 gallon ribbon tank. His brother use to live with him, and he cared for the pond on a daily basis and kept it alive. Since he has left conditions have deteriorated. I have purchased a test kit to determine water quality, but have not been back to test everything. Once I have, I will post the results.

Here are my questions to start:
Can a device be made that can act as a bottom drain after the pond has been constructed? (I just found a Tetra Vacuum bottom drain I think will work)
What problems will come from a pump in between the drain and the filter since I can't use a gravity fed filter?
Since he wishes to save money, I don't think I can build a cement filter box. How many 50 gallon drums should I use and what should they consist of?

I have been drawing up ideas for a week. When I get one I want to go with I will post it and look for some feedback. Thanks in advance for all responses. On a personal note, I have decided not to use the company that made his pond.


(This post was edited by White_Tiger on Aug 4, 2005, 2:48 PM)


lilhelper
Member


Aug 5, 2005, 2:46 AM

Post #2 of 14 (2749 views)
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Re: [White_Tiger] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
i really dont think 1 50 gallon drum is big enough for a 10,000 gallon pond. that is probably your biggest issue there, you need to add on more filter systems.
------------------------------------------------------------
1 ochiba shigure 13"-14"
1 aka bekko 8"-9"
2 Matsunosuke kohaku.
1 9"-10" Shusui
1 Matsunosuke Showa
1 Matsunosuke Sanke
1 10"-12" Yamabuki ogon


DONE WITH MY POND, look at it in members pond, under MY NEW POND.



fireworkblast66
Member


Aug 5, 2005, 7:47 AM

Post #3 of 14 (2745 views)
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Re: [lilhelper] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
i agree with eric and also i dont think a 3,500 gph pump will circulate the pond enough. may requirer a bigger pump. i bet jon (koi38) will help you he is a really nice and helpfull guy with lots of experience
Thanks Marshall
__________________________________________________
Upgrading to 3700+ Gallon Pond - 3325 GPH Pump
Homemade 140Gallon Filter


lilhelper
Member


Aug 5, 2005, 9:14 AM

Post #4 of 14 (2738 views)
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Re: [fireworkblast66] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
they need atleast a 5000 gph pump. all there equipment is way unsuffiecient than what they need, except for there UV sterilizers
------------------------------------------------------------
1 ochiba shigure 13"-14"
1 aka bekko 8"-9"
2 Matsunosuke kohaku.
1 9"-10" Shusui
1 Matsunosuke Showa
1 Matsunosuke Sanke
1 10"-12" Yamabuki ogon


DONE WITH MY POND, look at it in members pond, under MY NEW POND.



Koi38
Senior Member


Aug 5, 2005, 7:01 PM

Post #5 of 14 (2702 views)
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Re: [White_Tiger] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Tiger,

Your fisrt problem is very insuficient filter. A 50gal drum will not do the job. If you're on a tight budget you can add more 50gal drums say 4 more.
So you will have:
Barrel 1 - settlement chamber with jap matt vertically about half way
Barrel 2 - prefilter with brushes with jap matt just below the brush
Barrel 3 - second prefilter
Barrel 4 - biofilter with jap matts or bioballs
Barrel 5 - second biofilter
Connecting each other like zigzag, IMHO. From bottom to top. Don't forget that you will need drain for each barrels.

The reason for barrel 1 & 2 is you're are pumping water and by doing so you're mincing the solid waste to small particles. Tetra vacuum bottom drain will work by pumping the water to your barrels. You must use 4inch pipe for smooth flow. Using small pipes will give probs later on. If you want to add UV, you'll need a 50watts. Good luck. If have anymore dramas let us knowWink
This is my DIY drum filter, just to give you an ideaWink http://www.koi.com.my/cgi-bin/koiforum/gforum.cgi?post=61309;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread


rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/


White_Tiger
New User

Aug 15, 2005, 2:11 PM

Post #6 of 14 (2552 views)
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Re: [Koi38] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
Okay,

I have found a place here in town that sells the drums. some of the hardware is not available locally, and I will have to order it but I am getting all the plans together. I will post my final plan for approval before I start purchasing things. I also hope to get the chance to recalculate the pond volume. After working on a design for my own pond, I question the pond volume I was quoted. I have a couple of questions.

