[Birdman]

Quote: Originally Posted by jlbspd Ok, im building a 8000 gal pond as we speak. It will eventually have a waterfall at one end, the skimmer is at the opposite end and 2 bottom drains. all using 3" piping. The pond is 4 ft deep and free form shaped but nothing rediculous, kinda kidney shaped. I have a Sand Filter and pump designed for a 12,000 gal pool. What are the possiblilties of modifying this to work on my pond? I dont have the funds to purchase a 1500-2000+ filter system so much of my pond has been DIY design. I have a friend who has used one on a 6000 gal pond but never really modified it much other than putting lava rock instead of sand. I know this is a big mistake as you cant backwash it well but it seems to be doing fairly well! I also have 4 cubic foot of POLY BEADS similar to whats used in bead filters..but they float... would love to DIY with a design for these beads! I found one diy filter online out of a 55 gal drum laid on its side but i wasnt pleased with the design. Any help would be great! thanks! John

Hi John, 1st thing I'm going to say is 3" lines from your bottom drains arn't big enough. Go with 4 inch from the bottom drains. Changing the sand filter can be tricky, depending on it's design, and then they usually don't work that well. Better to DIY some barrel filters. You will probably want to stay away from the sand filter pump. It's probably a high pressure pump that will cost you an arm and a leg to run. My old sand filter pump was a one horse that drew 1300 watts. The Sure Pro pumps that I sell will out flow that old pump for only 143 watts. Different pumps for different applications.