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mat
Koi Lover

Jun 5, 2006, 4:52 AM

Post #1 of 35 (3216 views)
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filter design	Can't Post

Hi everyone as you can tell this is my first post so first a bit about me, my name is mat I live in Birmingham England and im in the proces of designing and building my first koi pond.
I have read all your post in the DIY section and just love all the things that you can do, so with that in mind I would like some help in converting a 45 litre plastic box into a filter.
I hope you have the photo I have downloaded of the said box
Any ideas please let me know ie filter medium, pipe work and the such like.
Thanks in advance and keep up the good work.

Attachments:

tuff crate.JPG (81.8 KB)

smithy
Koi Lover

Jun 5, 2006, 5:49 AM

Post #2 of 35 (3207 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

you could use the same pipework as seen in koi38's simple drum filter. Have a drain attached onto a valve so it can be flushed under the box. Then on one side low down have the inlet then at the other side at the top have the outlet.

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 5, 2006, 7:54 AM

Post #3 of 35 (3203 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Mat and welcome to forum,

This tuff box you were talking about is a bit small. Would this be you only filter? If so how big is the planned pond?

rgds,
Jon

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

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

koiguyoz
Member

Jun 5, 2006, 3:38 PM

Post #4 of 35 (3173 views)
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Re: [Koi38] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

It's very possible that your container's wall will also flex when you add water into it, especially without bracing.

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 6, 2006, 5:04 AM

Post #5 of 35 (3151 views)
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Re: [koiguyoz] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi all the filter im thinking of making is for my small fish pond i have at the moment not the koi pond im designing.
i just thought that a small filter box would be just the progect to get me on my way, plus its also a way of brushing up on my DIY skills (and i need them Smile

) ready for my koi pond. thanks for your input and iv posted a photo of my small pond and as soon as i get the new design sorted out ill post a diagram or photo of that as well. thanks once again

Attachments:

pond.JPG (77.5 KB)

smithy
Koi Lover

Jun 6, 2006, 6:14 AM

Post #6 of 35 (3147 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

That water barrel in the background would be better. It looks almost the same as the one iv just made. This would give a greater surface area for filtration. My barrel also had the ridges- when attaching the pipework you jsut need to fill the gaps where the ridges are with silicone

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 6, 2006, 8:13 AM

Post #7 of 35 (3142 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mat,

This is a simple filter design for you tuff box. But like koiguyoz said you may need to tuffen Laugh

the sides

rgds,
Jon

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

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

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 7, 2006, 5:16 AM

Post #8 of 35 (3105 views)
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Re: [Koi38] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi guys tanks for your thoughts on the tuff crate.
Your suggestions are noticed and ill let you know how i get on.
Can I ask you a couple of questions on my pond design im thinking of if you dont mind Blush

.
1- I am thinking of a polygon design (50p shape) do you think that�s a good shape to start with.
2- I would like a viewing window, are there any problems associated with windows in ponds.
3- Last but not least I want it to be 2 foot under ground and 3 above, just you thoughts please as this will help me with my final plan
thanks for all your help Smile

mat

smithy
Koi Lover

Jun 7, 2006, 5:23 AM

Post #9 of 35 (3103 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

A polygon shape would be fine aslong as you dont have any dead spots in your pond like where there is no filtration etc. Maybe make the shape of the pond like a 50p piece but make the inside of the pond more rounded so there is less resitance from the sides.
Also you said 3 above and 2 below- i would suggest evening it out and go with 3 below and 3 above. The bigger the better as bigger volumes of water are more stable. If you want to keep good large koi i would suggest making it at least 3 feet below and 3 above

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 7, 2006, 5:37 AM

Post #10 of 35 (3102 views)
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Re: [smithy] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi smithy thanks for that, you are right 3 above and 3 below would be best, (looks like ill need a mini digger after all Crazy

)
what do you think of a viewing window are they more trouble than they are worth?
mat

zoul
Member

Jun 7, 2006, 7:47 AM

Post #11 of 35 (3096 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Dear mat

Veiwing windows are a great attraction. Try doing it with a car window screen or at least the clear plastick unbreakable stuff Perspecs or summit.

If this is going to be your first pond or indeed your last pond, Make sure you do it right. Plan plan plan as Failure to prepare is preparing to fail...

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 7, 2006, 7:47 AM

Post #12 of 35 (3096 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Mat,

1- I am thinking of a polygon design (50p shape) do you think that�s a good shape to start with.
Well if its big(large surface area) why not Wink

2- I would like a viewing window, are there any problems associated with windows in ponds.
I have windows in my pond(see avatar or pond build). Not sure what you mean probs with windows in ponds Crazy

3- Last but not least I want it to be 2 foot under ground and 3 above, just you thoughts please as this will help me with my final plan
Like smithy said, 3ft below and 3ft above is better, IMHO Smile

rgds,
Jon

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

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

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 8, 2006, 4:15 AM

Post #13 of 35 (3041 views)
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Re: [Koi38] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi jon thanks for the reply.
what I meant with problems with windows was cracking with water pressure, cleaning the glass and getting them to seal when you install them.
I don�t know a lot about building with blocks so building a 50p shape pond mite be a bit advanced for me to try because I want to build it myself, not just for cheapness but also just to say iv done it myself if you know what I mean.
thanks again
mat

smithy
Koi Lover

Jun 8, 2006, 4:22 AM

Post #14 of 35 (3038 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

I dont think it would be that hard to do. You can check out this website to see some ideas
www.koicymru.co.uk
That website shows how to do the concrete bases and the blockwork.
Im not sure if your using a liner of concrete yet so let me no then i can advise a bit further.

