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- Nov 16, 2015
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Ok so is this to maximize BB surface area to grow? What percentage BB in a pond is growing in the " dedicated" bio filter? It is my understanding BB grows on the liner, any rocks or gravel in the pond ,on plant roots and any porous fixtures (pump cages,plant pots etc). So I can see how a SC is important for a dedicated koi pond , that typically does not have a lot of plants, to minimize TSS getting to the bio filtration. From what I see on this forum most have gold fish ( therefore a lighter bio load) and most are planted. Am I correct to conclude if ammonia and nitrites are 0 ppm TDS is low then a heavily planted gold fish pond will thrive without a dedicated bio filter.Yes, but the ideal arrangement is to keep as much TSS out of any bio-filtration as possible. This is the reason for having a SC.
In the pic you attached:Since bottom drains are usually either 3" or 4", flow rate ranges have been determined. In your case, with dual 2" DIY BDs manifolded to a 1 1/2" supply line, you will need to experiment. You want the flow to be fast enough that debris does not settle in the plumbing yet slow enough that the debris will have time to fall out of suspension in the SC. Not that it will really help but a 3" BD requires at least 1500 gph and a 4" BD requires a minimum of 2500 gph. Adjusting the size of the SC to 10% of the flow rate will complete the configuration.
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To make the flow work would both pumps need to be pumping at the same rate. If the pond pump is stronger than the pump after the SC the SC would over flow. If the pond pump is weaker than the pump after the SC the SC would be drained down. Seems a disaster waiting to happen if one of the lines clog causing a change in flow.