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vortex

bboop321
Koi Lover

Apr 23, 2007, 8:52 PM

Post #1 of 8 (2867 views)
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vortex	Can't Post

hi, what is a vortex and what is its primary purpose??

smithy
Koi Lover

Apr 24, 2007, 3:41 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2858 views)
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Re: [bboop321] vortex [In reply to]	Can't Post

A vortex is part of a koi ponds filtration system- it is usually cone shaped or spherical- It is used as the first chamber of filitration otherwise known as the settlement. Due to its shape water enters the top of the vortex and then swirls around in a spherical way due to the vortexs size. This allows bigger debris to sink to the bottom of the chamber due to gravity and the swirling motion. These debris can then be flushed out as vortexs have a outlet or bottom drain on the bottom of them.

here is a link with a picture of 3 on of various sizes

http://www.absolute-koi.com/filtration/images/vortex_filters.jpg

Hope this helps

bboop321
Koi Lover

Apr 24, 2007, 6:15 AM

Post #3 of 8 (2846 views)
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Re: [smithy] vortex [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi smithy, thanks for the reply. can it be a barrel, or do you have to have it smaller at the bottom. what i am trying to do is slow the water down befor it enters the mechanical filter with brushes,after that i will have bio filter with lavarock, then into pond . i have 3600 gph. it is gravity fed with pump in the pond. any suggestions, or is this all wrong? betty

koiguyoz
Member

Apr 24, 2007, 2:12 PM

Post #4 of 8 (2825 views)
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Re: [bboop321] vortex [In reply to]	Can't Post

bboop,

Have you considered using bioballs instead of lava rocks for biomedia?

I have found through experience that bioballs do offer a higher surface area than lava rocks, are lighter, easier to clean (although you should rarely do this), BUT take a longer time to mature with biological bacteria than lava rocks.

Regards,
Aquaman

bboop321
Koi Lover

Apr 24, 2007, 10:49 PM

Post #5 of 8 (2806 views)
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Re: [koiguyoz] vortex [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi yes i did think about bio balls, but lava rock was so available,i am probably going to regret it when it comes to cleaning time. it is also cheaper. do you think my filter set up is ok,and do you think the vortex will slow down the water going in to the brush filter, that is my concern, dont want to wash all that stuff into my bio filter, and at the same time i want to have a good flow in the bio filter, thanks for the reply, betty

smithy
Koi Lover

Apr 24, 2007, 11:42 PM

Post #6 of 8 (2802 views)
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Re: [bboop321] vortex [In reply to]	Can't Post

A vortex would slow it down as the further water is pumped the more friction occurs through pipe and water movement etc. What about using larger pipe to take the water to the mechanical filter? this would slow down the water as it wouldnt be under so much pressure in smaller pipe. What about a Uv light. These can only take water at a certain flow rate in order for the Uv lights to penetrate the algae efficiently. This would slow down the water a bit like a dam with the gates only open a little bit. This would enhance your filter system and allow the algae to be trapped by your mechanical filter.
The only other option which opeople tend to avoid is turning down the pump?
Alternatively raise the height of your filters, which means that your pump will have to cope with more head. However that will only work if your system is pump fed.
theres a few ideas
Andy

(This post was edited by smithy on Apr 24, 2007, 11:49 PM)

bboop321
Koi Lover

Apr 25, 2007, 10:58 PM

Post #7 of 8 (2774 views)
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Re: [smithy] vortex [In reply to]	Can't Post

thanks, i think i will go with the bigger pipe to the mech. filter,and then go back to smaller one to bio. uv light would be nice but i would have to have a strong one and it cost a lot and they tell me you have to replace the bulb every year, hoping to avoid it but may have to get one .my pond has no shade, dont have it up and running and already have algea. its only half full now cause we are working on it. thanks again ,can use all the help i can get betty

smithy
Koi Lover

Apr 26, 2007, 12:01 AM

Post #8 of 8 (2768 views)
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Re: [bboop321] vortex [In reply to]	Can't Post

no problem thats what this forum is for
I was thinking of other ways earlier and also came up with just placing some filter foam across the outlet- this would slow the water and stop the water from flushing the good bacteria of the lava rock.

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