Thread: Changing from gravity to pump fed

I know, usually people do it the other way around! But after 7+ years of good ol' gravity fed I feel its time for a simpler method. This wasn't done on a whim, but decided many months ago. Some reasons being; the space where the filter is is very cramped, making changing the pump annoying, which is something I've never done and am not particularly interested (had people do this for me but they have since moved away or become too old). Rats tend to love making nests behind the filter, a space I can't reach, and I'd like the space back.

Is it a big job to alter the pond for pump fed? What must be done? I'll likely get someone in to do it.

What filter would you recommend? Pond is approx. 5663.37 litres when full. Its pretty much ingrained in me not to get pressure filters. Are box filters the way to go? I've looked on Shirley Aquatics, but the pricing is weird, going from £175 and jumping to £700'ish... My budget would be £300 max. Currently have two koi, one blue orfe, and the other four being goldfish.

On a side note I have a bit of an issue with the UV unit, in that it won't stop leaking, therefore the pump isn't doing anything. Have the air pump on 24/7 though. I dare not risk fiddling with bypassing the UV as if I run into difficulty with putting a new pipe from pump to pond, I would be quite screwed and have to pay someone to come out asap. This is partly why I want pump fed, as everything is above ground and far easier to deal with problems. The fish seem healthy enough, and I'll continue to do water changes.

Hi Ryda,

My pond is about the same volume as yours & pump fed. I would give anything to be gravity fed but at my age cannot justify the expense and the work to change over. My advice would be to think again, you will regret changing over as it will lead to extra work cleaning filters and the pump, which can be difficult to remove & clean, the filter will need weekly attention.

If you must make the change, your correct to say that pressure filters are not suitable, these are "pet shop" filters and only suitable for puddles!! Box filters are not much better. In order to maintain healthy & clear water I would recommend the Kockney Koi 100000 multibay.

Consider repairing / replacing the UV & persevering, you will not regret it.


Brian.

Originally Posted by samp09

I would imagine something like an Easy pod would probably be sufficient for your pond to be honest and it wouldn't be overly difficult. My guess would be you would have to drain down the pond entirely and then possibly replace the liner as unless you can block the bottom drain effectively at the highest point where the water goes into it from the pond, otherwise you are going to have a stagnant tunnel under the pond full of crap which will be a ticking time bomb for bacteria to build up.
The other option would be to leave the bottom drain and pipe to the filter bay then have a ball joint there which you can then purge to waste to keep it clean when you do water changes.

It would then be a case of adding a pump on the lowest part of the pond up to the filter which would be above pond level and then flow via gravity back to the pond but in all honestly you will probably find the clarity suffers and it isn't as good as a gravity fed system, but if its what needs to be done then thats a couple of options. Pictures of the pond would help though

I'd rather not replace the liner as it was the expensive, thick rubber one. Don't see leaving the drain open and using the ball joint to drain it as an option as I want to fill the area where the filter is.

I'm aware pump fed isn't as good, but that's fine as I don't plan to replenish the fish above say four or five.

What pictures of the pond did you want? I've probably got some of it empty, some of the filter, and maybe one when it was full.

Hi Ryda,

My pond is about the same volume as yours & pump fed. I would give anything to be gravity fed but at my age cannot justify the expense and the work to change over. My advice would be to think again, you will regret changing over as it will lead to extra work cleaning filters and the pump, which can be difficult to remove & clean, the filter will need weekly attention.

If you must make the change, your correct to say that pressure filters are not suitable, these are "pet shop" filters and only suitable for puddles!! Box filters are not much better. In order to maintain healthy & clear water I would recommend the Kockney Koi 100000 multibay.

Consider repairing / replacing the UV & persevering, you will not regret it.


Brian.

I have had this on my mind for about a year. I can't say I've had any second thoughts. I'm dialling down this hobby. I don't want as many fish. I will not be replacing them, and plan on keeping a small number of around four. I haven't completely lost interest, but it has waned.

I agree with Brian. I don't really understand your logic as you will be spending money on installing a setup that will likely involve more effort to keep clean.

Just out of interest what is your current filter set up?

Sent from my Pixel 8 using Tapatalk

As I've said earlier, I won't be replenishing the fish above a small number. My overall goal is to have a hybrid pond, aka more plants and less fish. The pump, costing around £250 for a new one plus a new UV filter would set me above my budget. Couple that with installing costs, something which I have no interest in doing myself. (I say the pump as I think its nearing the end of its life.) EDIT: Tbh I don't know the cost of changing the system compared to the above so maybe I shouldn't be so hasty in assuming costs!

Current filter setup? Its just an eazypod into a UV filter that's now discontinued, although I can say its a pond clear advantage UV 25. From there it goes back into the pond.