Need equipment help

[Two Wise]

I need some help with picking out the correct equipment. My pond measures 7'x9' and is 30" deep. I live in North Carolina and the pond will get full afternoon sun. I am going to have a waterfall, but it is only going to be about 1.5' above water level. So my questions are this:

1) What size pump would work? 1500gph or larger?

2) I don't have room for a large filter. Any suggestions?

 

[Two Wise]

Just trying to be able to post pictures

 

[Two Wise]

Just a couple more

 

[Two Wise]

Last one

 

[Two Wise]

Dig site picture

 

[Two Wise]

One thing to add, I have acquired a 50 gallon Stock tank for free. Never been used. I remember reading somewhere, someone made a filter with this and cut in a waterfall weir. Anyone have any information on that?

 

[DrDave]

Welcome Two Wise
Koiguy is the wier expert here.

 

[Waterbug]

Most any size pump will lift water 1.5'. Size depends on what look and sound you want.

Filter size is totally dependent on fish load. A few goldfish and no filter is needed. Keep the waterfall running will allow a bit more fish load. Skippy type filter properly maintained in that size pond will allow a pretty high fish load. If you wanted another option a stream is the best filter you can have for a water garden. A stream doesn't have to be a straight line so even in tight spaces you can get a lot of stream. And a stream will handle much more than just the ammonia cycle.

I am not personally a big fan of wiers on stock tanks, 55 gal drums, etc... They're not the easiest and easy to mess up. I prefer to install a bulk head fitting which can be brought right back up to just below the top of the tank and plumbed into a waterfall. Can just be as simple as the end of the open pipe or you can cut a slit down a pvc pipe and put on an end cap. Position the slit horizontally and you can get a nice sheet of water. Bulk head is way cheaper, easier. Also allows the outflow to be anywhere in the filter, top, bottom, or from several places. I like the outflow from the bottom to flush sediment (at least some anyways).

I also like to put liner under the filter so any leaks end up back in the pond or at least don't make a swamp.

 

[nigil]

Here is the link for detailed instructions on the stock tank filter.
http://www.koiclay.com/diy/pg1.htm
The water fall weir part can be bought from a pond store (its costly). But I think there is a sticky in the do it your self section.Bulkheads can be purchased online. I myself built one on the 100 gallon platform...

 

[jmarsh]

I need to post pictures as well.

 

[koiguy1969]

a waterfall weir is easily made and installed on a stocktank, anyone who can cut a straight line can handle the job. as in any waterfall filter you will no take the extra time in setting the filter level in its place. i build my weirs out of 1/2" structural foam, the same material as the stocktank. for mounting it to the tank you need some stainless steel hardware.(screws, washers. and nuts) the install is quite easy. i made several filters for myself and freinds... i am thinking of adding a second tub as a secondary pool between my 70 gal skippy and the pond. the skippy(with a weir already) will spill into this one which will act on the down flow and be fed back up to its weir via a 10 " x 1" channel from the top of tank to about 1" off the floor.this will spill back into the pond .. for more info check out:
https://www.gardenpondforum.com/koiguys-70-gal-skippy-style-filter-t5089.html

I WILL SAY THO that the 50 gallon tank is not a reccommended tank for the skippy filter due to its lack of heigth it doesnt allow for much of a settling area on the bottom for solids, but some people on this site use it and so far seem happy.

 

[DrDave]

I need to post pictures as well.

You also need to go to the UserCP and add your city and state.

 

[Two Wise]

Ok, I found a 100 gallon stock tank for $70 new. I am going to make room for it. Now all I need is to find a good pump.

With a stock tank skippy filter with a weir, is there any need to install a ball valve for pump flow into tank?

 

[koiguy1969]

the only time flow control is needed is if your pump is too powerfull and it will limit the time in filtration to a point where it becomes ineffective or adjustability for personal flow preferrence. 2000 gph is usually a nice looking waterfall and is a good flow on a 100 gallon skippy.