New pond build for cichlids :)

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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305phins

Candiru
MFK Member
Aug 25, 2010
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Ok so I got a couple questions while building my pond.

How many gallons, its 15' by 9' half of it is 4' deep and other half rises to about 2'.

Now I also have filtration issues would this filter be good?

two of these http://www.koienterprise.com/Matala...oSteps-10-Gravity-Discharge-Filter-p-322.html

or one

http://cgi.ebay.com/4500-Gallon-Pre...262?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b32dc6f6


ill be posting pictures of the pond tomorrow. Also wondering were airration would come from. And what skimmer would be good for this pond, and is the UV lights in those filters enough to keep the water clear plan to have alot of lilys and plants but i live in miami where the pond gets a lot of sun
 
That comes out to about 3,030g by my calculations.

I don't know how well those pond canisters work. You will need more flow than the included pump in the second (Ebay) link though. 1200gph will not do very well filtering a 3,000g pond. You would need to either upgrade the pump for that filter, closer to 3,000gph, or add a second filter with another, larger pump. You probably want to aim for at least 1 full turnover per hour.

To maximize filtration for your money, you may consider DIY'ing a filter. They can be done fairly inexpensively and generally can filter larger bodies of water or heavier bioloads than the "cheap" pond filters you'll find online.
 
1 full turnover per hour is that like standered? And If I do a DYI filter with a 1 full turnover per hour, would that be all the flow ill need ? Thanks for the calculations. Can someone else test that out and see if they get about the same gallon amount.
 
Appox 3000 gals.

1X turnover should be the minimum with small fish. If you are planning for some future monsters, get a larger pump now so you won't have to upgrade in a year or two.

A DYI filter is the way to go on that pond. A skippy is a proven filter and is easy to make and maintain. If you plan on having a decent amount of plants (floaters, marginals, and submerged) and lillies, you could probably do away with the UV. However, not a bad idea to have one on hand if the price is right. They can help new, cycling ponds, with green water.

Depending on the flow and height of the return, it may be all the areation that is needed. Place the skimmer opposite of the falls for optimum flow and cirrulation. Another good piece of equipment to have around is a good blower or air pump. It can be used during the summer months only, or let it rip year round. Place it in the 4' end to provide movement in the bottom.
 
This is the hardware im planning on getting

DIY Skippy bio filter

Tetra DHP3600 pump connected to my bio filter http://www.tetrapond.com/sites/tetrafish/catalog/productdetail.aspx?id=1276&cid=396

Tetra 18 watt uv clarifier connected to water fall or skimmer not sure yet or how. A lot of sun and heat in miami so im preparing for alot of algea. http://www.tetrapond.com/sites/tetrafish/catalog/productdetail.aspx?id=1276&cid=408

Does this sound like a all i would need and a good setup? And as for skimmers any advice on easy to install good ones? (link). And thanks for the info musky :)
 
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Check out the pond !! Were should I install the skimmer and how also what could i put on top of the cinder block to hold down the liner, and will look nice
 
You should look into either an air pump with a bubbler for more movement, or a second pump. I am running a 3,500gph pump on my pond, and there is very little noticeable water movement between my falls and my skimmer box. You only know the water is moving because leaves will slowly float towards the skimmer.

I need to add a second pump or large air stone to my pond, but haven't had the funds to do so yet.

As far as covering the liner on top of the cement block, a 2x8, bolted down, would look pretty good. You could do a 2x10 or 2x12 to get more of a lip on both the inside and outside, which would look even better.
 
That is two pumps the uv is a pump and the ghp3600 is the other which will be connected to the biofilter.. Whats a 2x8 2x10 2x12 lol ?
 
the 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12 are pressure treated boards from home Depot or Lowes. They would lay flat on top of the liner, on top of the concrete block.
 
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