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  1. #1

    first pond ever .

    hi kind people.
    I've just moved into our new house and we inherited a poorly maintained and poor build quality in the ground liner pond that was utilising stream water pumped in to keep them,
    there are 5x 12" koi id guess and shibumkins and goldfish but i plan on getting some nice looking fish in to look after such as something like this:

    Buy Quality Yoshikigoi Koi - Delivered to your door The Carp Co

    i have always wanted a koi pond but time/money and 2 small kids meant i could not indulge in it,
    However times are different now and kids are 7 and 10 going on 17 and 25 lol.
    i have already started digging the pond with a mini digger and will complete digging and setting it up tomorrow before the concrete is delivered wednesday mid morning .
    i have to pour my house extension footings on the load before and use the next part load on it , ( i must be nuts )
    it should basically be around 4050x2500x1900 deep minus the blockwork 300mm blocks laid flat and slab at the bottom of 8" thick minimum.
    aerated gravity drain 4" & pressurised pipe as good as in the middle ( which should hopefully arrive in the morning as i originally bought a standard bottom drain but changed my mind and had to order a new one in )
    i intend on having a large glass viewing screen at the front which faces the extension and a smaller one on the right side , constructed pretty much the same as @feline utilised with pu foam board doubled up to create a ledge and then fibreglassed.
    on the front that will be 4050 to outside of blockwork , meaning an internal dimension of around 3.5mt what is the widest window i could use whilst maintaining strength?

    i fancied a 1m stainless blade as the return to the pond.but am open to options.
    and to be brutally honest i have no idea yet on what to use filtration wise , my initial thoughts was a nexus but i honestly have no idea?
    do i need skimmers ? return to ponds halfway down ?
    Your help would be gratefully appreciated



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  3. #2
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion Ajm's Avatar
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    Every one is loving drums as the bealll in filters . I haven't got one yet but that's due to money . Mid returns and perfect for moving the water around better and in the winter months to keep the water warmer by by passing the blade that will have a big heat loss . And skimmers keep all scum and leaves off the surface a lot cleaner and help catch the leafs before they have chance to degrade in the pond . This is how I understand things to be but am sure more and better help will be long .

    Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Ajm; 20-02-2019 at 05:43 PM.
    Freddyboy the legend

    "we are water keepers first"

    Johnathan

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  5. #3
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion Ajm's Avatar
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    Pictures all the way are a much on here we all love a good pond build and will help people help you as bigger understanding of what's what

    Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
    Freddyboy the legend

    "we are water keepers first"

    Johnathan

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  7. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Ajm View Post
    Every one is loving drums as the bealll in filters . I haven't got one yet but that's due to money . Mid returns and perfect for moving the water around better and in the winter months to keep the water warmer by by passing the blade that will have a big heat loss . And skimmers keep all scum and leaves off the surface a lot cleaner and help catch the leafs before they have chance to degrade in the pond . This is how I understand things to be but am sure more and better help will be long .

    Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
    ill have to see how much they are going for and what gets recommended for my size pond

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  9. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by Ajm View Post
    Pictures all the way are a much on here we all love a good pond build and will help people help you as bigger understanding of what's what

    Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
    ill get some uploaded this evening as only just finished trowelling it up, it ended up being 10" thick as the new bottom drain had the air pipe underneath which was a pain in the ****.
    it arrived exactly 10 mins before the concrete turned up so had to clean and glue it all up before i could pour it.
    set it in place filled it full of water and its held lovely tbf

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  11. #6
    here we go people as promised

    nearly dug out here:
    IMG_0052.jpg

    shot back towards the house and the extension I'm building at the same time

    IMG_0054.jpg

    last pull of the bucket and hit a land drain / soak away so had to rip some more out and fill it up with roadstone and compacted then a blinding of sand so i did not rip the polythene.

