Koi Forum (Nishikigoi - Japanese Koi Fish): KOI Talk: Pond Construction & Water Filtering System: 2 in 1 water fall & TT

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2 in 1 water fall & TT

vince68
Koi Lover

May 23, 2008, 9:43 PM

Post #1 of 23 (1442 views)
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2 in 1 water fall & TT	Can't Post

just to share and seek feedback on my pond. Its smallish about 2000 g and i got a 10 feed water fall as per picture. After more than 6 mths with minimal maintenance, ie draining out settlements only on a monthly basis, my water parameters have been good with NO2, NO3 and Ammonia at zero. Not sure the said water fall cum TT did the work.

Your comments appreciated.

vince68
Koi Lover

May 23, 2008, 9:57 PM

Post #2 of 23 (1436 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

Closer look at the TT, it seems that there is a layer of algae sticking to it, perhaps good bacteria?

chriswu3311
Koi Lover

May 24, 2008, 1:38 PM

Post #3 of 23 (1406 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi vince

Mind to share yr filter system, media, size and water pump?
Thanks....

vince68
Koi Lover

May 24, 2008, 10:28 PM

Post #4 of 23 (1393 views)
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Re: [chriswu3311] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

sure. i have a 3 filter chamber, the traditional up down filter. First being the settlement chamber with brushes. Second, about 6 inches above ground, are coral stones (packed in bags), and above it are jap mats. Last chamber is for pumps and UV light. Sorry but i cant recall the size of pump. I have 2 pumps, first for the waterfall (with valve and its only half way coz pump is powerfull), the other is to circulate the water in the pond.

I have a drain at the main pond and also surface skimmer which will be drained into the first chamber. got 1 hiblow 80, for filter chambers and main pond.

My filter is about 25% of the size of the pond.

Hope the above gives some insight. Pls note that am no expert when i first started building the pond hence just read through this and other site and got the contractor to build it.

chriswu3311
Koi Lover

May 25, 2008, 12:59 PM

Post #5 of 23 (1374 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Vince,

Thanks for yr input of the filter system.
I m also new into koi so i just want to know different ppl using different way for their pond.
Then u r lucky tat u dont hav algae problem from start..... Smile

Me.... Algae problem bother me more than 1 year from started until now.... Frown

Anyway keep update to us and good luck... Wink

vince68
Koi Lover

May 26, 2008, 10:03 AM

Post #6 of 23 (1361 views)
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Re: [chriswu3311] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

do u have UV light? if not, that will be the solution for algae problem but make sure its placed at th right chamber so that u dont kill your good bacteria. If u had, maybe the UV wattage is not sufficient for the size of your pond. Just some thoughts coz algae is the easiest lot to solve compared to fish diseases and NO2/ NO3.

chriswu3311
Koi Lover

May 26, 2008, 3:52 PM

Post #7 of 23 (1345 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes, i hav a 9w uv light for my 8ton pond. I think tat is too small but work well now.
Currently i dont use uv light for my pond bcos i know uv light will kill all the bad and good bacteria.
Except green water problem.... Frown

vince68
Koi Lover

May 26, 2008, 5:31 PM

Post #8 of 23 (1340 views)
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Re: [chriswu3311] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

am quite sure that your UV is too low for the size of your pond. Honestly, thus far, UV has not done any harm to my pond as water is crystal clear from day one (finger cross). As long as u dont place your UV in your bio filter, it will be fine and make sure its in your last chamber before the water goes into your pond.

if u have that chamber, suggest u try using a higher wattage UV. I'm quite certain that your green water problem wil be resolved in 2 weeks. Not sure what wattage but suggest at least 45 w as min.
the other thing is make sure u have good O2 readings in your pond, get more aeration in both your bio filter and pond....not sure if it will help green water but it will definitely make your koi livelier including your good bacteria...
good luck

chriswu3311
Koi Lover

May 27, 2008, 12:04 PM

Post #9 of 23 (1295 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ya, 9w uv is too low for my pond.
I think I will try to run 1 more week with the uv light,
if my pond still not turn back to clear then i will get another higher wattage uv.
Pls read my thread post if u hav free, then u will know wat happen on my pond.
Thanks.....

