Results 1 to 5 of 5
Thread: Skimmer pipework advice please
-
15-07-2020, 02:15 PM #1
Skimmer pipework advice please
Hi.
I am designing a new system and I am wondering why many designs seem to have independent systems for the skimmer and the bottom drain.
I am think about something like this ...
Skimmer into main.jpg
The skimmer joins the main 4" bottom drain, before going into a sieve ... filter ... UV and back to the pond.
From a point of rest (pump off), this should be stable? Once the pump is on, the it should draw from the skimmer and the bottom drain ... to give the flow. I am considering a valve near the skimmer that I can use to adjust the balance between the two sources, or even isolate the skimmer completely.
What am I missing?
Thanks.
Skimmer into main.pdfSkimmer into main.pdf
-
15-07-2020, 02:48 PM #2
I suspect that you wouldn't get an even pull on both.
-
15-07-2020, 02:49 PM #3
The problem is that you need to balance the suction just right as one will always overpower the other.
I had this design originally On my 1000gallon pond but luckily had a gate valve on each So was able to balance the flow until I separated them to separate sieve on the skimmer & drum on the drain
-
15-07-2020, 03:00 PM #4
Not a great idea as you will reduce the flow on the bottom drain.
-
15-07-2020, 03:50 PM #5
Sounds good but in practice doesn’t work very well, you are also reducing the turn over to what you can get through one 4”pipe.
if you decide to alter anything later you will be more Ltd.
i have two bottom drain and skimmer going into a drum and now think it may be better to take the skimmer off.
Get more draw from the bottom drains and the skimmer.
Running heater at low temp?
Covering the pond with polycarb should be enough to stop water temps dipping below 6C for the most...