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  1. #1

    Spin drifter options?

    Hi all,
    just starting a pond build, the system has been designed by a pond builder/supplier for me to do as a diy project, happy with everything in terms of filtration, liner etc but he’s adamant I need a spin drifter bottom drain with the air kit, I fully understand the thinking that for fish well-being this is the right setup but the pond is only 9ft x 5ft with a volume of 1260 gallon, I’m a bit concerned I’m going to end up building a jacuzzi with fish in that I won’t be able to see, definitely going with a bottom drain and gravity fed system, just wondering if a standard bottom drain and air stones or some other form of aeration, isn’t a better option? As the fella has pointed out, this means pipes in the pond but I can’t help thinking the spin drifter is overkill, not to mention by the time you’ve bought all the extra bits required, they’re bloody expensive!
    any thoughts before I make the order?
    thanks
    paul.



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  3. #2
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Gazkoi's Avatar
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    Hi Paul,

    Spindrifters or the JBR version remain the drain of choice for most keepers.

    Remember the air can always be turned off and for most of the year may not be needed. As you may know increased aeration is usually required on very hot days, pre-storm and during some chemical treatments due to oxygen level depletion.

    Whatever you decide FO NOT INSTALL A CHEAP DRAIN - this is the last thing you will want to fail and it will keep you awake at night...

    Additional and unnecessary pipework / equipment in ponds only serves to help the self harming darlings to injure themselves so again fully consider this.

    Depending upon your filtration options/ preference this could be a way of adding oxygen.

    Hsppy to help with advice or equipment sourcing if needed mate as I have done for many EKF members now.

    Cheers

    Gaz

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul burt View Post
    Hi all,
    just starting a pond build, the system has been designed by a pond builder/supplier for me to do as a diy project, happy with everything in terms of filtration, liner etc but he’s adamant I need a spin drifter bottom drain with the air kit, I fully understand the thinking that for fish well-being this is the right setup but the pond is only 9ft x 5ft with a volume of 1260 gallon, I’m a bit concerned I’m going to end up building a jacuzzi with fish in that I won’t be able to see, definitely going with a bottom drain and gravity fed system, just wondering if a standard bottom drain and air stones or some other form of aeration, isn’t a better option? As the fella has pointed out, this means pipes in the pond but I can’t help thinking the spin drifter is overkill, not to mention by the time you’ve bought all the extra bits required, they’re bloody expensive!
    any thoughts before I make the order?
    thanks
    paul.
    Hobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.

    Always happy to help!!

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  5. #3
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Mikeh83's Avatar
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    I agree with Gaz. It’s one of my regrets not adding one. Yes they are expensive and also can require maintenance from what I have read (cleaning the bladder) but there will definitely be one on my new pond.

    When I go out and look in the pond and I see air hoses/ stones in my beautifully polished clear water it’s disappointing.

    That’s Ideal having someone design it for you. Why don’t you share the design as there could be other ideas/ suggestions


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  7. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Gazkoi View Post
    Hi Paul,

    Spindrifters or the JBR version remain the drain of choice for most keepers.

    Remember the air can always be turned off and for most of the year may not be needed. As you may know increased aeration is usually required on very hot days, pre-storm and during some chemical treatments due to oxygen level depletion.

    Whatever you decide FO NOT INSTALL A CHEAP DRAIN - this is the last thing you will want to fail and it will keep you awake at night...

    Additional and unnecessary pipework / equipment in ponds only serves to help the self harming darlings to injure themselves so again fully consider this.

    Depending upon your filtration options/ preference this could be a way of adding oxygen.

    Hsppy to help with advice or equipment sourcing if needed mate as I have done for many EKF members now.

    Cheers

    Gaz
    thanks gaz, tbh I didn’t consider the turn off option☺️
    filtration is by way of an easy pod, 75llph air pump, 55 watt uv with the return coming in below water level, air pump will supply the defuser plus flush the pod as and when, fella knows his stuff and is supplying all the gear at very good prices so it’s not really a money thing it’s more what it’ll be like when it’s running full on, is there a valve I could put in the air line to gag it a bit if it was a bit to much?

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  9. #5
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Mikeh83's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gazkoi View Post

    Happy to help with advice or equipment sourcing if needed mate as I have done for many EKF members now.

    Cheers

    Gaz
    I can recommend Gaz as a trusted dealer Spin drifter options? he knows his stuff and his happy to share his years of knowledge and experience.

    Supporting real dealers helps keeps this knowledge available. The countless times I have been on the end of the phone to Gaz for help and advise I’m surprised he has not started charging me.

