I'm going to update my pond and wondered if someone could help.
I've currently got a 4 bay filter but it takes up a lot of room and is a pain to clean. The new pond will be c5000lt with 10 or so koi and carp up to 2lb. I want to install a base drain for easy maintenance and was looking at a pressurised filter as I could sink this under my decking. Has anyone got any feedback on these or alternative suggestions.
I enjoy the pond but I'm not a dedicated koi keeper so looking for a good solution on a sensible budget
I've currently got a 4 bay filter but it takes up a lot of room and is a pain to clean. The new pond will be c5000lt with 10 or so koi and carp up to 2lb. I want to install a base drain for easy maintenance and was looking at a pressurised filter as I could sink this under my decking. Has anyone got any feedback on these or alternative suggestions.
I enjoy the pond but I'm not a dedicated koi keeper so looking for a good solution on a sensible budget
In reply to Post #1
5k l is way to small for what fish you plan to have.
5k l is way to small for what fish you plan to have.
In reply to Post #2
The same fish have been in a 4000lt pond for the last 5 years and grown from a couple of inches
The same fish have been in a 4000lt pond for the last 5 years and grown from a couple of inches
In reply to Post #3
Not gonna argue here... there is a general consensus for how many certain fish should be per l of pond for the fish and pond welfare/functionality (all that can be up/down due to filtration system etc) and it there for a reason... just calculate biomass of your fish at 2inches and 2lb (and 4lb next year)... good luck with everything.
Not gonna argue here... there is a general consensus for how many certain fish should be per l of pond for the fish and pond welfare/functionality (all that can be up/down due to filtration system etc) and it there for a reason... just calculate biomass of your fish at 2inches and 2lb (and 4lb next year)... good luck with everything.
In reply to Post #4
No worries mate, didn't mean to come across as argumentative, appreciate any guidance. What size would the pond need to be to support a stock of that number
No worries mate, didn't mean to come across as argumentative, appreciate any guidance. What size would the pond need to be to support a stock of that number
In reply to Post #2
Agreed. Given the right conditions koi will easily reach double figures so it would be better to only have a few in that size pond unless you don't feed them and keep them small.
Most efficient pressurised filters I've had over the years was a couple of bioforce 9000 with UVs . Ideally need cleaning every few days but very effective. I've also got a fishmate back flush pressurised filter with built in uv but it's very poor in comparison. Also a 36 W stand alone UV
Ive brushes in my pump chamber but also good filtration comes via a second pond complete with pebbles, plants etc which requires very little maintenance and returns the water via a waterfall so if you have room I would recommend that.
Plants work well if you can get them established before the koi get too big.
Agreed. Given the right conditions koi will easily reach double figures so it would be better to only have a few in that size pond unless you don't feed them and keep them small.
Most efficient pressurised filters I've had over the years was a couple of bioforce 9000 with UVs . Ideally need cleaning every few days but very effective. I've also got a fishmate back flush pressurised filter with built in uv but it's very poor in comparison. Also a 36 W stand alone UV
Ive brushes in my pump chamber but also good filtration comes via a second pond complete with pebbles, plants etc which requires very little maintenance and returns the water via a waterfall so if you have room I would recommend that.
Plants work well if you can get them established before the koi get too big.
In reply to Post #5
A lot, plenty of that info on web for easy google search, you have to decide what you want and how much you want to invest in filtration etc... some breed 40s in ridiculous small ponds, but in general if you want a nice, clean, healthy environment that will be easy to maintain with min filtration/aeriation and will be home to all sorts of garden life you will have to either make it much bigger or cut down number of fish. Fish will be much happier, healthier less stressed and water quality will be much easier to maintain.
A lot, plenty of that info on web for easy google search, you have to decide what you want and how much you want to invest in filtration etc... some breed 40s in ridiculous small ponds, but in general if you want a nice, clean, healthy environment that will be easy to maintain with min filtration/aeriation and will be home to all sorts of garden life you will have to either make it much bigger or cut down number of fish. Fish will be much happier, healthier less stressed and water quality will be much easier to maintain.
In reply to Post #7
Cheers guys thanks for the feedback, want to get it right.
