Can I use these????

[nicoleej]

So I’m looking at the items that I need for my bog filter, as the digging process has begun. I was at Home Depot and saw this pipe and wondering if it can be used instead of the “caterpillar” type that I commonly hear about? This one already has holes drilled into it and is PVC.

I’m also curious when everyone talks about a “clean out” how does one flush that out? If there’s that silt and gunk sitting in the bottom of the tube with the holes how do you flush it out so it doesn’t say go back into your pond. Or is the idea to “suck it out”.

Always appreciate you all and your suggestions

 

[Mmathis]

This is a picture of my “clean-outs” from an old bog in my turtle habitat. They are the brown painted vertical pipes. They are pipes plumbed into the underwater PVC manifold, and are usually capped off — like these are. Their purpose is to be able to stick a pump hose down inside to suck out the accumulated crud. I guess not everyone uses them, but I found them helpful.

I really can’t say about the perforated pipe, as most of us make our own perforations, usually as slits rather than holes. Holes can tend to clog, whereas slits, not so much. I used (I think) 2” diameter pipe for my manifold system (the under-gravel part). Not saying this wouldn’t work — I don’t have experience using it.

 

[nicoleej]

Thank you! I think I have an idea of how the clean outs should work now. If I were to do the slit method would I want to/is it better to use that black accordion like pipe or is it ok to use PVC

 

[addy1]

I used 2 inch pvc all were slits, and the slits facing down. Zero issues in 11 years. I have no clean out.

 

[Mmathis]

Thank you! I think I have an idea of how the clean outs should work now. If I were to do the slit method would I want to/is it better to use that black accordion like pipe or is it ok to use PVC

By black accordion pipe, do you mean this? Or are you talking about something else? If you mean this stuff, I don’t recommend it at all, for any part of a pond set-up.

 

[nicoleej]

By black accordion pipe, do you mean this? Or are you talking about something else? If you mean this stuff, I don’t recommend it at all, for any part of a pond set-up.

Yes that’s what I thought others used but I see that addy1 has used PVC.

 

[mrsclem]

That pipe will collapse under any major weight and the slits are too small. 1 1/2- 2" pvc is the way to go. The pvc with the holes already in it will clog with pea gravel.

 

[poconojoe]

It's a forward flush, not a reverse flush.
I flush mine by turning off the pump, unscrewing the clean-out stack cap and turning the pump back on. Black water shoots out for a few seconds, then turns clear. I shut off the pump, put the cap back on, then turn the pump back on.
When I do the flush, I guide the dirty water into a flower garden. It's good fertilizer.