    IMG_0053.jpg

    IMG_0058.jpg

    Aerated drain turned up at 10.15 and then concrete conveyor returned 15 minutes later, so had to quickly assemble the drain and air pipe , filled it with water and poured it a bit at a time .
    am really please with how it went ,
    the slab was probably 10/12" and we used just over 2 1/2 cube of concrete , & 3 sheets of mesh.

    The drain in 1st pic is not the one we used , as i changed my mind last minute and wanted aerated , should of been here yesterday but courier lost it

    IMG_0062.jpg

    IMG_0064.jpg

    IMG_0063.jpg

    hopefully start on the clockwork tomorrow.

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  13. #7
    Senior Member Rank = Grand Champion RoyLittle0's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by carlcwc View Post
    here we go people as promised
    the slab was probably 10/12" and we used just over 2 1/2 cube of concrete , & 3 sheets of mesh.

    The drain in 1st pic is not the one we used , as i changed my mind last minute and wanted aerated , should of been here yesterday but courier lost it

    hopefully start on the clockwork tomorrow.
    Well that thickness of slab should hold well, mine was about 6 to 8 inches

    Good choice on the aerated bottom drain they are well worth the extra money

    The clockwork lol really starts to make it take shape, I would put some plastic down before you walk on it to much so you don't scuff up the surface, it takes a hell of a long time for concrete to fully cure, the first row takes the time but after that it flies up
    4600 Gallon Concrete Block and Fiberglass
    2100 mm x 710 mm Infinity Window 32mm thick glass
    2 x Aerated Bottom Drains and Skimmer
    Filtreau HiFlow 30 Drum Filter
    Bio Chamber - 140 litres K1
    Bakki Shower - 30 KG Sakura Far Infrared Media
    2 x 18,000 lh pumps
    Heated from house boiler through a heat exchanger
    Idealseal MS290

    My Pond Build

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  15. #8
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Supreme Champion john1's Avatar
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    Looks a good job Carl,are you in the trade?

    Would definitely recommend a drum if finances allow,Aem do one for under 1k.
    Skimmer is a must, very expensive but enjoyable hobby this,keep the pics coming.
    John

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  17. #9
    Senior Member Rank = Grand Champion RoyLittle0's Avatar
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    As John says, I would also highly recommend a drum and to be honest I wouldn't be able to have fish without a drum filter, I can be working away for 5 to 6 weeks at a time and I can leave the drum to do its job without having to worry about it, its relatively compact and quiet.

    A well placed skimmer will clear off the leaves and protein/oil/scum layer off the top of the water, making the pond water look clean and fresh, well worth the expense
    4600 Gallon Concrete Block and Fiberglass
    2100 mm x 710 mm Infinity Window 32mm thick glass
    2 x Aerated Bottom Drains and Skimmer
    Filtreau HiFlow 30 Drum Filter
    Bio Chamber - 140 litres K1
    Bakki Shower - 30 KG Sakura Far Infrared Media
    2 x 18,000 lh pumps
    Heated from house boiler through a heat exchanger
    Idealseal MS290

    My Pond Build

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  19. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by RoyLittle0 View Post
    Well that thickness of slab should hold well, mine was about 6 to 8 inches

    Good choice on the aerated bottom drain they are well worth the extra money

    The clockwork lol really starts to make it take shape, I would put some plastic down before you walk on it to much so you don't scuff up the surface, it takes a hell of a long time for concrete to fully cure, the first row takes the time but after that it flies up
    Damn iMac self checks everything and i didn't notice lol

