Help Me Rebuild Please

[Wabisabi]

I'm heartbroken. My pond is... was 9 months old when it developed a leak and I have to rebuild. I think my bottom drain failed, although I'm not sure. I plan to rebuild, but want to take advantage of this second chance to do things better. Here is what I have: Approx 2000 gal liner pond, 2x Atlantic biofalls, Atlantic PS4000 skimmer, Laguna 2905 skimmer pump, Laguna 3200 Pressure filter & Tetra bottom drain. The bt was plumbed to the skimmer via 2" flex pvc. The pump outlet left the skimmer and went to a "y" fitting. Half the flow went to the pressure filter, half bi-passed (to avoid exceeding max flow to the pressure filter). The outlet from the pressure filter joined the bi-passed flow to go to the falls. All plumbed with 1 1/2" flex pvc. (see sketch) The time pond was operational, I found that the pump clogged often. I'm thinking I want an external pump, but am not sure how to plumb. I've got a mess now, with the liner half peeled back and soggy ground. I welcome any advice. I've called a couple of local builders, but haven't had response. Help Please!:banghead3:

 

[DrCase]

So the pump in the skimmer box is what would stop up ...would the leaves and trash get to the pump cage ? or the skimmer cage restricted so much you had no flow to the pump?

 

[DrDave]

Seems like I am stuck on repeat. Get rid of the bottom drain and skimmer and your problems will also go away.

 

[Wabisabi]

DrCase, The intake screen to the pump was getting obstructed by debris and little snail shells. I would have to reach in and clear it.

 

[Wabisabi]

DrDave, Thanks for your input. No skimmer and bottom drain? That worked on my first pond (500 gallons). Yes, it lasted 7 years without problems... except I spent more time than I wanted cleaning surface and bottom with a net. I think I like the idea of moving water.

 

[DrDave]

The bottom drain will not remove solid debries that settles there. The skimmer usually winds up killing your fish one by one.

I only have to skim my pond with a net occasionally, After 41 years without either, I'm fine. My pond is crystal clear.

Didn't you come here with problems with both??? You asked for advice...

 

[DrCase]

My Laguna 4200 has a big cage around it to hold back the big stuff it will grind up small stuff.. You pull to much thru the skimmer for its size,with out cleaning the skimmer every day, it collects to much ... you can run a smaller pump in the skimmer ,,and use the larger one in a diferent area

 

[Wabisabi]

DrDave, I really do appreciate you taking time to answer and give advice. Thank you. My skimmer was working fine except the pump inside would become clogged with debris and pond snail shells.

 

[Wabisabi]

DrCase, Thanks for the idea of using a smaller pump in the skimmer. I gotta think about this some more.....

 

[DrCase]

If you pulled a bulk of the water thru a pump that would take what it sucked in...and had the skimmer pump just keep up with the surface water maybe it wouldent be so much of a job for you.