Was the bioforce 9000 filter the hozelock one? And what size pond was that running?
Can a pressure filter be run with a base drain or is that not possible?
Cheers guys thanks for the feedback, want to get it right.
Was the bioforce 9000 filter the hozelock one? And what size pond was that running?
Can a pressure filter be run with a base drain or is that not possible?
In reply to Post #1
I would stay away from pressure filters for koi. For smaller ponds have a look at the Evolution Aqua Eazy Pod or a Nexus for larger ponds, they're really simple to maintain. They are quite expensive but don't be afraid to get a second hand one.
Also I'd have a look on some of the pond builds on koiforum.uk. You will also get some good advice on there.
I would stay away from pressure filters for koi. For smaller ponds have a look at the Evolution Aqua Eazy Pod or a Nexus for larger ponds, they're really simple to maintain. They are quite expensive but don't be afraid to get a second hand one.
Also I'd have a look on some of the pond builds on koiforum.uk. You will also get some good advice on there.
In reply to Post #8
Fairly sure they were Hoselock. I had two on a pond about 10000 Ltrs. Many years ago and they look a bit different now, possibly improved.
My bioforce filters contain three stages of sponges which required regular cleaning so would not be suitable for a bottom drain as they stand. Water comes in the top of them and is forced through the filter medium. I suppose you could use a different medium such as alfagrog but not sure how well that would work. You might not have enough volume for effective mechanical filtration. Expensive filter housing if it doesn't do what you want.
If you can find an off the shelf back flushable system that works then I would say that might be worth a look. Depends on space, convenience etc.
Fairly sure they were Hoselock. I had two on a pond about 10000 Ltrs. Many years ago and they look a bit different now, possibly improved.
My bioforce filters contain three stages of sponges which required regular cleaning so would not be suitable for a bottom drain as they stand. Water comes in the top of them and is forced through the filter medium. I suppose you could use a different medium such as alfagrog but not sure how well that would work. You might not have enough volume for effective mechanical filtration. Expensive filter housing if it doesn't do what you want.
If you can find an off the shelf back flushable system that works then I would say that might be worth a look. Depends on space, convenience etc.
In reply to Post #1
go on youtube and watch Quality Nishikigoi channel
aqua nexus systems are what im going to be running once i start and finish the build.
Loads of great info re filters etc on there
go on youtube and watch Quality Nishikigoi channel
aqua nexus systems are what im going to be running once i start and finish the build.
Loads of great info re filters etc on there
In reply to Post #11
Honestly don't see the appeal of nexus'
I've got the 320, it just doesn't keep all the fines out and clear enough for the value of it. I ended up putting a Draco drop in drum in it and it improved the water clarity 5 fold.
By the time you've added this and bought all the nexus it's not cheap.
If I could turn back time I'd just buy a drum filter combi unit or a standalone drum filter connected up to a moving bed filter. Better water clarity and pretty much no maintenance
Honestly don't see the appeal of nexus'
I've got the 320, it just doesn't keep all the fines out and clear enough for the value of it. I ended up putting a Draco drop in drum in it and it improved the water clarity 5 fold.
By the time you've added this and bought all the nexus it's not cheap.
If I could turn back time I'd just buy a drum filter combi unit or a standalone drum filter connected up to a moving bed filter. Better water clarity and pretty much no maintenance
In reply to Post #12
I think it all comes down to budget in the end. If you've got the money then you could go for a drum and bakki shower but it's probably overkill for the op. I have ended up putting a shower after my eazy pod but it did cope while my koi were still smallish.
I think it all comes down to budget in the end. If you've got the money then you could go for a drum and bakki shower but it's probably overkill for the op. I have ended up putting a shower after my eazy pod but it did cope while my koi were still smallish.
In reply to Post #13
They all seem to get mixed reviews, I liked the idea of the pressure systems as they are easy to hide. If I have to have it above ground I could probably stick with my 4 bay
They all seem to get mixed reviews, I liked the idea of the pressure systems as they are easy to hide. If I have to have it above ground I could probably stick with my 4 bay
In reply to Post #14
What is your budget mate?
What is your budget mate?