    i might just start loading out the blocks and give it another 24hrs to cure, I'm in no great rush tbf, i got more than enough to contend with.
    on the footings i had 6.5mts trowelled up by 9am, ( he was here at 7.30 and i was still asleep , but i heard that unmistakable noise of a concrete mixer pull up and could of cried as i had booked him for 9am so shot out to him in my pj bottoms , no cup of tea or nothing just straight on removing fence panels to get it done )
    he left me at 9.30 to refill up with the 2.5mt i had thought i needed ( the new bottom drain is bottom fed for air so had to raise it up more than i had estimated so called up and ordered 3mts instead of 2.5 ) good job really as we had literally 5 barrows left at the end
    he returned literally 10 mins after the bottom drain arrived at 10.15 , so had to make him wait while i assembled it and got it into place and filled with water to stop it floating , ( i just checked and the same amount of water is in it so my joint held ok )
    i left it 5 hrs after roughly trowelling it up and then got back on it to tidy it up, was still quite wet then, so i used 2 x 2ft boards to navigate round it
    The bricklayer is starting saturday on the extension to get me upto slab level so i can pour the slab for the extension next week.
    The extension is my priority atm , but tied the 2 in together to save some time .
    i had 9 & 1/2 mts today on a 16mt reach conveyor lorry that carried 6.5mts ,so had to pay a surcharge on the missing 3.5 mts on the 2nd load, he done all the work tbf, just kept him in coffee and he was more than happy to help.i only had to flatten out the extension footings in all honesty.
    well worth a look and so much cheaper than a pump , the extra cost was £130 for both loads to be on the conveyor lorry , the grand total was about £1200 for the concrete on its own, if you are in plain sight and can not get close enough I'm happy to pay that too save borrowing that lot.
    if you are in the south west coast area the company is Faheys , and my awesome driver was tim lee "Thanks buddy"
    more than happy to recommend a brilliant service

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  21. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by john1 View Post
    Looks a good job Carl,are you in the trade?

    Would definitely recommend a drum if finances allow,Aem do one for under 1k.
    Skimmer is a must, very expensive but enjoyable hobby this,keep the pics coming.
    i was in the trades tbf, i started as a ground worker and have all done all sorts of building works tbf, so am lucky that I'm a quick visual learner, tell me how it works and I'm stumped, show me and ill pick it up quite quickly tbf.
    the filtration is my side that i honestly have no clue on YET .
    which is where i will rely on heavily the forums advice.
    would you advise mid level return from filters rather than via a stainless blade at the top ?
    Thanks for looking in m8, its much appreciated

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  23. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by RoyLittle0 View Post
    As John says, I would also highly recommend a drum and to be honest I wouldn't be able to have fish without a drum filter, I can be working away for 5 to 6 weeks at a time and I can leave the drum to do its job without having to worry about it, its relatively compact and quiet.

    A well placed skimmer will clear off the leaves and protein/oil/scum layer off the top of the water, making the pond water look clean and fresh, well worth the expense
    I'm around atm to look after any filter tbh, i just hate spending twice to get the best results.
    i live by the rule after thorough investigation.
    Buy cheap ,Buy twice

    however the aldi madras sauce is the best i have found in taste and price
    and once again thanks for looking in ,i appreciate it

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  25. #13
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Supreme Champion john1's Avatar
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    You made me laugh about the madras sauce.
    Years ago folk used filter bays and some successfully use them today but they are very time consuming and soon become a chore.
    Then came the likes of the nexus,beads and pressure filters etc.
    These are good filters but then came the drum filter.
    They are awesome at keeping your pond clear and clean and to be honest I havnt had any koi Ill or any problems.
    The Aem is probably the cheapest at under 1k and comes with a UV.
    There are loads out there all different prices.

    As for returns,I have two underwater returns one near the bottom and one around 1/2 way down,but I prefer surface ones ie a blade,waterfall or shower.
    A big fan of showers and I made my own very cheap and easy to do.
    What part of the country are you?
    Maybe visit someones set up or a koi outlet.
    These are my opinions but some use different and would say they work.
    I only use mid and bottom returns in winter but keep them open slightly on a valve,and I would say be them expensive I would valve everything so you have control on that particular flow.
    We are all here to help Carl so any questions,no such thing as a stupid one.
    John

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  27. #14
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion freddyboy's Avatar
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    same here john i pissed myself on the mandras sauce. as john1 has said there are lots of drums. thats the way to go if you can afford it.
    you need skimmer. and pond returns. i also have a top pond. with a water shute. but when winter comes i bypass this and run the return into the pond.
    to keep the wind chill of. when the cover comes out for winter. if you can t get a visit to some ones pond just read as much as you can on the forum pond builds. you learn lots.
    as you have already said about felines window. your doing this. all the best with the build.
    and lots of pictures. as we like to see a good old pond build progress.

