Filters ???

shelleekoi · 03-08-2011, 08:49 AM

Hi i am new to this forum and also new to keeping fish, we have just dug out our koi pond, it is 10 ft wide and 15ft long, and 4.5 ft deep, we are putting the liner in tonight, but i am having a struggle trying to find a filter for such a big pool, i dont have a massive budget, i was looking at making my own, can any1 give me some ideas, ie what i would need ect ect, any help would be very much appreciated

jacksdad · 03-08-2011, 12:09 PM

Hi There,

Welcome to the forum,I am new to koi keeping myself so there will be better qualified on here to help you. I think filtration is the most important part of your pond so dont skimp on it.
The array of filters is mind boggling to start with,Nexus,showers, multibays,beads, depends on how much maintenance you like to do,Multibay type systems require more getting your hands wet,nexus,sieves and beads are more pull a lever close a tap type,Beads and showers require more powerful pumps, so higher/ purchase running costs,If you visit different dealers all have favourite systems.People make there own multibays from blocks etc,be careful of any plastics you use as many leech toxic chemicals into the water,If budget is main worry look at 2nd hand but buyer beware.
And dont worry no matter how big your pond you can get filters for it, they just cost more

Just dont make the cardinal error of trying to run a koi pond off a black box type filter.

Regards Jason

shelleekoi · 03-08-2011, 02:05 PM

Thanks for the reply, i am dizzy with looking lol, can i put 2 filters togeather?? i have been given 1 but as my pond will have over 3000 gallons of water, this filter alone would not be enough, but what if i bought another to sit along side it, would this work??

Doghouse Riley · 03-08-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelleekoi

Hi i am new to this forum and also new to keeping fish, we have just dug out our koi pond, it is 10 ft wide and 15ft long, and 4.5 ft deep, we are putting the liner in tonight, but i am having a struggle trying to find a filter for such a big pool, i dont have a massive budget, i was looking at making my own, can any1 give me some ideas, ie what i would need ect ect, any help would be very much appreciated

Hi shelleekoi and welcome,

First of all,

Hold it!

I'd respectfully suggest that you check out the "Pond construction and Pond Build Diaries" before you put in your liner. There are so many things to consider not just what sort of filter you need.

The natural urge is to "get on with it" but as you must be aware this hobby can be very expensive and you don't want to make a mistake.
Many members have built their entire installation themselves and made their own filters. There's a lot to consider, particularly about the configeration of your pool as to what sort of filter you will require and how and where it is installed and it depends on more than the actual size of your pond. You haven't mentioned whether you've installed a bottom drain, with that size pool I'd consider it essential and the connection between it and a filter will have a bearing on what sort of filter you will need and where it needs to be situated. You will have an impressive sized pool when completed and it will need an appropriate management system.

Lots of people on here will be more than willing to give you advice, once we know more about your situation and requirements.

shelleekoi · 03-08-2011, 04:25 PM

Hi thanks for the reply, no we havent put a bottom drain in,

, we havent done anything to the pond yet except dig it out and make sure it is all free from stones roots ect ect, the pond is 15ft long 10 ft wide and in the deepest part 4 ft and shallow 2.5 ft, i have just been looking at 1 on ebay it is a Oasis Specialist Filter 23000 - Pump Fed...... would this do, ?? i am very impatient lol, but i am going to take it slowly as i have no experience atall, so have been busy reading books and searching the net, my pond is kind of kidney shaped, at the top end of my garden near my back fence, behind my fence we have a little stream

dont know if this helps in anyway but thought i would add it

, any help would be very much appreciated, i will try and add some pictures asap.

chewy86 · 03-08-2011, 07:28 PM

To save on filter and pond build costs, while giving your fish the best environment possible. Why not dig the depth to 6ft all over, and shrink the size to examples - 12x10, 10x10 or 10x8. Giving the koi the depth to grow properly (koi get most exercise swimming up and down over foward and backwards) and plenty of room to move around. (even as small as 6x6x6 would work if funds are tight, although 8x6x6 would be better) This way you will use less liner, find fitting a bottom drain easier and more effective, Without the need for 2-3 of them. Plus the filter required will be smaller/cheaper and more effective also.

No expert by any means but what you have said and what i have gathered info wise regarding koi ponds this would be the best way to go. You can never really over filter your water but its easy to under filter it and spend allot of money on sub-performing parts.

Advice i have been given and seen given also is plan for the future, you dont want to have to rebuild or replace anything after you have built your pond. its not cheap and its a pain.

For effectiveness and lower maintenance, the nexus and bead filters look to be worth the extra money. If you want to go further their are prefilter sieves and also bakki showers to improve filtration and water quality. Uv's are a good idea also to prevent/clear algae.

Gav.

Doghouse Riley · 03-08-2011, 08:11 PM

I think we're groping in the dark here Gav and we're all trying to be helpful.
As I understood it, the proposed pond is to be "kidney shaped" so I'm assuming that it is partly to enhance a garden situation, rather than just a facility for keeping and enjoying koi. I too think that the sides are too shallow
My concerns as well as the depth of between 2.5 anf 4ft and no proposed bottom drain, would be the formation and construction of the perimeter and depending on what type of soil is in the garden, what will be stopping the sides from sliding in.

As has been said some pictures would help and then we can suggest some options.

shelleekoi · 03-08-2011, 08:29 PM

Hi just been looking at a filter , its a OASIS VOR-TEC 16000 KOI POND FILTER, brand new, would this work with the size of my pond and also, do i have to have a bottom drain, or can the vortex work with a submersible pump???

Davej · 03-08-2011, 10:12 PM

Hiya

Having a bottom drain would be a greater priority to me than the type of filter.

If you do not install a BD then you will always regret it.

Dave

awh53 · 05-08-2011, 10:06 AM

hi i dont have a bottom drain in mine as i wanted it up and running the day before i started the build looking back i wish i had found this site and listened to those on here with out a bottom drain the crud just builds up around the pumps and does then need hoovering out every week or so

i hope to fit a bottom drain next year and deepen my pond at the same time if i can afford it