Welcome to Koi Forum. Is this your first visit? Register
TuffX Glass
Page 1 of 14 12311 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 278
  1. #1
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301

    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.



  2. Thanks Ajm, freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  3. #2
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion Ajm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Durham
    Posts
    11,220
    Thanks / Likes
    21136
    Quote Originally Posted by HCairns View Post
    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.
    Can you not get a second hand 220 as I dont believe a pod will get you any where near dont listen to dealer numbers on what itll handle

    Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
    Freddyboy the legend

    "we are water keepers first"

    Johnathan

  4. Thanks HCairns, freddyboy, Gazkoi Thanked / Liked this Post
  5. #3
    Senior Member Rank = Kyusai Rapleyr's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Cambs
    Posts
    924
    Thanks / Likes
    1046
    I agree.

    I had an easypod on a 1000 litre grow on tank and that needed a clean every three/four days


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  6. Thanks HCairns, freddyboy, Gazkoi Thanked / Liked this Post
  7. #4
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    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.

  8. Thanks Ajm, freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  9. #5
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion Ajm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Durham
    Posts
    11,220
    Thanks / Likes
    21136
    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 Tapatalk
    Freddyboy the legend

    "we are water keepers first"

    Johnathan

  10. Thanks HCairns, freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  11. #6
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    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.

  12. #7
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion freddyboy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    11,123
    Thanks / Likes
    17023
    Quote Originally Posted by HCairns View Post
    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.
    easy pods are classed as mechanical filters in the koi world. I had 2x easy pod on my old pond.

  13. Thanks Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
  14. #8
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Gazkoi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Location
    Tividale
    Posts
    1,654
    Thanks / Likes
    3235
    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

    Gaz
    Hobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.

    Always happy to help!!

  15. Thanks Ajm, HCairns, freddyboy, RS2OOO Thanked / Liked this Post
  16. #9
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    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...

  17. Thanks Gazkoi, Ajm, freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  18. #10
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301

    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

  19. Thanks Ajm, freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  20. #11
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion freddyboy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    11,123
    Thanks / Likes
    17023
    Quote Originally Posted by Gazkoi View Post
    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

    Gaz
    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

  21. Thanks Gazkoi, HCairns, Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
  22. #12
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    Quote Originally Posted by freddyboy View Post
    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
    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

  23. Thanks freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  24. #13
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    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

  25. Thanks freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  26. #14
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    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 Tapatalk
    7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
    Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif

  27. Thanks Ajm, freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  28. #15
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    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 Tapatalk
    7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
    Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif

  29. Thanks Ajm, freddyboy, Gazkoi, smartin, RS2OOO Thanked / Liked this Post
  30. #16
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion freddyboy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    11,123
    Thanks / Likes
    17023
    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.

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

  31. Thanks Gazkoi, Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
  32. #17
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    Quote Originally Posted by freddyboy View Post
    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.

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
    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 HCairns's 7500l Sleeper Build


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last 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

  33. Thanks freddyboy, Ajm, smartin Thanked / Liked this Post
  34. #18
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion freddyboy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    11,123
    Thanks / Likes
    17023
    Quote Originally Posted by HCairns View Post
    Cheers freddyboy!

    It was an unconventional mixing method, but beats waiting another 5+ weeks before any progress could be made, and it worked surprising 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 HCairns's 7500l Sleeper Build


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Nice one keep at it mate. Looking good.
    Also nice to be able to get your hands on gear when required. Love watching new builds lol. Keep the photos coming
    Fred

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

  35. Thanks Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
  36. #19
    Senior Member Rank = Mature Champion smartin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    East Sussex
    Posts
    2,464
    Thanks / Likes
    5204
    Nice one mate, good luck with your build ...
    2200 gallons,infinity window,
    Evolve 4k combi,spindrifter,
    2x20k pumps, BD,Skimmer,
    Shower, ASHP

  37. Thanks Ajm, HCairns, freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
  38. #20
    Senior Member Rank = Yonsai HCairns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    West Sussex
    Posts
    151
    Thanks / Likes
    301
    New toy acquired...

    7500L semi-raised sleeper pond
    Build thread: http://bit.ly/3bFxKif

  39. Thanks freddyboy, Ajm, samp09, smartin Thanked / Liked this Post
 

 
Page 1 of 14 12311 ... LastLast

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:12 PM. Online Koi Mag Forum
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3
Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

vBulletin Improved By vBFoster® (Lite Version), © UltimateScheme, Ltd.