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Home: KOI Talk: Pond Construction & Water Filtering System:
Pump protector

 





 


SMW1
Koi Kichi

Feb 4, 2002, 10:43 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1520 views)
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Pump protector Can't Post
Hi All,

I'm having a minor problem with blanket weed at the moment which I find is very strange as my water levels are boardering on perfect Laugh. Anyway the blanket weed is not a real problem as I just spend an extra 30 mins every other weekend sucking the life out of it with my Oase pond vac.

I know, I should have built the pond with a bottom drain. But I was young an inexperienced.

Due to the blanket week my pump is cut to 60% it's performance level by the end of the week. After simple cleaning of the pump it's back up to scratch. Anyway I need to know if anyone here has any good ideas about a DIY anti blanket weed cover/case for the pump. I've had a look at various sites but can not find anything (well nothing outstanding anyway). I do not really want to add any chemicals to the pond to rid of the weed as I try to keep the water as natural as possible.

Any ideas ?

Stuart


dttk
Senior Member

Feb 5, 2002, 10:49 AM

Post #2 of 9 (1510 views)
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Re: [SMW1] Pump protector [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Stuart, are you adding clay to your pond on a regular basis? I too had alot of problems with blanket weed until someone suggested I stop adding clay to the pond. I've not been adding clay for close to 6 months now and the weed problem is much less. Clay contains high amounts of phosphates which encourages weeds to grow. Of course high nitrates too. Hope this bit of info helps. Have a nice day. Smile
Always friendly :)


SMW1
Koi Kichi

Feb 5, 2002, 5:44 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1493 views)
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Re: [dttk] Pump protector [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi,

No, no clay has been added. The only chemicals or other natural ingredents that have been put in my pond since new (1 year) is salt (currently at about 0.04%). Last batch added about 4 months ago. And that's it. Nothing else has been required as my bio filter is doing the nut's of a job. I tested the water params again last night and all is still boardering on perfect. Even the PH is stable at 7.5.

For some reason I didn't get any blanket weed in the summer, which I find very strange. The pond was half frozen about a month ago and every since then the weed has started to appear. I was under the impression that blanket weed / string alge didn't like the cold and was more prone to warm water.

Once the temp climbs a little, I'll probably pond vac every thing excluding the koi and do a couple of 30% changes over 3 or 4 days. If thats dowsn't work I suppose I'll have to turn to Intrapet for some chemicals Unsure.

Unless anyone out there has had a brain wave to how I can stop my pump clogging ?

Stuart


Mikey
Koi Lover

Feb 6, 2002, 7:35 AM

Post #4 of 9 (1476 views)
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Re: [SMW1] Pump protector [In reply to] Can't Post
Hello,

I have a couple ideas but i was wondering what pump are you using? ive had some real good luck with i pre-filter i made but it depends what style pump you are using
Mikey
KoiFind.com


FrankChong
Koi Lover

Feb 6, 2002, 5:24 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1460 views)
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Re: [SMW1] Pump protector [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Stuart,

I solved this problem by building a cage for the pump. In my case I fabricated a stainless steel cage of 2 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet high. The grid size of stainless steel bar is about 4 inch square.

The top of the cage extends above the water level by 4 inches. I achieved this by extending the leg of the cage. On the outside of the cage I line it with a layer of Japanese mat all round.

This shall solve your problem, however, you would still need to clean the cage of algae ocassionally to prevent clogging. One thing is certain, your pump will not be clogged.

As for the cage, you could use any material. Clothing basket with perforations work just as good.

To reduce blanket weed generation, I found that the most effective way is to increase the water changes quantity and frequency. There is no magic formular here, your pond will be different from anyone of us in terms of design, capacity, stocking rate, etc.

You could measure the nitrate concentration now. Monitor the nitrate concentration as you increase the water changes. By trial an error you could determine at what water change you could keep the blanket weed in check.

My personal view is avoid chemical if you can. It just would not work over the long term.

Hope this help.


SMW1
Koi Kichi

Feb 6, 2002, 6:06 PM

Post #6 of 9 (1453 views)
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Re: [FrankChong] Pump protector [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Mikey / Frank,

Thanks for the idea's.

Mikey, the pump I have is a Blagdon p9000. Which is a standard amphibious pump. this pumps at 9000 litres an hour (just under 2,000 gallons).

Frank, Not sure if I like the idea of having a cage, the size of a dog kennel in my pond, but I appreciate the suggestion and can see how it could help. I may make a smaller version of this, with japeneses matting inside. Do you find that it affects the performace of you pump at all ?

Stuart




FrankChong
Koi Lover

Feb 8, 2002, 12:22 AM

Post #7 of 9 (1428 views)
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Re: [SMW1] Pump protector [In reply to] Can't Post
There is no difference in terms of pump efficiency. If there are no sharp edges on the cage it would be ok for the filter mats to be on the inside of the cage.

Design the shape and size of cage to suit. I built it big so it would allow me to have longer period between each cleanout. In my case once a month. I have the cage hidden from view.


johnson lee
Koi Kichi

Feb 8, 2002, 12:08 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1417 views)
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Re: [FrankChong] Pump protector [In reply to] Can't Post
CoolHi Stuart

What I did was to use a plastic waste paper basket larger than the pump and then cover the it to prevent anything and everything (except water, of course) from going into the pump. This has so far solved my problem of pump clogging. I also add some matting inside the plastic container to further strain away any solids.

Not the most hi-tech of solutions but workable. Hope this helps!

Rgds

Johnson


SMW1
Koi Kichi

Feb 8, 2002, 7:25 PM

Post #9 of 9 (1408 views)
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Re: [jtklee] Pump protector [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks for your suggestions guys.

I will use all your ideas and put something together this weekend.

Stuart

 
 
 



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