Garden Pond Forum http://www.gardenpondforum.com/ en Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:46:38 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gardenpondforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Garden Pond Forum http://www.gardenpondforum.com/ Bottom Drain Piped to Sieve Filter http://www.gardenpondforum.com/bottom-drain-piped-sieve-filter-t6559.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:16:21 GMT Here is a link to a product that can be used as a pre filter for water coming from bottom drains. Any thoughts on it's effectiveness on removing solids before they are pumped up to the biofiter? This would be used instead of a large settling tank. We've sort of put the project on hold for the time being until we get this thing engineered properly. My contractor has never built a pond this large and is open to whatever is appropriate. It's part of a watergarden, so most everything needs to be hidden. If this product peaked my interest!

http://www.russellwatergardens.com/F...Pond-Sieve.php ]]> malatu http://www.gardenpondforum.com/bottom-drain-piped-sieve-filter-t6559.html DIY Filter Help http://www.gardenpondforum.com/diy-filter-help-t6558.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:34:27 GMT I would like to add a filter to my current setup. What I have now is a small Tetra Pond Waterfall Filter in a 550 Gallon pond, 10 small fish, 2 koi,... I would like to add a filter to my current setup. What I have now is a small Tetra Pond Waterfall Filter in a 550 Gallon pond, 10 small fish, 2 koi, 6 shubunkins, and 2 comets.

I use 1-1/4" hose going to and from my pump, if I run this to the inlet of my DIY filter can I run two of them for the outlet instead of one 2"? I would like to still use the waterfall filter. Also what size DIY filter do you think would be good 32 gallon Brute, 20 Gallon Brute?

My water is clear and the parameters are perfect, but my fish are all still small and I am looking to the future.

I have attached a photo that I hope will help show you where I would like to place the filter.





Thanks Dave
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: Copy of My Pond as of 9-4-2010.jpg Views: N/A Size: 143.8 KB ID: 3923  
]]> DIY - Do It Yourself koisRus http://www.gardenpondforum.com/diy-filter-help-t6558.html Missing fish reappearing after two weeks http://www.gardenpondforum.com/missing-fish-reappearing-after-two-weeks-t6556.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:08:34 GMT Hi: We have not seen one of our Shubunkins "Ladybug" for the past two weeks. Our pond is 2400 gals and there are a lot of places to hide including the rock wall below the waterfall that has small openings. We just assumed after several days and no sign of her that a raccoon got it. There are some hanging around the side yard etc. Anyway tonight at feeding time there she was along with the other 50 or so goldfish at the top of the water gulping down the chow. How in the world could she disappear, and the pond water is pretty clear, for TWO WEEKS and then reappear. She does look a lot slimmer as well. My wife thinks it is nothing short of a miracle as it was her favorite and it was like a member of the family dying. She actually thought I went out and bought another Shubunkin that looked like 'Ladybug' . Has anyone else had one of their fish disappear for that long of a time and show up. We wonder if she was hanging out somewhere having babies as well. Thanks ]]> bobsox http://www.gardenpondforum.com/missing-fish-reappearing-after-two-weeks-t6556.html Hello to all http://www.gardenpondforum.com/hello-all-t6555.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:52:28 GMT Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and have decided to build an approximate 500 gallon goldfish pond. I had about the same size pond built for... Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and have decided to build an approximate 500 gallon goldfish pond. I had about the same size pond built for several years until I got rid of it approximately 5 years ago. Between trying to build a reliable homemade filtration system and the local Heron that kept eating my fish I just threw in the towel and gave up. I have realized that I miss it and am returning to the hobby with a renewed determination to get this one right. So hopefully this forum can help me overcome some of these obstacles and at the same time I can make some new friends and share some stories. ]]> Introductions pkennedy http://www.gardenpondforum.com/hello-all-t6555.html my fish are always hiding :( http://www.gardenpondforum.com/my-fish-always-hiding-t6554.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:08:08 GMT So I recently inherited a koi pond with the house I bought. Not knowing what I was doing I put too much of a cleansing chemical and killed two out of... So I recently inherited a koi pond with the house I bought. Not knowing what I was doing I put too much of a cleansing chemical and killed two out of the six fish I had. I have changed the water several times and the four remaining fish seem healthy except for the fact that they constantly hide. They used to come out only when I fed them but it seems like they are barely even doing that anymore. Where they are hiding is behind a flap of the liner which seems redundant, should I cut the flap so they can't hide there anymore? I don't really want to do that but my wife really used to like watching the fish swim around and thinks I should cut it. Is there anything else I can do that would make them happier and more playful like they used to be without taking away their hiding place? Any advice on this or any tips in general would be great. Thank you so much for any help. ]]> drewski255 http://www.gardenpondforum.com/my-fish-always-hiding-t6554.html Adding a Filter http://www.gardenpondforum.com/adding-filter-t6553.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:45:36 GMT I am looking to add a filter to my setup, currently I have a small waterfall filter, which is working fine, water parameters are perfect and water is... I am looking to add a filter to my setup, currently I have a small waterfall filter, which is working fine, water parameters are perfect and water is clear, but my fish are all small so I want to prepare for the future. My pond is 550 Gallons with 10 small fish, 2 of which are koi.