http://www.koi.com.my/cgi-bin/koiforum/gforum.cgi?post=105511;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread

Epal63
Koi Lover

Jun 16, 2008, 1:33 PM

Post #10 of 23 (1034 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Hi Vince,

Could you let me more about your 2nd chamber which you mentioned 6'' above the ground? Are you able to provide a sketch of how it looks like?

You mentioned that you have dedicated 1 pump of the waterfall with valve controlled which is set only half way. Aren't you worried the pump choke? Crazy

I have the same setup as your pond (ie for both the pumps). Right now my waterfall is not running....and I am trying to see how to make use of the excess pressure. Maybe if I get my waterfall going, my bubbles problem may disappear? Tongue

vince68
Koi Lover

Jun 16, 2008, 4:01 PM

Post #11 of 23 (1017 views)
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Re: [Epal63] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

as all beginners ourselves, when i first started, wasnt wise enough to do much study but went straight into building the pond which design could have been improved if i were to rebuild. Anyway, why 6" above ground in 2nd chamber is to ensure that all those waste stays there and not go up into the jap matt & corals. i have a drainage on chamber 1 where the bottom of chamber 2 are connected hence when i do the flushing, all the waste from Chamber 1 and 2, will be washed away.
As for the waterfall pump, yes, its half the valve, you can have it channel to another valve to release the pressure i suppose. I have 2 waterfall, ie 2 valve, hence half on both, so far so good.
since u have the waterfall, why not use it? i believe waterfall will do much more than just cosmetic. Firstly, it will definitely aerate your pond, secondly, i believe it could serve as TT depending on your design.

Epal63
Koi Lover

Jun 17, 2008, 8:40 AM

Post #12 of 23 (989 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Vince,

Ok, you could use your 2nd pump on both waterfalls, without any excess pressure wasted - which is different from mine. I only have 1 waterfall and so I have an excess pressure issue.

My waterfall feature is not in use right now as I still have to resolve a minor leakage issue with the water feature, plus I need to think of a way to utilise the excess pressure so as not to choke the pump. Otherwise, I would be using it right now. Pirate

vince68
Koi Lover

Jun 17, 2008, 10:06 AM

Post #13 of 23 (982 views)
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Re: [Epal63] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

You can always route your excess pressue into the pond as its good for circulation. I have a pump just for that of course doubled as drainage pump. Rgds

stl67
New User

Aug 15, 2008, 11:18 AM

Post #14 of 23 (368 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Hi, I am also planning to build a waterfall and a filter chamber next to the pond. As electricity is getting expensive here, I was think if I can only use 1 pump insead of the norma 2. My idea is to use the pump that is located at the filter chamber and instead of pumping the water back to the pond, I construct a pipe and route it up to the water fall feature.
My questions is :
1) Can this be achievable?
2) Will there be any issues?
3) How about the water cyclical flow? Will it be affected by the too many joints, elbow and also pumping the water from the filter chamber up to the top of the water feature.

Appreciate any kind reply from anyone in this forum.

PS : My colleague told me that he is paying about $110 on electricty just for the pump each month

vince68
Koi Lover

Aug 18, 2008, 1:47 PM

Post #15 of 23 (294 views)
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Re: [stl67] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

