Trickle feed

MarkD · 11-10-2011, 09:04 PM

Just worked out my trickle feed is changing of just under a third of the ponds total water in the space of a week. I feel this is too much but the next adjustment on the valve is off.

When you see the extremely slow dribble going into the filters its its quite surprising the total volume of water being changed over a week.

Is this too much water being changed over this period. The only option would be to change the valve and put another type in.

Gazfish · 11-10-2011, 09:13 PM

Hi Mark,

It depends on whats going on in the pond and the load and although you may feel its a bit much at the moment a good indication is the pond parameters how are they ?

In the summer we need to change more as we are normally feeding heavy so you can slow it down in winter but some tend to slow it down to much as we must always remember our fish and filters need a certain amount of good clean water.

MarkD · 11-10-2011, 09:26 PM

Hi Gazza

Thanks for the reply, the parameters are all good.There is 7 koi in the pond so the load can only be low, Just checked parameters again tonight, DaveJ popped over 10 days ago and checked that all was well. Hopefully father christmas will bring a scope and a more accurate method of measuring parameters. The test kits seem to give you an idea rather than an accurate reading.
The water looks good and the fish are very happy, feeding well.

Would you continue with this level of water change or slow it down. I am not on a water meter, the only cost will replacing the water filteration (carbon?)

Davej · 11-10-2011, 09:55 PM

Hiya Mark

May be an idea to take it down to 1/4" with a JG reducer and 1/4" tap, makes it easier to see the flow. Bits are here so no need to source them

Dave

Doghouse Riley · 11-10-2011, 10:05 PM

No disrespect intended, but what's wrong with an old-fashioned in-line tap, or a cheap ball valve that you can regulate from open to almost closed?

MarkD · 11-10-2011, 10:06 PM

Thanks Dave , very much appreciated I have turned it off now. Thought for temporary measure I would run it every other day. Would it be ok to pop over and pick them up one night this week?

Davej · 11-10-2011, 10:29 PM

Yep in most eves Mark.

DH - No problem - Marks pipework is 1/2" plastic JG. Reducer to 1/4" and 1/4" in line tap is peanuts cost wise. Less than a 1/2" in line tap and a load easier to adjust flow wise.

Dave

MarkD · 11-10-2011, 10:37 PM

Ok thanks Dave, will let you know. Think I am playing Dad cabs tomorrow and Thurs.

Thanks for your input DH its always appreciated.

terrydog · 12-10-2011, 06:41 PM

hi
why dont you just turn it off and on as and when you want off at night on in the day

Doghouse Riley · 12-10-2011, 06:50 PM

I'm not sure whether Hoselock still make them, but my leaky hose garden watering system is controlled by a mechanical water meter. You can set it to the gallonage you require (Yep! that old!) and it turns itself off when that amount has passed through it.