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  1. #1

    Newbie with some (possibly stupid) questions

    Hi,

    I'm in the process of re-learning filtration after years of keeping aquariums - I was naive in thinking I could just scale up my existing knowledge.

    I've been doing a bunch of reading and now I'm left with a heap of questions - I was wondering if I could get some advice from yourselves, or if you could point me to some good resources I could read:

    1) Aerated Bottom Drains: What advantages do these have over regular bottom drains?
    2) Drum filters: What advantages do these have over the much cheaper cyclone based mechanical filtration systems?
    3) Mechanical filtration with sponges/brushes etc: Are these as bad as made out in adverts - or more like "functional, but not AS good as other methods such as drums"
    4) Skimmers: Do I run these into the same mechanical filtration as the bottom drains, or do they need a separate mechanical filter?
    4b) Does a skimmer cause issues when feeding floating food?
    5) clack valves/one way valves: I think I am going to be using 2inch plumbing - I'm not finding it easy to find one way valves to go into the system - does that mean most systems are built without clack valves?

    Thanks very much indeed.

    Steve



  2. #2
    Answers inline!

    Quote Originally Posted by SlowSteve View Post

    1) Aerated Bottom Drains: What advantages do these have over regular bottom drains?

    If your filter adds air (either aerated media or a shower) then air won't be a big issue, what they do VERY well is create a current that pushes waste on the pond floor to the drain. Don't build without IMO.

    2) Drum filters: What advantages do these have over the much cheaper cyclone based mechanical filtration systems?

    They work far more effectively in much less space, especially with very fine waste.

    3) Mechanical filtration with sponges/brushes etc: Are these as bad as made out in adverts - or more like "functional, but not AS good as other methods such as drums"

    They can work just as well, but you WILL be cleaning them every day. If you don't clean them every day, you will regret it, and your fish will not thrive.

    4) Skimmers: Do I run these into the same mechanical filtration as the bottom drains, or do they need a separate mechanical filter?

    If your mechanical can cope, you can run it into the same.

    4b) Does a skimmer cause issues when feeding floating food?

    Yep! feeding rings can help, or turn the skimmer off. The best solution is to have a blummin' fat Chagoi; AKA the vacuum.

    5) clack valves/one way valves: I think I am going to be using 2inch plumbing - I'm not finding it easy to find one way valves to go into the system - does that mean most systems are built without clack valves?

    I can't think or many filter designs that would really need them TBH.
    If you understand WHY aquarium filters work you're 90% of the way there. the other 10% is understanding just how much waste Koi create. Koi filtration is really simple in theory. Remove all solids (and there are a LOT of solids) then add 5 times as much Biological filtration as you think you need.

    Turn the pond over every hour and you're golden.

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  4. #3
    Hi,

    I'm in the process of re-learning filtration after years of keeping aquariums - I was naive in thinking I could just scale up my existing knowledge.

    I've been doing a bunch of reading and now I'm left with a heap of questions - I was wondering if I could get some advice from yourselves, or if you could point me to some good resources I could read:

    1) Aerated Bottom Drains: What advantages do these have over regular bottom drains?

    the aerated drains help to circulate the water and pull the waste to the drain.

    2) Drum filters: What advantages do these have over the much cheaper cyclone based mechanical filtration systems?

    Drum filters are much better at removing the fines in the water column and sooo much easier to keep clean, I had a a conventional multibay filter before and always had my arms in fish sh*t up to my elbows in all weathers. with a drum you don't get wet or dirty.

    3) Mechanical filtration with sponges/brushes etc: Are these as bad as made out in adverts - or more like "functional, but not AS good as other methods such as drums"

    many many people still use these and they definitely are and have been the chosen method of filtration over the years but as with everything things get better and new ways of filtration come along and surpass what we all know.

    4) Skimmers: Do I run these into the same mechanical filtration as the bottom drains, or do they need a separate mechanical filter?

    I have my skimmer running into one of the outlets on my drain so all mechanical filtration is done in one place. again there are other methods.

    4b) Does a skimmer cause issues when feeding floating food?

    they can be a pain in the arris I have spent many a day happily sitting there watching costly koi pellets disappearing effortlessly in to the grill. Now I just turn the ball valve off until they have eaten everything. this also gives the skimmer a good purge at the same time. Or just feed sinking food.

    5) clack valves/one way valves: I think I am going to be using 2 inch plumbing - I'm not finding it easy to find one way valves to go into the system - does that mean most systems are built without clack valves?

    Never heard of a clack valve but all of my plumbing has 2 3 or 4 inch ball valves.


    Thanks very much indeed.

    Steve[/QUOTE]

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  6. #4
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion RS2OOO's Avatar
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    Some of your questions have already been answered here:

    https://www.koiforum.uk/pond-constru...tml#post289148

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  8. #5
    Senior Member Rank = Kyusai hippo's Avatar
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    I wouldn't say your questions are stupid at all , Steve - quite the opposite ! What is fairly stupid , is cracking on with your pond build without doing adequate research , first !! I`m sure many of us have fallen into that trap at some time or another - myself included .

    Sounds like your thinking along the right lines with some of the options your considering . I would suggest definitely go for an aerated BD on a gravity fed system . Again - a skimmer is a good option - it isn't that vital where it runs to , as its main function is to remove surface debris - your main system should take care of mechanical filtration . Mine runs into the last part of my filtration , which is basically a header tank for my waterfall .

    I`d also include an overflow and trickle feed system , to keep your pond level constant , and also , if your fitting a concrete base , I would have a damp proof membrane underneath to stop water ingress during your build . That's the one thing I missed on my latest build - and boy did I regret it !

    Good luck - and keep asking questions - you`ll get plenty of good advice from some very knowledgeable and helpful people on here - and there isn't one of us who hasn't been in your position at some point
    Colin

    2500 Gallon Fibreglass Pond
    Draco Solum 16 , 400l Bio Chamber

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