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DragonKoi
As an installer of retrofitted systems and new ponds, if you didn't start with a bottom drain you can still get an effective service from one of the retro ones mentioned above. I've personally had one of the Tetra Vacuum Drains on my 1200 gal Quarantine System now for 7 years. I went from 2"-3" pipe which gravity feeds my vortex filter. This was only because the finished pond is raised 16" above ground. The vortex is an oval 110 gal Kormex tank which has 3 rows of mat which creates a circular shape to trap the debris before being pulled out by the intake from the pump. It has worked great.
Now having said that and installed several on customer's ponds, I am now sold on AquaArts retro drain design. There are two sizes - one for up to 1400 gal ponds and a larger one for up to 4000 gal ponds. I was skeptical at first concerning whether the pipe running to it would be a good fit for the cut offs for the couplers which comes with it. Well, after setting it up for a customer we're currently working with, it has surpassed my expectations greatly. Not only is it a good fit, it's a very good fit. The smaller one handles pipe sizes of 1.5, 2 and 3" in size. The larger handles 2,3 and 4" pipe sizes. It's a little more money, but well worth it. I'll probably be changing mine. The simple reason is: the way the pipe lays on the bottom of the pond versus the Tetra which has the pipe coming directly out of the top. As your fish grow, they've become accustom to being able to swim "under" the pipe. When they get bigger, they're not able to do that and can damage themselves when spooked.
So there you have it - the decision is yours - hope you make a good one for your system.
Mike
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