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  29. #15
    Moderator Rank = Supreme Champion Feline's Avatar
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    If you read up on people's builds on this forum one thing you tend to notice over time is that people who started out with multi bays / Nexus / sieves and beads often over time realise that water clarity is not where they want it, and/or maintenance is not as easy as they would like and end up spending twice and getting the drum. I would honestly not build a pond without a drum these days. I'm even considering putting one on my quarantine tank

    What area are you in? A really good way of avoiding mistakes and making choices that are right for you is to join the local koi club and visit some ponds to see their filters first hand. Also visit dealers and have a look at their setups and have a chat, but beware of being sold to by aquatics outlets who just want to shift what is on their shelves and will absolutely insist that the Oase thingy or Nexus etc. they have for sale is your best option, when it might well not be

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  31. #16
    Senior Member Rank = Gosai Scorchio's Avatar
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    I built my pond last year, I originally bought two nexus and some other kit off ebay from someone who was closing down.
    I soon discovered the size and shape of the nexus makes them awkward to plan a filter bay and I couldn't get them work in my plan.

    I went down the drum route and I'm so glad I did.

    If you can manage to locate a club and have a look at how people have set there pond up, it will help you immensely.

    Everyone has different ideas and ways of doing things, what works for one might not work for you.

    Good luck with the build.

    Ask as many questions as you need to, you will get plenty of help on the forum.

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  33. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by john1 View Post
    You made me laugh about the madras sauce.
    Years ago folk used filter bays and some successfully use them today but they are very time consuming and soon become a chore.
    Then came the likes of the nexus,beads and pressure filters etc.
    These are good filters but then came the drum filter.
    They are awesome at keeping your pond clear and clean and to be honest I havnt had any koi Ill or any problems.
    The Aem is probably the cheapest at under 1k and comes with a UV.
    There are loads out there all different prices.

    As for returns,I have two underwater returns one near the bottom and one around 1/2 way down,but I prefer surface ones ie a blade,waterfall or shower.
    A big fan of showers and I made my own very cheap and easy to do.
    What part of the country are you?
    Maybe visit someones set up or a koi outlet.
    These are my opinions but some use different and would say they work.
    I only use mid and bottom returns in winter but keep them open slightly on a valve,and I would say be them expensive I would valve everything so you have control on that particular flow.
    We are all here to help Carl so any questions,no such thing as a stupid one.
    I am a curry fanatic and if i have not got time to whip up a proper homemade curry, mainly recipes by the curry guy dan toombs, then my go to is aldi tbf.
    i will have to do research then regarding drum filters as it has been post after post advising they are the way forward.
    i am in newquay cornwall by the way
    i will have to do some serious research then regards the return to pond part and the skimmer
    i will pop back in with some blockwork photos that i will get done tomorrow
    And thanks for looking in

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  35. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by freddyboy View Post
    same here john i pissed myself on the mandras sauce. as john1 has said there are lots of drums. thats the way to go if you can afford it.
    you need skimmer. and pond returns. i also have a top pond. with a water shute. but when winter comes i bypass this and run the return into the pond.
    to keep the wind chill of. when the cover comes out for winter. if you can t get a visit to some ones pond just read as much as you can on the forum pond builds. you learn lots.
    as you have already said about felines window. your doing this. all the best with the build.
    and lots of pictures. as we like to see a good old pond build progress.
    Glad it tickled you
    i will have loads of questions to throw on here tbf about the filtration and return to pond side as its all new to me.
    laying concrete and blocks to tiling a roof i can do, because i have the experience.
    this is me like a "rabbit in the headlights "
    Thank you for popping brand ill get some pics up tomorrow of how i have got on with the blockwork.

