Results 1 to 20 of 21
Thread: Total newbie help and advice
-
25-08-2021, 11:31 AM #1
Total newbie help and advice
Good morning All ,
I was looking for some advice and help if possible, I have inherited Koi from my father in law. It’s something he loved and has passed on to me which l have never ever looked after at all and want to make sure I do it right.
I have 12 Koi ranging from 15 inch - 22 inch, I have the builders in my garden now building a 10ft wide x 8ft Long x 5ft (deepest) - 3ft (shallow) pond, it will also have a small little pond above it with a fountain running into the main pond which l have roughly made around 12’500 litres of water.
I have managed to retrieve the Pro Pond UV110 filter system to use and the filtration system will be put above ground in the garage to the rear of the pond (I have attached a photo to help you get an idea)
The help and advice l really need is to what is the best type of filtration system and pump to use along side the Uv filter l have, also would be very keen on any advice for looking after the fish, (I don’t really want plants or greenery in the pond so looking at other ways to aerate and oxygen rate the pond too)
I have a budget of around £1500 which l will need to complete everything for filter/pump/piping and anything else l may need, I have seen the K1 micro bead filter as l think l will need a pressurised filter but again not sure if l can use that with my UV filter ?
I really am a bit blind coming into this but I really want to do my father in law proud and look after these fish, I’m based in Gloucester so if their is any advice near by and suppliers that would be great
Last edited by Mwesty1; 25-08-2021 at 11:40 AM. Reason: Location
-
dbs Thanked / Liked this Post
-
25-08-2021, 05:27 PM #2
Have a read though the site builds for some more info but just a quick help post . . .
Please rethink and add a bottom drain to pond during build
Scrap pressure filter you will regret it
1500 you will be able to get a second hand nexus 320 with drop in draco drum from a pond closure
Keep bead and run if after nexus
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkFreddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
dbs Thanked / Liked this Post
-
25-08-2021, 06:16 PM #3
Agree. Reconsider pressure filters there just not up to the job. While pond is being built a bottom drain is highly recommended. Almost a must for a keen koi keeper.
You need mechanical filtration aswell as adequate bio filtration. Bio filtration being the big big must! Can’t stress to you enough how important a adequate bio filtration system is. With this the more the better, any koi keeper will tell you that.
Also agree a nexus with drop in draco will handle that pond capacity.
Gravity fed Bottom drain will be the best way to go ahead.
-
25-08-2021, 06:32 PM #4
Ditto what the others say, best bang for buck and would be good with your budget
Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk
-
Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
-
25-08-2021, 07:17 PM #5
Right guys thank you for replying, I have been bing watching YouTube’s videos and reading reviews all day and can’t believe the options out their. I believe I can still add a bottom drain (not sure how to add photos on here)
I thought pressurised filter would of been the best option due to the distance away from the pond but when seeing others it’s not far at all.
The budget l have is for everything for the system so I think the nexus would be out of my reach, is there any other suggestions.
I will research the gravity fed bottom drain if that’s what you guys think would be best.
-
25-08-2021, 08:09 PM #6
I feel you can still do the nexus mate get one second hand 350 ish the bottom drain doesn't have to be a expensive 250 ones I've got a 20 quid kk one off ebay as do a couple other members on here . Go second hand and keep looking I recon you will have change left over .
My whole pond is around the 1200 mark now including fish filter brick work pumps the lot started off at 600 but was never happy pump fed so pulled the liner out and did it all over loads better now
Just finished the filter box bar adding some roof felt on and some wood work over the top to make it like pretty or at least I think it dose
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkFreddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
25-08-2021, 09:16 PM #7
Super I will have a look round and see what l can find, I would like to keep this updated and ask any questions l come across, how do you post pictures ?
Also lm having a small little pond built over the main pool to use as a fountain, would this mean l wouldn’t need an air blower to the filter as the fountain would aeriate the pond enough ?
