School me on Ponds

a pondvac can also help clean out the bottom.

 

I don't have any ATM and won't be back there for a few days. I will post some when I get it.

Thanks for the info. I had looked at getting a Laguna filter system. I want one way to Effin big for this system though, so it doesn't have to be cleaned constantly, as I will be doing the maintenance and am not always around.

Appreciate the help!

Cool links, thanks. I do love a good DIY but since my grandma has expendable money, I don't wanna fiddle with it.

Thanks Kacy. Actually I got it cleaned spotless yesterday. Took 5 hours, but I got it taken care of. Now just piecing together all I need to run it properly. Then I'll get it installed, and be rid of this thing! LOL

Thanks Alex. Would you suggest the more expensive "vacuum" based one, or the pressure based one using a garden hose?

 

I would do a partial water change and then try to suck out as much of the stuff at the bottom as possible. You dont want to kick all that stuff up at one time. Also dont try and do too much at one time. You will stress the hell out of the fish and throw all the levels out of wack. The fish are still alive so its not an emergency and you have some time before summer. Maybe do it in 3rds, clean a 3rd of the bottom then wait a few days and do another 3rd. Go from one end to the other and back over the course of like 2 weeks and you should cause too much shock to the fish.

 

Get the bigger one for sure! I clean the filter once a month and it takes about 5 minutes! Just turn a knob on top to start it backflushing and move 2 poles up and down till the water runs clean!

I've never owned the powered vac, but the water hose one is worthless! IMO! I've had this pond for 9 years and I haven't vacuumed it for 8! I just scoop the muck out every fall! I do have alot of plants to help though too! And a pretty decent cuc

 

Thanks for the advice! Appreciated it!

I figured the one would be crappy. Thanks!

 

Okay. So I put together a small list of necessary things, let me get your feedback.

First the pump to drive the waterfalls and to be "T'd" off into the filter.
It is a 1/6 HP external Lifeguard Seahorse.
Pond Pumps: Lifegard Aquatics Self-Priming External Pumps

Then the filtration system.
Pond & Water Garden Filters: Matala Biosteps 10 Progressive Pond Filter

Going to included the 18W UV Clarifier on there.


Basically I want a single line out of the pond, into the external pump, then split into 2 lines. One line will have a ball valve out to control the rate of flow through the filter (~700gph) then into the UV, and returned to the opposite end of the pond. T

The other line will continue unrestricted to power the waterfalls and aid in circulation.

Sounds decent? Any feedback on the actual unit's I chose?

Thanks!

 

HOLY COW! That's a lot of flow for a koi pond, those water falls better be big. lol

Not trashing your idea, but that seems like a lot. I use a 1000 GPH for my filter/waterfall!

The only prob I see with the filter is the maintenance issue! Those 4 filters are gonna clog up prob once a week in the spring and fall.

 

Lady at Dr. Foster and Smith told me 100gph per inch of waterfall. So at 6 ft of head, minus the 700gph to the filter, leaves me 600-800gph for the falls.

I want a huge filter that won't need a ton of regular maintenance. Any suggestions?

 

I got the expensive one for sure asnd it worked great. I have to drain my pond and redesign it this year....

 

well brother where in southern cali are you. Get some reefers tog some beer pizza and less get it done