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  37. #19
    Quote Originally Posted by Feline View Post
    If you read up on people's builds on this forum one thing you tend to notice over time is that people who started out with multi bays / Nexus / sieves and beads often over time realise that water clarity is not where they want it, and/or maintenance is not as easy as they would like and end up spending twice and getting the drum. I would honestly not build a pond without a drum these days. I'm even considering putting one on my quarantine tank

    What area are you in? A really good way of avoiding mistakes and making choices that are right for you is to join the local koi club and visit some ponds to see their filters first hand. Also visit dealers and have a look at their setups and have a chat, but beware of being sold to by aquatics outlets who just want to shift what is on their shelves and will absolutely insist that the Oase thingy or Nexus etc. they have for sale is your best option, when it might well not be
    i am glad you popped in @feline

    i have to lay all the blame and expense and earache solely at your door i am afraid ,what you have done personally to my relationships and debit card is quite honestly unfair and your pond should only be viewed by people with no gardens or the capability to build such a thing.
    i was only looking through for ideas of a prebuilt pond with a glass window and came across your picture on a random google search whilst wine drunk one thursday night., " yes a thursday night A SCHOOL NIGHT "
    what was i thinking when i thought lets see how that was built then, i bet its one of them really pushy specialist companies with a clipboard and voice overs , embroidered t-shirts and matching fleece jackets doing a talk down to you on youtube where the audio comes on at 500db the second it opens and sends you into a tailspin trying to turn it down because the kids will hear it and think its ok to come down again now after the previous 30 times up and down ,showing you whatnot have not got or could afford and what a miserable life you have fashioned for your self because they built this and they have a 2 year waiting list to even get a consultation and don't even start asking how much or thereabouts until they have upsold everything from the fairy liquid in the compo to the self cleaning glass and the plastic heron that comes predrilled so you can screw it down , instead of going out every 10 minutes because its fell over and the panic attack that ensued after seeing such a terrible atrocity has me baywatch runniong in my pyjama bottoms to stand it back up incase a real heron thinks this particular heron is as drunk as i am and pick this as his or her ( gender unassumed ) time to steal my best goldfish.
    RANT OVER

    i absolutely loved reading your pond build thread, i was completely in awe at the task you and your son completed , gave me a load of ideas as to what was possible in my space , my pond will be probably 2400 gallons so not half of yours but it will be my 2400 gallon pond i have built myself as you did,
    using in all honesty your pond as the inspiration including the window frame out of pu foam which was a great idea tbf to drive me on to complete it.
    thats why i started the thread so i can get the best setup and design to fit this particular koi pond.
    may i ask was there a particular reason/spec why you chose that size glass , i ask as i would like the biggest window possible but am unsure of a size to brickwork /pressure ratio?
    i only inherited 30 fish tbf probably 10 x 10" koi and a load of shibumkins and goldfish.
    but as i said in the newbie area i had always fancied one and thought why not now, so here i am

    i will update this thread as it progresses and hope you would look in and advise me of the filtration side aswell as any other things i will definitely hit /

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  39. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by Scorchio View Post
    I built my pond last year, I originally bought two nexus and some other kit off ebay from someone who was closing down.
    I soon discovered the size and shape of the nexus makes them awkward to plan a filter bay and I couldn't get them work in my plan.

    I went down the drum route and I'm so glad I did.

    If you can manage to locate a club and have a look at how people have set there pond up, it will help you immensely.

    Everyone has different ideas and ways of doing things, what works for one might not work for you.

    Good luck with the build.

    Ask as many questions as you need to, you will get plenty of help on the forum.
    Thanks for looking in buddy , i will have to see if there are some clubs local to me on the se coast line.

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