    Yes you may find things a couple of pounds cheaper on Amazon but will they come with aftercare Spin drifter options?


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  11. #6
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Mikeh83's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Paul burt View Post
    thanks gaz, tbh I didn’t consider the turn off optionSpin drifter options?
    filtration is by way of an easy pod, 75llph air pump, 55 watt uv with the return coming in below water level, air pump will supply the defuser plus flush the pod as and when, fella knows his stuff and is supplying all the gear at very good prices so it’s not really a money thing it’s more what it’ll be like when it’s running full on, is there a valve I could put in the air line to gag it a bit if it was a bit to much?
    I’m not questioning your guys knowledge or experience but 55w uv seems overkill imo, also to recommend an easy pod as the sole filtration is likely going to cause you issues as the bio capacity is really not upto much when it comes to koi ponds they also suffer with fines a lot!

    I would definitely consider a combi drum for the ease of maintenance if budget allows and if it doesn’t maybe wait until it does

    Again I talk from experience here I started with a pod and very soon upgraded to a drum.


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  13. #7
    Hi mike
    budget is very much the number one on the list, our lass already thinks I’ve lost my marbles!
    the fella actually suggested a drum but they’re so expensive in comparison, I know you get what you pay for but we’ve agreed I go for a basic setup to start as I’ve plenty of room to add further filtration if required, maybe a bacishower will go in at some point, thing is initially the pond will be very lightly stocked with small koi and a few goldfish from a small pond so I can improve the setup as the fish grow, that’s the plan anyway

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  15. #8
    Here is an alternative take on the bottom drain. Just for info and interest.

    The option below is one I came up with in the 90s and have used again in my newer build.
    It is not used by anyone else as far as I can tell, but the rationale is as follows:

    • Waste is sucked up into the drain rather than falling down into it. If it can suck it up, it can pull it through and you shouldn't get blockages.
    • If you do need access, removing the elbow gives direct and straight access to the 110mm pipework.
    • It costs much less than a conventional BD, but that wasn't my main motivation.

    The limitations are that:
    • The pond floor has to be contoured and shaped from the outset to fit this type of drain as you can see below.
    • It doesn't lend itself naturally to built in aeration, but it could have been added if I had been inclined.




    When it comes to aeration I am again in a minority (perhaps a minority of one ).
    For aesthetic reasons** we chose not to have visible signs that our pond is an outdoor aquarium and that means no columns of bubbles.
    For that reason a non-aerated BD was not an issue for us (there is a lot of aeration in the filter system itself).
    We do have a large (8 inch) weighted air diffuser, hose and pump on hand for use shoud they be necessary (KMnO4 treatments, etc), but this is kept separate and being removable will not ever be a maintenance or access problem.

    **
    Very much a personal choice and I not suggesting this choice is right or any better than any other.
    Last edited by Ukzero; 14-02-2021 at 11:07 AM.
    My DIY ponds from 1988 until present day.
    All can be found here:
    https://www.ukzero.com/pond.htm

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  17. #9
    Senior Member Rank = Jussai Djstiles999's Avatar
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    Maybe a second hand drum or a bigger Nexus, say a 200/210/220, easy pods are to the best tbh

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  19. #10
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion Ajm's Avatar
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    Bcc has just touched on this on a different thread with a 1000gal pond and it being to much air.
    A airlift return is a option for airation
    Davec had just made a 1m long airpipe on the out side of pond with taps and various depth hoses and stones yes you will see them but if using 4mm pipe how much are you really going to see. It's all about preference. I don't like the air drain look I had a retro one fitted and never liked it but all this is just my opinion mate it's your pond and you have to do what's best for you.. As Dj says better off with a second hand 220 and get a draco later on to drop in

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  21. #11
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Gazkoi's Avatar
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    Thanks Mike - that’s really nice of you to say.

    Cheers

    Gaz

    Quote Originally Posted by Mikeh83 View Post
    I can recommend Gaz as a trusted dealer Spin drifter options? he knows his stuff and his happy to share his years of knowledge and experience.

    Supporting real dealers helps keeps this knowledge available. The countless times I have been on the end of the phone to Gaz for help and advise I’m surprised he has not started charging me.

    Yes you may find things a couple of pounds cheaper on Amazon but will they come with aftercare Spin drifter options?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Hobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.

    Always happy to help!!

  22. #12
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Gazkoi's Avatar
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    Hi mate

    personally I would not rely on a Pod for 1260 gallons. I would also not rely on will power to prevent overstocking as this will break in no time - it nearly always does..

    Definitely go bigger on the Bio mate or as a minimum future proof for easy later additions- you will not regret this.

    Cheers

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

    Always happy to help!!

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