I was looking to use a brute trash can either a 20 gallon or a 32 gallon. Any help would be appreciated.

If needed I can try to post a pic or two,

Thanks, Dave ]]> koisRus http://www.gardenpondforum.com/adding-filter-t6553.html Pond liner type and sources http://www.gardenpondforum.com/pond-liner-type-and-sources-t6552.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:37:35 GMT Hi,

I am "upgrading" my tiny pond (digging it all up and starting over) and I was wanting to know what type of liner would be best (with cost consideration) for a 27LX16WX4D pond with a 5' waterfall at one end. I am figuring a liner (hopefully one piece) that is 35'X 45'. I live in Lebanon, Oregon (Near Albany). Does anyone have any ideas on the type, EPDM, etc. and a source that is as reasonable as possible anywhere in my general area (Salem to Eugene) or somewhere that ships where the shipping isn't more than the liner :)

I will be keeping Koi and possible Goldfsh in the pond with plants, etc.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Steven ]]> kiaya611 http://www.gardenpondforum.com/pond-liner-type-and-sources-t6552.html Filter leaking http://www.gardenpondforum.com/filter-leaking-t6551.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:19:45 GMT Didnt wait for hubby to get around and make me a filter so I made my own out of a 5 gallon bucket, the 1 1/2 " intake is at the top and 1 1/2 at the bottom.I put a lid on it and a very large rock on the lid so the lid wouldn't blow to kingdom come and now its dripping what did I do wrong? ]]> Garden Pond Talk okiee http://www.gardenpondforum.com/filter-leaking-t6551.html Above ground pump motor change http://www.gardenpondforum.com/above-ground-pump-motor-change-t6550.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:09:40 GMT I have a Hayward sp-2000-z-3 above ground pump. Was getting it out to run my barrel filters. After plugging it in and testing it out before I hooked... I have a Hayward sp-2000-z-3 above ground pump. Was getting it out to run my barrel filters. After plugging it in and testing it out before I hooked it up. I noticed loud grinding and right away that a bearing dried out and rusted.

Took it completely apart and and had a question. I run into motors constanly at auctions. Will any basic 1 phase 120v motor work? Or are they different? Don't rememeber the GPH but it was a lot. If I put a 1/2 HP or lower RPM motor in, will that help lower my GPH if I wanted?

Thanks, Kenneth. ]]> KennethO http://www.gardenpondforum.com/above-ground-pump-motor-change-t6550.html Introduction http://www.gardenpondforum.com/introduction-t6549.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:04:33 GMT My name is Sandra. I have lots of interests but my favorite topic is my garden and koi pond. I will post pictures when I have more time. I have a... My name is Sandra. I have lots of interests but my favorite topic is my garden and koi pond. I will post pictures when I have more time. I have a fairly large pond that is about 4 years old now. The pond is 16' long, 9' across and 4' deep. I dug it myself and put it together. I did the initial thing that most beginners do and added far too many 2-3 inch koi . O'kay,(head hung shuffling feet) 23 to be exact. Lots of initial spikes in balance of immature pond but unbelievably I did not lose but one fish the first year. The second year a couple of racoons got about 12 of the fish and now I have about 12 left. All of which are over 12inches. I have a pressure flow laguna external bio filter with UV 3200 with submersable pump in one end and a smaller system in the other end. I suspect that I still have too many fish as my ammonia levels are high right now. I'm thinking that with the size of the fish I have, 6 might be better. I have lots of plants inside the pond at the edges and sunlight about 2-3 hours a day. No problem with string algae or blanket weed and the water is clear but I do get leaves and debri from a neighbors nasty privet tree..Yuk! Could the rise in ammonia levels be due more to that than the fish waste? I clean the foam filters once a week but never touch the bio media. Is there a good vacuum system for sucking up the muck and not disturbing the biology of my pond. I hate adding any chemicals as this seems to just disturb the natural ecology. Fish are thriving, never flash and seem very healthy and active. Should I reduce the amount of fish? I'll look at some threads for answers... ]]> Introductions Bighungryfish http://www.gardenpondforum.com/introduction-t6549.html Construction questions http://www.gardenpondforum.com/construction-questions-t6548.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:48:21 GMT Hi All,

