have enough filtration?....

[mailman62]

I am confused on my filtration set up and if its enough because I came from a koi pond store and was told it would not be enough, pond will be about 2800 gals. here is what I was planning; got a skimmer and easypro 2200 pump ( which would end up pumping about 1500 gph due to head hieght and distance ) to a bf1000 waterfall filter. was also going to run a tetra 4200 solids handling pump run from deep end of pond to a bf1500 waterfall filter. was told not enough bio filtration, is that true? was planning to add a uv also , any recomendations on uv based on my info? was planning to run uv off of the easypro 2200 pump,, thanks

 

[Otter]

was told not enough bio filtration, is that true?

Yes. As a general rule, take the manufacturer's recommendation on maximum pond size, and laugh your ass off. Add to that that the filter you're considering is only rated for 1000 gallons, and you definitely want more biofilter.

A bigger pump won't hurt either. Yes the volume of the pond every two hours is the usual minimum, but twice that flow rate is a better target.

If your budget is the reason for the smaller filter, consider some of the DIY options. There are some very nice filters you can make out of plastic tubs or free 55 gallon soap barrels from the car wash.

Also, you'll want a skimmer. Without one, you'll have a lot more leaves and whatnot on the bottom of the pond, and you'll probably have a nasty-looking DOC film on the surface.

Personally, I'd rather have a bottom drain than the pump in the pond. Some folks will warn you against this, but I think that, if it's set up right, it's definitely better to have the drain.

 

[mailman62]

thanks I thought maybe I needed additional bio-filtration , I was thinking that bettween the two pumps and waterfall filters I would be cycling at least 4500 gph, . being that I have this equipment, would like to try and use it. WHAT IF I WAS TO ADD A PRESSURE FILTER TO THIS ? DO YOU FEEL THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH BIO-FILTER AND STILL NEED TO DECIDE ON WHAT SIZE UV TO GET, THANKS

 

[Otter]

Sorry, I forgot about the other pump. I've never used a pressure filter, so I can't really advise you there.

Try this on for size. It's cheap, easy to maintain, does plenty of bio, and makes a good polishing filter for fines.
http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68132

 

[Otter]

On the UV, anywhere from 25-50 watts. You could go lower, but if you have more UV than you really need, you'll be able to run each bulb longer. Hence the larger unit might wind up being cheaper in the long run. The cost of electricity is low, so you're looking mostly at the initial cost of the clarifier and bulb replacements.

Definitely look at the manufacturers specs for both performance and longevity, as there are different types of UV bulbs. And remember that the marketing people usually have their hand in these specs too.

Also, get a surge suppressor for the UV. If you do that, your ballast should last a long time.

 

[mailman62]

you mayt be right about a pressure filter , really dont want to go that way,