-
25-08-2021, 09:38 PM #8
It would help with oxygen but you can get a jebao 35 new for around 50 60 quid and I would advise getting one heat and thunder storms can leave fish in a very bad way if not enough oxygen in the water mate . . If going down the nexus route you'll need one for the bio movin bed
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkLast edited by Ajm; 25-08-2021 at 10:36 PM.
Freddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
dbs Thanked / Liked this Post
-
26-08-2021, 10:02 AM #9
Super I have downloaded Tap talk so I can give you guys a clue where I am in building.
I’m really getting confused on what I need and don’t need….I don’t want to mess this up.
Currently this is where I am, as you can see the block on the right would be where the pumps will run to the garage
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
dbs Thanked / Liked this Post
-
26-08-2021, 10:11 AM #10
-
26-08-2021, 10:15 AM #11Freddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
dbs Thanked / Liked this Post
-
26-08-2021, 10:17 AM #12
Get a bottom drain in mate
-
Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
-
26-08-2021, 10:19 AM #13
On the back wall watch where those blocks go from flats to uprights as crap will sit there and remember to build those 90 corners out . Are you adding insulation? . . A bottom drain will be ideal in there I have bowled My pond similar to yours. . Are you having mid level returns aswell as the top pond as wind chill over winter can be a big problem to falling exposed water
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkLast edited by Ajm; 26-08-2021 at 10:30 AM.
Freddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
dbs Thanked / Liked this Post
-
26-08-2021, 10:52 AM #14
Their is going to be a sand screening going around the 90 degrees areas and the back wall, l have been told to use an old carpet to help with the roundness before the lining goes down to give everything that smooth dome.
Am I aiming toward the picture below with the drain as l cant see now how a bottom drain would be able to go underneath the pool and feed into the garage area ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
dbs Thanked / Liked this Post
-
26-08-2021, 10:55 AM #15
Retro drains are OK but at your stage mate do it full blown drain core drill garage floor and undermine the wall
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkFreddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
dbs Thanked / Liked this Post
-
26-08-2021, 03:36 PM #16
Right after talking to the builder the work l need doing to add a bottom drain is to much of a cost for me.
So I have had to accept this as lm already £13k into this already with patio having to be done to to fit the pond in.
So I’m coming to making the decisions now, I’ve looked and a must is a retro drain, does this now mean l have to have a pump in the pond ?
I’ve seen the AUTO PFC 20000 filter system which lm hoping to run along side my UV110 filter.
Is what lm looking to achieve looking like something below or am l wrong
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
26-08-2021, 04:08 PM #17
Have a look at the draco retro drain . If you 3inch pipe and have to though the wall as long as its below water level to can still run gravity fed which will always be better than pump fed . Cost wise 20 25 for a bd get the normal 110mm pipe from tool station maybe 100 notes all in fitting bends sealants . Then yeah a couple hours labour to undermine and drill but that's not bad and will make all the difference in the world believe me . Also running retro and In pond pipe work is more for fish to hurt them selves on
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkFreddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
dbs, Twhitenosugar Thanked / Liked this Post
-
26-08-2021, 05:38 PM #18
Your drawing has a mid level return on a gravity return watch for back pressure and you'll have to run it 110mm I think but others will know better
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkFreddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
26-08-2021, 06:11 PM #19
After looking at the measurements the filter will be higher than the water level as it will be in the garage and on a shelf.
I’m popping to the local world of water tomorrow as l really do want to make sure I have a drain even if it retro, without a diagram or someone to draw the process out I’m totally confused.
I know l would like a retro drain with hopefully a built in air diffuser, if l could get that to run off the same pump that would be perfect. I don’t mind maintenance at all, l just need to make sure it’s what I can afford and done before I put any fish in.
I have ordered PH test, temp test, ammonia tests today
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
26-08-2021, 06:14 PM #20Freddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
-
Mwesty1 Thanked / Liked this Post
Running heater at low temp?
Covering the pond with polycarb should be enough to stop water temps dipping below 6C for the most...