I've been researching DIY bio filter designs for a while now and have an idea that I want to bounce off everyone.
Use a sump pump basin (about 32 gallons)
Use PVC to create the inflow that enters in the center at the top and to the bottom. A T joint about 6 inches from the bottom splits the flow to two openings that will create a vortex at the bottom of the basin.
There will be a drain valve at the bottom to remove solids.
I want to use commercial scrubbing pads from a circular floor scrubber. I found a size that will fit in the basin snugly. I want to stack 10 of these in the basin. The intake tube would go down through the center hole of the scrubber pads.
At the top, there would be approximately 6-8 inches of water where I plan to grow Water Lettuce.
The intake for the outflow would be about 1 inch from the top of the basin and flow into a small pond above my waterfall.
I also plan on putting a bag (1-2 pounds) of charcoal in the bottom of the basin.
Does this sound like a good plan? I see some bio filters where the water pours in from the top and exits at the bottom as well. I'm not sure which would be best.
I am planning on housing this about 8 feet from my pond at about 2 feet above my pond's water level. I figure I can use gravity to move water from my filter system to the waterfall basin with gravity.
Pond specifics
My pond is going to be 1500-1800 gallons
Probably 5-6 Koi
Some water plants
Partial shade with afternoon sun for 3 hours
40 inches deep
Here's a photo of my progress on my pond so far...
Would love your input folks!
Tim
Use a sump pump basin (about 32 gallons)
Use PVC to create the inflow that enters in the center at the top and to the bottom. A T joint about 6 inches from the bottom splits the flow to two openings that will create a vortex at the bottom of the basin.
There will be a drain valve at the bottom to remove solids.
I want to use commercial scrubbing pads from a circular floor scrubber. I found a size that will fit in the basin snugly. I want to stack 10 of these in the basin. The intake tube would go down through the center hole of the scrubber pads.
At the top, there would be approximately 6-8 inches of water where I plan to grow Water Lettuce.
The intake for the outflow would be about 1 inch from the top of the basin and flow into a small pond above my waterfall.
I also plan on putting a bag (1-2 pounds) of charcoal in the bottom of the basin.
Does this sound like a good plan? I see some bio filters where the water pours in from the top and exits at the bottom as well. I'm not sure which would be best.
I am planning on housing this about 8 feet from my pond at about 2 feet above my pond's water level. I figure I can use gravity to move water from my filter system to the waterfall basin with gravity.
Pond specifics
My pond is going to be 1500-1800 gallons
Probably 5-6 Koi
Some water plants
Partial shade with afternoon sun for 3 hours
40 inches deep
Here's a photo of my progress on my pond so far...
Would love your input folks!
Tim