1. What density jap mat do I use in each?
2. for Barrel 5, could I use a trickle filter concept? Due to cost constraints I will not be using bioballs, but lava rock is very available here.

Thanks for all the inputs. I have 2 more weeks to put it all together since both the pond owner and I travel a lot for business.


Koi38
Senior Member


Aug 15, 2005, 6:09 PM

Post #7 of 14 (2538 views)
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Re: [White_Tiger] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
1. What density jap mat do I use in each?
2. for Barrel 5, could I use a trickle filter concept? Due to cost constraints I will not be using bioballs, but lava rock is very available here.

Thanks for all the inputs. I have 2 more weeks to put it all together since both the pond owner and I travel a lot for business.
Hi WT,

1. You can use the green jap or the blue jap matt. The difference from my experience is the blue matt is thicker than the green but works the same. The more density the betterWink
2. You can use it as TT, why not. But it has to be higher than your pond water level so the water output at the bottom will flow back to your pond and Lava rock is a good choice, IMHOSmile Good luck and keep us postedCool

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/


White_Tiger
New User

Aug 19, 2005, 2:39 AM

Post #8 of 14 (2469 views)
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Re: [Koi38] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
"But it has to be higher than your pond water level so the water output at the bottom will flow back to your pond"

There is a problem with this and one of the design parameters... The owner has a great view off his back porch and does not want anything obstructing the view. I have 2 plans for this, it will be the owners option. The first is as you suggest placing it above the waterline so it flows into the pond. The second is to have the trickle filter drain into a tub, and attach a pump to a rheostat float switch controlling the output pump to the pond. I like the first idea because I have a plan to make the trickle filter appear as an old fashion water tower... which I really think adds to the pond, but it will be his decision. Thanks again for all your help.

Justin


Koi38
Senior Member


Aug 19, 2005, 2:46 AM

Post #9 of 14 (2464 views)
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Re: [White_Tiger] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Justin,

Glad to helpWink Can you take some pix once its completedSmile Just a thought, you still can have TT on barrel 5. All you need is a pump at the bottom of the barrel pumping the water back to the pondCool

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

(This post was edited by Koi38 on Aug 19, 2005, 2:49 AM)


koifishgirl
Koi Kichi


Aug 19, 2005, 1:11 PM

Post #10 of 14 (2430 views)
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Re: [Koi38] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Jon, you remind me of the Jeffersons, MOVING ON UP TO THE TOPSly I wonder if you know that TV showCrazy
Judy


Koi38
Senior Member


Aug 19, 2005, 6:55 PM

Post #11 of 14 (2413 views)
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Re: [koifishgirl] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Judy,

You remind of the "Ghost" (Demmi Moore) you just pop here and thereLaughLaughLaugh

Who would want to miss the "Jeffersons"Angelic

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

(This post was edited by Koi38 on Aug 19, 2005, 9:44 PM)


larz1
Koi Kichi


Aug 19, 2005, 9:38 PM

Post #12 of 14 (2404 views)
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Re: [koifishgirl] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
Demmi Moore??? I think he's flirting with youBlush. I wonder if he saw a picture of you covered with clay after slipping into your pondSly. Might've reminded him of the pottery sceneCrazy.


koifishgirl
Koi Kichi


Aug 20, 2005, 12:46 PM

Post #13 of 14 (2365 views)
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Re: [larz1] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
Flatery will get you no where hunny, Demmi Moore, heck the boat just sank and not one person tried to save me, shucks I floatedSly
Judy


Koi38
Senior Member


Aug 20, 2005, 8:05 PM

Post #14 of 14 (2353 views)
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Re: [koifishgirl] HELP! Bad pond construction... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Flatery will get you no where hunny, Demmi Moore, heck the boat just sank and not one person tried to save me, shucks I floatedSly
Hey Judy,

I think you were the only one on the boatLaughLaughLaugh Lucky you floatedAngelic

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

 
 
 



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