need help w/ what filter/pump for 3600 gallons

[digginponds]

A waterfall in the right situation is a splendid feature. Don’t be too ambitious though – for most situations, the "head" (distance from the pond surface up to the outlet) should be 3 foot or less and the sill (area over which the water flows) should be 4-6 inches wide. The distance from one tier to the one below should be 3 inches to one foot.

The right pump to choose for your waterfall will have sufficient output to satisfy the following 2 requirements:
1. The flow rate should be between 100-150% of the volume of the pond. For example: a 300 gallon pond will need a 300-450 gal/hr. pump.
2. The flow rate should produce a sheet of water, right across the sill (lip) at the front of the cascade. This will require at least 50 gal/hr. per 1 inch width. For example: a 6 inch sill will need a minimum of 300 gal/hr.

 

[3qtkidz]

I am by no means a pond expert but I wanted to give my input on the all in one filter system.
I have a fishmate 3000 filter with UV light inside of the filter, and I have not been overly impressed. I never had clear water. I slowed the water down with a t-valve and it just never seems to get the pond clean. I bought the pressurized system because I thought it would just be really easy to clean. Doing a backwash is very easy but sometimes nothing comes out. hmmmmm - image that.

I don't recommend that type of system but that is just my opinion.

 

[koikeepr]

bead filters are not a solo or all-in-one system. Bead filter companies would like to tell you that all you need is a bead filter, but that is not the case. In the case of a bead filter, you will need a settlement barrel/chamber before it, otherwise the bead filter will clog will debris.

Does the bead filter have no markings whatsoever? Any decent brand will label it's product. Are you sure it isn't a pool filter? (In that case, just run away from it). Can you grab a photo of it perhaps?

I am not knocking bead filters. I'd like to eventually have one on my system, but that will be in addition to the equipment I have now. As I said, it is not meant to act alone--unless you want to flush it daily.

 

[chappy]

yeah i have to charge the camera battery then i will take some pics. i also found a 2nd of these filters but a smaller version. it measures to be the 4000 gallon version.

as for other filtration, i do plan on doing more, and would like a cetus sieve, but those are another $1000. so that will have to wait.

 

[chappy]

here is pics of the dig in process and the pre dig site.

 

[chappy]

here is a couple of the big filter, and the uv light

 

[koikeepr]

nice. looking forward to seeing more!

 

[D&RW]

north texas gets pretty cold sometimes. i'd go deeper unless you plan to cover the pond or heat it. 4 ft will be the minimum for Koi with cold temps. if you can, i'd go to 6 ft at least for enough room for the total number of koi you plan to get to huddle down there.