Controlling Operating Cost on a Large Koi Pond

[kendragon]

I got a call this weekend from a residence of a high end home. They had converted a swimming pool into a backyard koi pond 10 years ago. Volume is 50,000 gallon plus. Their initial request was to rehome the kois and convert the pond back to a pool. The collection of kois are japanese imports and the filtration is new and top of the line with multiple Ultima and UV.
Frequent vacations to the UK and high electrical bill were the main drivers.
In the discussion, it turns out that they were feeding everyday and had no one to take care of them while they were gone. I explained that kois do not need to be fed everyday especially during cooler months. I confirm the pump was running at 3000rpm at 1893 watts. This equated to $440/month in electricity.
I talked them into keeping the pond after explaining a few changes can be made to address the issues. They contracted me to maintain this pond in two weeks. I will program the pump to 1800rpm and/or vary the pump speed during certain time of the day. 1800rpm at 460W will lower the consumption to $90/month. More plants will also be incorporated.
Basically, I will get this down to the same cost as a swimming pool.

I will update this thread as the project progresses.

 

[Chub_by]

Sounds like an interesting project. Solar panels would also be an idea given you are in Cali.

Also, pics would be great if that's ok with the owners.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

U can also do diy wind turbine

 

[kendragon]

Sounds like an interesting project. Solar panels would also be an idea given you are in Cali.

Also, pics would be great if that's ok with the owners.

First day on the job tomorrow. Will snap some pics.

U can also do diy wind turbine

Don't think it is allowed at this location.

This is why too much energy.

 

[Rossy]

You could probably set a timer on/off every couple hours.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

First day on the job tomorrow. Will snap some pics.



Don't think it is allowed at this location.

This is why too much energy.
View attachment 1295017

Geez,u could try plant filtration then

 

[kendragon]

You could probably set a timer on/off every couple hours.

Biological filter must run continuously.

 

[kendragon]

Pond running at 3000 rpm. Note the flow coming out the fall.

Filtration consist or two Ultima filters and a 3" dia chamber UV.

 

[kendragon]

Less flow but going from $440/month to $90/month is a big savings.

Pump has 8 channels. I kept Speed 1 at 3000rpm for high speed backwashing. Made Speed 4 the new normal operating (1800rpm).

Will monitor for the next couple of weeks. We can always up the rpm a little to dial it in if needed.

 

[kendragon]

Pond pics. Kois (Kohaku, Utsuri, Ochiba, Shusui, Asagi, Ogon, Matsuba) are 24"-30". HiFin Sharks are 12". Guppies and mollies 1"-2", goldfish 12".
Plants: water cress, lily, elephant ear, iris.
Pond depth is 5'.