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Thread: HCairns's 7500l Sleeper Build
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12-04-2020, 08:05 AM #1
HCairns's 7500l Sleeper Build
Hi all!
I've come across from reefing, where forums seem a lot busier then on the koi side!
This will be my first koi system for myself, but one of many I have designed! I get the pleasure of working in my LFS when I'm not at uni, which happens to have a fairly good reputation locally for sourcing high quality koi. I work mainly on the freshwater tropical side of things, and have kept both freshwater and saltwater tropical for the past ~10 years.
Through all this, I have developed a very good understanding of water chemistry and filtration, but I expect I will be turning to you lot for help identifying koi specific issues at some point down the line!
The pond will be 2.9m x 2.1m x 1.2m. sleeper built 60cm above ground, and dug 60cm below ground.
The current equipment list includes:
- EA Eazypod
- 4" Bottom Drain
- 8000lph sequence pump
- All the required plumbing, which I won't bore you with
The shopping list:
- SealEco GreenSeal 0.75mm EPDM liner
- UV (I'm currently leaning towards the TMC Pro Pond 110W or the EA EvoUV 110W) I know these are overkill but I have the opportunity to get them at a very reasonable price with my staff discount. Also, both of these 'pro' models are much easier to replace individual parts on, vs replacing entire units on smaller models.
I'm aware that I am at the upper limit of an Eazypod really, however on a TIGHT budget, is the best I can currently do. If this can get me through to next summer I'll be happy. I will look at adding a fluid bed K1 filter after the pod, and potentially a sieve before this too down the line.
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12-04-2020, 08:14 AM #2Freddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
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12-04-2020, 08:28 AM #3
I agree.
I had an easypod on a 1000 litre grow on tank and that needed a clean every three/four days
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12-04-2020, 08:38 AM #4
Cheers Ajm,
Whilst at the upper end in terms of water volume, I will be well within the bio-load capacity of the Eazypod for the time being. Stocking for this season will only be 5/6 tosas/nisai, until I can expand with a moving bed after the pod.
What I forgot to mention is that I'm also limited on space for the filtration, as it will be situated between the back of a building and the end of the garden (I'll add some pictures later). I have length to spread equipment along about 7/8 meters if need be, but the width is only about 1 meter so the larger nexus filters won't fit, hence separating the moving bed from the mechanical filtration. The alternative is that down the line I run the return through a bake shower, but a moving bed that can be hidden is preferable...
I'll be keeping an eye on my parameters regularly as with the rest of my tanks inside, and will ensure that everything stays within safe levels.
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12-04-2020, 08:41 AM #5
How about a sieve to water butt k1 cheap and will do a better job . I dont have a pod hut my understanding is there have next to no bio and or 6 small koi in the mid of summer will smash it
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkFreddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
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12-04-2020, 08:47 AM #6
The K1 micro in the pods is a very good bio media wether it's static or fluidised, the downside to it being static is that it clogs. from my experience with them, the issue that I'll face for now if anything will be the frequency of cleaning rather than some form of nitrogen buildup, whether that be ammonia or nitrite.
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12-04-2020, 08:52 AM #7
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Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
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12-04-2020, 09:32 PM #8
IMHO manufacturers should be tasked with running stocked ponds using their equipment at the claims they make. I suspect most would struggle.
Rarely does a filter handle the claims of a manufacturer- bit like my car.... the only way that would do 50MPG would be off a cliff...
Honest dealers will give you the right advice even to the potential detriment of a sale.
Cheers
GazHobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.
Always happy to help!!
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12-04-2020, 10:02 PM #9
Agreed! Working in an LFS this would certainly help! It's often hard explaining that the 400l rated model of a filter is actually what they should be running on their 200l tank, when the 400 model is often far more expensive. Customers often seem to feel like were just money grabbing rather than actually looking out for their fish...
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15-04-2020, 09:31 PM #10
HCairns's 7500l Sleeper Build
Eventually I'll get round to uploading some photos! But for now, just an update.
The dimensions have changed slightly, now 2m x 2.9m x 1.2m, putting me at about 7000l total system volume.