If u ask me, really, u cant save much in terms of electricity as 1 pump or 2 pumps will cost your almost the same in terms of electricity bills as he wattage will be similar. In short, if u use 1 pump, u will need higher capacity pump which will draw more usage in terms of power (Amp).
Yes, u must pump water from the filter (last chamber) be it for the waterfall or back to the pond. THe effects of elbow etc, it really depends on the size of the pipes & fittings but i doubt it affect much for smallish ponds but if u have some huge pond, then it may affect. Best is use min 1/2 inch pipings at min, again depending on your pond and waterfall size.
Whether u finally decide 1 or 2 pumps, make sure the capacity is equivalent to your water volume, ie if your pond volume is say 10 tonnes, then use that of almost 10 tonnes equivalent water pump. With that make sure that you have splitters, one going to your water fall and the other into your pond so that you can control both (with valves) as water fall needs to be calibrated carefully in order to work to your expectation hence any excess pressure can go into the pond.
Hmm, not sure but i would think for a pond alone, it cost about RM100 per month as normally, we ahve more than 1 pump plus air pump, plus lightings, UV light, etc

dannysao
Koi Lover

Aug 18, 2008, 3:07 PM

Post #16 of 23 (284 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

Vince
Do you off the pump at night? RM 100 per month not cheap..

Epal63
Koi Lover

Aug 18, 2008, 3:09 PM

Post #17 of 23 (284 views)
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Re: [stl67] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

If I were you, I would go for two pumps. 1 for waterfall and 1 for pond water circulation.

If one pump failed, there is still another pump available as "backup".

If the operating cost of electricity is a concern, you can always alternate between the two pumps. However, if you think that RM110 as operating cost is high, wait till you start feeding the koi... Wink

(This post was edited by Epal63 on Aug 18, 2008, 3:16 PM)

Epal63
Koi Lover

Aug 18, 2008, 3:15 PM

Post #18 of 23 (278 views)
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Re: [dannysao] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Danny,

You should run your pump 24x7. It is even more critical not to turn it off at night as algea and plants compete for oxgygen at night.

vince68
Koi Lover

Aug 19, 2008, 1:18 PM

Post #19 of 23 (238 views)
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Re: [Epal63] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

epal is right, u have to run 24/7, no choice really. For how many pumps, again, 2 would be preferred but its your decision. On bills, again epal is right, RM100 per month looks high but it cost more for misc such as food. Again depending on what kind of quality u intend to keep. Food itself cost me RM400 per 15 kg bag and can likely last not more than 1.5 to 2 months....imagine..of course, you can opt for cheaper food which is about RM100 or so....

again, its your choice and decision and of course lastly budget....

what u can save in electricity bills is lighthings as u need to switch on only in the evening for a few hours for the sake of it but not pumps and air pumps....

ariftesl
New User

Aug 20, 2008, 5:29 AM

Post #20 of 23 (215 views)
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Re: [vince68] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

hey guys are u guys sure the electricity bills shoots up to RM100-Rm110...
based from my experience.. i have 2 pumps at 80W each and UV light at 11W running 24/7 and i believe my electricity bills is abt rm30 for the pond alone.
my monthly electricity bills is abot RM90-100. that includes 2 sets of aircond running 8 hours/day, 2 aquariums, 3 TV and 2 refrigerators

Nway back to the forum... i would suggest to have 2 pumps as well ( i have experienced broken water pump... luckily to have another one as backup)

stl67
New User

Aug 20, 2008, 10:31 AM

Post #21 of 23 (200 views)
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Re: [ariftesl] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

My friend has just updated me that the power bill is around SIN$130 per month. I was also advised by the pond builder to have 2 pumps. Looks like you guys are very lucky as your bills are heavily subsidised.

Epal63
Koi Lover

Aug 20, 2008, 10:46 AM

Post #22 of 23 (197 views)
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Re: [ariftesl] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

You must have very efficient power-saving equipment ... Wink

Most households I know with 2 aircon running like yours and without a pond would easily exceed rm100.

Epal63
Koi Lover

Aug 20, 2008, 10:50 AM

Post #23 of 23 (195 views)
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Re: [stl67] 2 in 1 water fall & TT [In reply to]	Can't Post

If you are serious about this hobby - you also need an air-pump as well and a UPS to support the airpump - in case of a power failure.

Since you are from SG, power failure might only be a remote possibility. But you never know..... Cool

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