going to do a pond build, from what I've seen go as big as you can and get the most expensive equipment you can afford is about the extent of advice I've seen so far , 1500 gal pond with a skimmer and a waterfall filter was looking at the savio brand but wow they want some money , any one have a " just as good " brand they love for a lot cheaper? thanks
skimmer and filter advice needed
- Thread starter goblinriff
- Start date
First you need to decide what type of fish you want to keep, and how many. If you are going to keep koi then yes the bigger the better and yes you would need bigger filters etc. If you intend to keep Goldfish then cheaper equipment would be an option. But rule of thumb is always go for the best you can afford when it comes to pumps, filters and liners if you are using a liner.
neon tetra's with a monster silver dollar ! so you are saying get the more expensive equipment wow! never thought of that , and from what I can tell the bigger the fish the more bigger the filter amazing advice!
Expensive has nothing to do with quality....
For a 1500 gal. pond look for a skimmer with a 6" weir. A 8" weir (opening) is usually rated for pumps above 3000 gph. Look for features like multiply plumbing cut outs. it allows for a little more flexabilty in the design and you can use the others for overflows. Easy access to debris nets/baskets and buy an extra one. My skimmer has brushes in it that act as extra mechanical, I also recomend getting an extra set of those.
A pump that does at least 1800 gph should be at the low end. Something in the 2-3000 gph will allow for future fish growth and keep the water well oxygenated and moving debris towards the skimmer. The pump is one area you don't want to skimp. Look for 1-1/2" - 2" outlets/returns, solids handling capablity, and most important, high effecient operating. A pump with a 2+ year warranty is a good thing too.
Filters can be a simple DIY skippy or check out the bio-falls that some manufacturers make. This size of the pump will usually determin what filter to use. To much flow and the filter is not as effecient, to little flow and the falls don't look natural.
Liner should be 45 mils. Underlayment options include geo-textile or old carpet. Both are cheap and a little shopping around will find the best deals.
For a 1500 gal. pond look for a skimmer with a 6" weir. A 8" weir (opening) is usually rated for pumps above 3000 gph. Look for features like multiply plumbing cut outs. it allows for a little more flexabilty in the design and you can use the others for overflows. Easy access to debris nets/baskets and buy an extra one. My skimmer has brushes in it that act as extra mechanical, I also recomend getting an extra set of those.
A pump that does at least 1800 gph should be at the low end. Something in the 2-3000 gph will allow for future fish growth and keep the water well oxygenated and moving debris towards the skimmer. The pump is one area you don't want to skimp. Look for 1-1/2" - 2" outlets/returns, solids handling capablity, and most important, high effecient operating. A pump with a 2+ year warranty is a good thing too.
Filters can be a simple DIY skippy or check out the bio-falls that some manufacturers make. This size of the pump will usually determin what filter to use. To much flow and the filter is not as effecient, to little flow and the falls don't look natural.
Liner should be 45 mils. Underlayment options include geo-textile or old carpet. Both are cheap and a little shopping around will find the best deals.
thank you , I'm going to use a trash dumpster , the kind you roll out to the street for my diy bio falls , going to buy a skimmer , good pump like you said , still deciding on the bottom drain set-up , would like to know what kind of skimmer you have thanks
Standard Skimmer from www.aquascapeinc.com .
My unit is about 6 years old. It has since been re-designed into the PondSweep PROSkimmer. Mine has a 8" weir which will allow for a future upgrade in pond size and pump.
My unit is about 6 years old. It has since been re-designed into the PondSweep PROSkimmer. Mine has a 8" weir which will allow for a future upgrade in pond size and pump.