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 8, 2006, 8:24 AM

Post #15 of 35 (3033 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

what I meant with problems with windows was cracking with water pressure, cleaning the glass and getting them to seal when you install them.
I don�t know a lot about building with blocks so building a 50p shape pond mite be a bit advanced for me to try because I want to build it myself, not just for cheapness but also just to say iv done it myself if you know what I mean.
thanks again
mat

Hi Mat,

The tricky part when installing or adding glass is preparation of the frame. Mine is frameless others use frames but I don't like the idea of the glass or frame sticking out inside the pond, that's just me Wink

Anyway, you can use thick glass either laminated or toughen glass, mine is almost 1" thick. Don't use plastic or perspex coz they will scratch eventually when you clean the window. I use car window scrubber thingy(the foam side) to clean my windows Cool

Obviously you're very keen to learn Cool

Using blocks is easy again preparation of the foundation is the key. It will cost you a little bit coz you'll need lots of concrete, blocks(of course) steel bars, some tools/power tools and lots of elbow grease Tongue

If you really want to go this path let us know how we can help Smile

rgds,
Jon

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

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

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 9, 2006, 6:40 AM

Post #16 of 35 (2993 views)
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Re: [smithy] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi smithy thanks for that web site its very informative and ill be useing blocks and fiberglassing.
thanks
mat

smithy
Koi Lover

Jun 9, 2006, 6:44 AM

Post #17 of 35 (2992 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

If your budget allows you try and make a gravity fed filtration system which is fed from a bottom drain. Read up about them on that website. Get a few quotes for fibreglassing as they vary. Also work out how much it would cost to use G4 sealant- i dont no if it would be any cheaper for you.
Get back to us and post when you have any other questions. Also we would like to see the finished result when its built

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 9, 2006, 6:47 AM

Post #18 of 35 (2992 views)
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Re: [Koi38] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Jon iv just had a look at your home page and I must say I love your pond it looks fantastic Smile

.
I would love to incorporate a window and iv been looking around at all the koi websites so iv got a god idea of what I want to achieve now and thanks again for all your help it is much appreciated Wink

.
Mat

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 10, 2006, 5:07 AM

Post #19 of 35 (2934 views)
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Re: [smithy] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi smithy you said you made a filter out of an old water barrel like the one in my photo, do you have a pic of that fillter,
i don't want to copy you Wink

but it sounds a good idea and it would do my pond the world of good at the same time
thanks mate Cool

mat

smithy
Koi Lover

Jun 10, 2006, 5:43 AM

Post #20 of 35 (2932 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

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

That will tell you all you need to know as to how to build one. i used that cheers koi38 lol Wink

to make my own version. Here is a pic of my version

http://img304.imageshack.us/img304/8140/picture0049ws.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/6066/picture0064xy.jpg

Hope this helps Wink

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 10, 2006, 6:31 AM

Post #21 of 35 (2928 views)
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Re: [smithy] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi smithy i see you have air going to the filter?, and what filter media did you use in it.
thanks for the photos it looks good.
(looks like il be very busy this weedend Smile

)
thanks
mat

smithy
Koi Lover

Jun 10, 2006, 6:41 AM

Post #22 of 35 (2926 views)
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Re: [mat] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

I put 2 dics of jap matting on top of the inflow pipe. Then i put a bag of flocor ontop of this. If youve got the money fill it with K1. Yea theres air going to it and the airstones are ontop of the jap matting and bubble up through the flocor. That air pump will be getting replaced soon as its only a small output.
check out what koi38 did you could also roll up lots of jap matting.
see what is avaiable to you or if you have any ideas on what media you want to use- ask us and im sure we can all advise as to what works best for your budget
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5145/picture0054bp.jpg

That is a picture of the media. The only thing i regret is having the two discs of matting means it is hard to clean. It stops most of the larger particles rising up to the flocor so most settles below the jap matting and allows it to be drained. But its hard to clean as its unaccesible unless you empty the flocor out.

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 10, 2006, 9:28 AM

Post #23 of 35 (2916 views)
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Re: [smithy] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

That is a picture of the media. The only thing i regret is having the two discs of matting means it is hard to clean. It stops most of the larger particles rising up to the flocor so most settles below the jap matting and allows it to be drained. But its hard to clean as its unaccesible unless you empty the flocor out.

Smithy/ Mat,

You should only clean the matts once a month if you flush it regularly. The accumulated waste are depends on your feeding and stocking level. More fish more waste. Pouring buckets of pond water from the top should the dislodge the solid waste that attaches on the underside of the matt. Smile

rgds,
Jon

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

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

smithy
Koi Lover

Jun 10, 2006, 4:38 PM

Post #24 of 35 (2899 views)
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Re: [Koi38] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

yea mate. IV tried that and it works cheers.

mat
Koi Lover

Jun 11, 2006, 7:31 AM

Post #25 of 35 (2886 views)
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Re: [smithy] filter design [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi smithy/koi38
I woke up this morning on another hot sunny day all ready for the England game with a cold beer in the fridge when I walked into the garden and there was silence, now normally that would be nice but as I looked over towards my pond I realized the pump had stopped, as I got closer I could still here the pump spinning but no water so long story short I striped the pump and found the propeller had snapped, so off we all went to B&Q diy store get some supper glue, anyway I glued it all back together and all is ok now, even England won so not a bad day after all
iv tried to post some photos but they are to large so ill try again later.
mat

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