Bottom Drains and Filtration

[bigdan]

I am building a 5000 gallon pond and would like to know how to go about constructing it? What do you think about a savio filter? How do the bottom drains work and connect? We are building a pond and want to make sure that it is done right.

[jomoma]

get 4inch bottum drain with a defuser on it. It's expensive though, about 250 big ones. I will let the experts help you with the rest.

I would build your own filter before i go for the savio. They do have a nice skimmer.

[MikeM]

Big: It takes too much space to answer you on a forum board. First, get the last 6 issues of KoiUSA and read Steve Childers' series on koi pond design. (And you'll find more articles in those issues than just his series.) Back issues arte available. Search for the website. You may not choose to follow his approach, but it will broaden your perspective. Next, check out the pond construction forum on this board. ...You can check it out now, but a lot of the discussion will make more sense after you read the Childers series. A koi pond is a complex project to do right. It is simple to do one wrong.

[mstrseed]

I the AKCA has a few good and inexpensive books on pond building and filtration............

[MCA]

Here is a great site on koi pond design and construction. This is talking about relatively expensive high ponds that use concrete floors, block walls, and fiberglass as a sealant. Koi ponds can be constructed may ways depending on your soil conditions, local building codes, and budget

For example:
poured concrete floor and walls
poured concrete floor and block walls
shotcrete or gunite (like a swimming pool)
Liner and underlayment in the hole (needs VERY stable earth to avoid caveins)


This site will give you ideas about the topics to consider for your pond system.
A Guide to Modern Koi Pond Construction.

[moikoi]

at least do a 7500 gal pond with 2 bottom drains and go 8 ft deep with gunite.