Top Dog

[Akai-San]

KFG,
After several months of looking at other peoples ponds, tons of reading and learning about filtration systems and of course 100+ posts on Koi-Bito forum, I think I finally have my first layout for my filtration system. I will be incorporating the use of two bottom drains to a couple 42" vortexes for first stage solids removal and then second stage 30" vortexes with K1 media for fines removal and finally the use of "bakki" type trickle towers to polish the water. I'm also planning to have two other separate systems(Nexus Type)for taking care of filtering and polishing mid-level pond water and also a Q-Tank that is adjacent the main pond. I'm estimating with this system setup, it should take me approximately 7-10 minutes a day to flush and maintain the two ponds (hopefully without getting wet) hahaha, I'm lazy when it comes to maintenance. I'd rather spend more time babying the koi. With two pumps I should be able to get 1 complete water change every 2-3 hours. Unlike you, I don't have a free water source to run through my ponds. Every gallon costs me $$$$$. I have taken some safety factors into consideration, but I think this setup will suffice for this newbie...for now. Everyone on this board preached to me to build my pond "right" the first time. Of course...I take their advice.

[koifishgirl]

Yep, you are doing it right and I dont blame you. We spend alot of money on our koi and we want to keep them healthy. With the filteration system that you have went with should do the trick. I wish you the best of luck with the project and when you get started take pic and share the work load with us.lol.

[JasonS]

Akai-san, I'd increase the turnover rate on the pond.

Pull the bottom drain water into the Nexus units after the 42" vortex units and use the 'static K1' option for the Nexus units. That'll be one set.

Pull the mid-water into another set of 42" vortex, this time with brushes, and then to the showers.

Both sets can use very high efficiency pumps; maybe Wave I 1/4hp? That should get you about 10000gph pretty easily for about 6 amps...

[Akai-San]

JasonS,

Are you saying to run the two bottom drains directly into one Vortex and one NEXUSType filter? I was told that this was a timebomb waiting to go off. Thats why I incorporated having a vortex for each of the bottom drains. I'm actually following Maurices set-up...checkout http://www.koi-uk.co.uk/koi_club.htm . Thats why I have the second vortex with Kaldness media also separate on each line. Maurice mentioned that he has left his system maintenance free for almost a month with no negative impacts to pond or fish. I thought that was right up my alley...of course if I'm home, I'll definitely flush system everyday. I'll be interested in hearing from the other members who are also following his lead to better water quality and significantly less energy used.

[ranskye]

im thinking the vortex is what we would call a swirl seperator, they put water in 3/4 way up and spin and the solids settle out, i found that if you use a small sludge pump in the base you can get em to clean automatically. use a float valve to refill.

[Mike T]

KFG:

Sorry, just open your thread...For information on breeding in Georgia, Contact Vicki Vaughn at the University of Georgia... In addition to working at the University's lab... she runs a breeding program with 100,000s of koi...

Great gal, even greater kids, may be a kindred spirit to help you in this endeavor... Ahhhhhhhhhh to be young....

Aloha and Good Luck, Mike T

As usual his scruffyness is kinda right, here's an easier way, type reply, copy it, open word document paste copy it will automatically spell check... make changes if necessary then copy and past here on KB... He probably uses a word processor because he lives on the windward side of our island and all the rain may be growing algae on the brain...

[koifishgirl]

I think she was one of the judges at the koi show I entered last sept. I did not get to stay and talk to her , First show and would have like to talk to the judges after the show . Thanks much I will try to get intouch with her.