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General Koi Carp ChatKoi News and discussion
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Top Poster: markf1fan (3,497)
Always go with the 4" as its very difficult not to say expensive if you find that the 3" is not up to the job, I had a 4" one my 1st pond which was a little smaller than yours and it worked very well. £12.99 sounds a bit cheap and they have probably got the price down buy making the whole unit thinner, you are best going to a local dealer and paying a bit more but at least you can see the quality of it. Also remember to only use solvent weld pipe not the cheaper push fit with bottom drains. I know of one where the seal went after 3 years and it was one hell of a job replacing it under 8" of concrete.
I would definately go for a 4" as it's better to have a bigger draw of water to your filtration.
I deliberated alot over which to choose, but since it is the main item in the whole pond set-up, I personally don't think that's an area to skimp on, since in reality, you'll never get at it again easily should a problem occur.
I chose a 4" unit as recomended by markf1fan from Avenue Fisheries, as have a few other guys on here and although I'm still building, I am very pleased with my choice, see below
Hi Jay as already said it really needs to be a 4" bottom drain and like miles said a bottom drain from Avenue Fisheries will do the job just great. some will say a 4" bottom drain with a air dome on but its really your choice. here is a picture of my drain.
__________________ 1x 2400 gallon pond
1x estro sieve
1x econo bead filter
1x bakki shower with crystal bio
1x 55w pro clear uv
1x eco 12,000
1x sequence 15,000
1x hi blow 40 air pump
and some really nice koi
I would agree with that, as the BD needs to be stable, plus also consider the weight of water of the overall design of your pond. It's not too expensive if you shop around and worth the piece of mind I would say.
As mark said, the bottom drain and pipe must be surounded in concrete, as you will get settlement around the drain and pipe where you backfill the concrete will help prevent this and stop any twisting with the bd. I wouldn't put polystyrene under the pond, incase it compresses. put a good layer of soft sand and maybe bench it slightly towards the bd. If the pond is sunk into the ground you wont get any real insulation effect.
Key Terrain 4" pipework and quality fittings are the only way to go.
This was my bottom drain kit 25 years ago.
Not only the bottom drain but the length of the pipe I buried in fine mix waterproofed concrete. For good measure the 4" pipe and bottom drain is in concrete which extends to six inches all round. That baby was never going to move!
As I was going to employ a liner, for the whole of the base of my pool
I laid a three inch screed of the same material to give a firm base. followed by carpet underlay before the liner. All the joints were solvent welded.
You can't take any chances, it would cost a fortune if it goes wrong, so far, mine hasn't.
__________________ "I don't mind if you don't like my manners!
I don't like them myself, they're pretty bad,
I grieve over them on long winter evenings."
You should go for the 4" drain and pipework, this will fit via a rubber boot onto the eazy pod. This should be solvent weld pipe and fittings ( not push fit ) all the way through to filter.
I wouldnt advise just laying the drain in soil/sand at all. You will get ground water that will make soil soggy and overtime this could lead to movement or as it compacts down the drain will sit proud. Also if there is a lot of ground water your sand can leak away into the soil aswell. If its encased in concrete base you wont get this happening. Your choice but for £200 of concrete is it worth it !
The drain you speak about is a std 4" economy drain, they will work fine in concrete base.
ebay bottom drains 
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