So far, I've pretty much finished digging and shaping, and the concrete collar has been poured and is now set. I've also dug out the filtration area to the required level, and dug the channel to run the plumbing for the bottom drain and return. A concrete base will be poured for the filtration at the same time as concreting in the bottom drain. What ratio cement : sand : aggregate mix have people used for their BDs? Any help would be appreciated!
Whilst digging for the filtration, I hit a pipe, and thought I was in a spot of bother, but a little more digging revealed the end and it was actually a capped of 110mm drain pipe installed for some guttering that was never required, in the perfect location by the filter! So now I can run the drain straight into the house waste line, rather than running hosing and having it soak away.
Still on my shopping list are a UV and air pump, equipment recommendations / personal preferences / models to avoid welcome!Last edited by HCairns; 16-04-2020 at 07:50 AM.
7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif
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16-04-2020, 06:16 AM #11
rule of thumb in advice I give is double the figure for what ever your buying. for the reason in the pond world. I agree with you 100% gaz. take a pump say an 8000lph. when I tested my pump on a bucket test the other year my pump
was only flowing 6000lph. as an example. had to go out and buy a 15000lph pump tested that and it was giving me 12000lph. familyman if I remember right opened my eyes to that one.
I would like to see that to. of a manufacturer running stocked ponds using there equipment. there would probably be quite a few court cases.
fred
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16-04-2020, 07:54 AM #12
Pump manufacturers tend to appear to be ‘honest’ by often having a graph showing the flow at differing head heights. However these don’t account for any resistance from your pipework both to and from the pump, you never get what they claim as with most of these things...
7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif
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freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
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16-04-2020, 10:10 PM #13
Right, photo dump time!
To begin with, there pond location was an old rotten decking...
So I enlisted the younger brother to help tear that up...
Then I began digging the outer of the pond...
And a form was built ready to pour the concrete collar...
7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif
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freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
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16-04-2020, 10:12 PM #14
Concrete pouring in progress...
The cement mixer that I had booked was cancelled due to coronavirus, so old suitcases were used as mixing trays...
Then more digging, this time to the actual depth of the pond, with assistance from dad with the mattock (the sleepers are there to stop the dog treading in the concrete) ...
And the bottom drain and pipework channel begun...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif
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16-04-2020, 10:15 PM #15
And that brings us to today!
Digging in the filter are has been completed, and paving laid as a base...
For reference, this is where the filtration is tucked away...
And I was also very pleased to find that the two holes I dug did indeed meet in the middle, and the pipework fits! The hole is actually straight, it’s just the pipe on the lean...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif
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17-04-2020, 05:22 AM #16
Looking good mate great progress.
Like the thinking on your feet.
With regards to the suitcase cement mixing.
How many gallons is the pond going to be..
And are you saucing all the gear you need with this virus going on.
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17-04-2020, 07:38 AM #17
Cheers freddyboy!
It was an unconventional mixing method, but beats waiting another 5+ weeks before any progress could be made, and it worked surprisingly well!
It’s looking like it’ll be in the ballpark of 1590 gallons, accounting for dishing of the bottom towards the drain. That’s based on an average depth of 1.25 meters, where some will be slightly shallower and some slightly deeper. I’d be interested to get an inline water meter for an exact figure once filling!
As for getting all the parts, some has been ordered online. I have to visit a branch of the company I work for every 1/2 weeks to pick up saltwater for my reef tank, so as that’s an essential trip I’ve been picking up some extra bits while I’m there. And finally, the store I work in is shut currently, but we still have to go in to water change everything, feed, and health check so I can pick stuff up while I’m there too. So far there has been nothing I can’t get my hands on, touch wood
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLast edited by HCairns; 17-04-2020 at 02:12 PM. Reason: Spelling like a 3 year old
7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif
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17-04-2020, 07:48 AM #18
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Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
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17-04-2020, 08:49 AM #19
Nice one mate, good luck with your build ...
2200 gallons,infinity window,
Evolve 4k combi,spindrifter,
2x20k pumps, BD,Skimmer,
Shower, ASHP
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18-04-2020, 01:57 PM #20
Running heater at low temp?
Covering the pond with polycarb should be enough to stop water temps dipping below 6C for the most...