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Thread: New pond build

  1. #1

    New pond build

    Hi

    I'm new to the forum, just wanted to ask a few questions as it's my first pond.

    Pond base
    Its going to be about 3500 gal, concrete hollow blocks with rebar. I'm wondering how much depth of concrete base I'll need. The soil is quite clayey so I'm thinking around 8" sat on 6" of compacted hardcore.

    Filtration
    I planned to start a pond build about 5 years back (but got married, moved and two children later I'm ready to start!) I was thinking of going with a nexus 320 & skimmer. After more recent research many people are mentioning fines not being filtered and problems with water clarity. K1 taking a long time to mature and the bio stage not being that efficient. So then thought about adding a Cetus sieve. Some of the drums look good but they are pricey, and require bio chamber after. From an engineers point of view they have a lot more things that can go wrong with them. I'm thinking the cleaning process could be quite loud as well?

    I've had fish (before many years ago) whilst living with my parents. My dads old pond was redundant so cleaned it all out, made a filtration system with vortex, brushes and Alfagrog. 10 years later my biggest koi was around 24". Until an otter came from a close by stream and descimated the entire pond over two nights. Still have the grog so could also make a shower but don't want the noise really. But at the end of the day it's the fishes welfare isn't it!

    Any pointer on the above welcome. Sorry for the life story at the end!!

    Mark



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  3. #2
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Nanasai Fishplanetkoi's Avatar
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    The most important thing if you are starting a pond, and if you are going to take it reasonably seriously, is to build in at least one bottom drain. That then gives you every alternative with choosing your filtration.

    The problem with asking what filtration on here is that you will get at least a dozen differing styles and all will be the best way Lol.

    The best way is to visit dealers, and look at what is available to you and your space. Most good dealers all now have each type of filter operating so you can choose what is for you, or maybe ask for a visit to members on here, I'm sure depending on where you are, someone will help with that.

    There is maybe only one type of filter that will reduce fines to near zero and that is, as you probably know, a drum, and a sieve running close second. You will get fines with a Nexus but many on here use them with great success, and there are modifications that you can install on it to minimise the fines. I don't have a Nexus so I'm sure others will point the way if you ask!

    If you have reservations regarding K1, then don't, it is a very efficient media, and yes it could take some time to mature, but soaking it in PP will speed up the maturing process, due to roughing the surfaces, thus giving the bio a good surface to adhere to. The maturing period will also depend on how much you feed your fish, which creates the 'food' ie ammonia etc that is required by the bio mass.

    So you see that it really is up to you, to really research and decide how much you wish to spend as that will govern what filtration you end up with I think. One thing is very important though, and that is don't skimp on the filtration, always have more than you need, then when it is mature you will be able to feed what you want without ammonia and nitrite problems.

    Once you decide you will get all the help you need on here to set it up satisfactorily, and anything else you wish to know!

    Not sure about the pond base, but the builders on here will certainly tell you that.

  4. #3
    Thanks for the reply fishplanetkoi

    I see what you mean about filtration type on here!

    It's reassuring about the k1. I'm going to stick with my original plan and go with a Cetus and 320. Going to make a small baking to use all the old alfagrog I have left over from old filtration for one of the returns. The other return will go through UV.

    As for the base I'm going to go with 9", apparently a couple of house experienced minor movement, was around 15 years back. 9" sat on 6" of compacted hardcore should do the trick!

    Cheers

    Mark

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  6. #4
    Bakki, not baking!!

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  8. #5
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Nanasai Fishplanetkoi's Avatar
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    Good luck with the build. and the filtration you have chosen will work well.

  9. #6
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Grand Champion Andre Asagi's Avatar
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    Hey Mark, why don't you buy the K1 now and fishlessly cycle it? Then it will be mature and ready to go when you need it. All you need is a barrel, an air pump (just a £10 one will do for this purpose), an aquarium heater and an ammonia test kit. Oh...and a source of ammonia. Eg Household ammonia or ammonium chloride.

    You will also need a nitrite and nitrate test kit as the media cycles. Possibly a pH and KH kit (you'll need all those for the pond anyway) too. But to get started, you only need the ammonia kit to begin fishless cycling

    If you fancy giving it a go, shout up and one of ys will send you a link.

 

 

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