I've started a backyard koi pond project and am looking for some advice on it's construction. The design will be a formal, raised pond (2.5' below ground & 1.5' above). I am about to pour footings which will be roughly on an 8'x4' perimeter. Based on these specs, I am anticipating a 900+ gallon pond. EPDM Liner will be used. My question is, will the "smaller" cement block support this pond or, do I have to move up to a standard size block? In either event, my plan is to use stone veneer to finish the design.

current project state…
http://picasaweb.google.ca/WeBeJesus/KoiPond#

Smaller Blocks…
http://www.themagnolias.co.uk/images...e_blocking.jpg


vs. Standard blocks…
http://www.outsideconnection.com/gal...s/P1010005.JPG



Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Peter ]]> Titaniumpete http://www.gardenpondforum.com/construction-questions-t6548.html Filter Plan http://www.gardenpondforum.com/filter-plan-t6547.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:20:49 GMT I'm planning to upgrade my current filter to a bigger two drum set up. Was two 20ish gallon totes.

First is the standard skippy upflow in a 55 gallon drum. Then overflowing threw a 90* elbow facing UP to collect more air before entering the second barrel. Second barrel will contain four 4"-8" pipes connected with a four way "+" that the water will flow into and be used as a 4 way trickle tower. The second barrel with contain only about 4 inches of water at the bottom before flowing threw another 90* elbow facing up to collect more air before it returns to the pond.

After pumped in. It will all be gravity fed. Plenty of air. May even add an air stone to the skippy if needed. Thinking of about a 1000 gph flow to keep the water in the barrels for about 3mins.

Would 2 inch pvc be able to handle a 1k gph gravity flow? or will It need to be 3 inch?

Since towers seem to have trouble with larger waste, I was going to use the skippy as a sort of prefilter for it.

The 4 inches of water in the second barrel is to aid in flushing, or it would be hard to clean it. Both will contain a 3 inch drain connected to a valve for flushing.

Any advice,ideas or problems noticed would be welcome. Thanks, Ken. ]]> DIY - Do It Yourself KennethO http://www.gardenpondforum.com/filter-plan-t6547.html <![CDATA[PL Polyurethane Concrete Crack & Masonry Sealer]]> http://www.gardenpondforum.com/pl-polyurethane-concrete-crack-and-masonry-sealer-t6546.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:08:33 GMT Anyone have any opinions on whether the PL Polyurethane Concrete Crack & Masonry Sealant is fish-safe? It appears to be very similar to the Roof & Flashing Sealant that everyone says is OK.

Which leaves me wondering - who decided the R&F Sealant is fish-safe anyway?

My wife won't let me use this until someone can verify that the Concrete Crack & Masonry stuff is OK too. It cures to a gray color, which would help me out with gluing some rocks into a spillway. ]]> DIY - Do It Yourself Telkwa http://www.gardenpondforum.com/pl-polyurethane-concrete-crack-and-masonry-sealer-t6546.html Hello http://www.gardenpondforum.com/hello-t6545.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:19:37 GMT Hello I am Nick, I live in Scottsdale AZ have been reading this forum for a few months now thought I should say hi and that this is a great forum! ... Hello
I am Nick, I live in Scottsdale AZ have been reading this forum for a few months now thought I should say hi and that this is a great forum!

I have about a 600 gallon pond with a 200 gallon stream in development.

I adopted 5 adult red eared sliders (3 female, 2 male) from the Phoenix Herpatological Society, they are a hoot! I have 2 plecos about 12 in each, one Koi named "Speedy" who is growing fast (went from 4 inches to 10 this year). He is the only Koi the turtles hadnt made their dinner yet :/

My pond mostly consists of Cattails and Hyencith for plants. Upon completion of my stream I plan to add more aquatic plants and fish (will be blocked off so the turtles cant enter it)

My friend and I dug the entire thing, it is 40 inches deep in the main part. I used EPDM liner throughout. I will have pictures this October I will be excited to share....it really integrates into my lawn well! ]]> Introductions NichrfUNLV http://www.gardenpondforum.com/hello-t6545.html 55 gal drum for fish?? http://www.gardenpondforum.com/55-gal-drum-fish-t6544.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:51:02 GMT I move my goldfish into the garage for winter. The water temps hover around the 0 to +5 area so the fish just sort of lay there. I have a 100 gallon... I move my goldfish into the garage for winter. The water temps hover around the 0 to +5 area so the fish just sort of lay there. I have a 100 gallon tub that works great except it takes up too much floor space.
Would there be a problem using a 55Gal drum?? The footprint is way smaller and would fit into my space a lot better. The only thing is the fish don't have a lot of room to move around, 2 ft round x 3 ft deep. Consider these are small fish, 3-5" lengths. ]]> dutchman http://www.gardenpondforum.com/55-gal-drum-fish-t6544.html