So, I want to get started on a pool asap, as I imagine it won't be ready until Spring/Summer.It will be the Intex metal-frame 15' x 42" pool. My biggest question is filtration. I've seen the Filipino guy with a smaller indoors one, and what he made, but it's my understanding those require daily cleaning, and for a 3800 gallon pool, welll...I don't see that working out well. The guru of my LFS said I'd need a large container found at a tractor supply store, and fill it with lava rock and some polishing media at the top, and it would need to be cleaned once a year. How much would that cost? Are there any more options?I'm also eager not to overstock my pool. Right now I have a Channel Cat and Red-Bellied Pacu, and two Senegal bichirs (who may or may not go in depending on their size) that I'm planning to put in there.I would also want a Congo bichir, for sure, and a Common Pleco would be helpful. I also fancy those ancient fish, so a Spotted Gar, Clown Knife, Aba Aba Knife, and possibly an Arowana are also canidates, as is a Red Tailed Catfish. Would they all be able to live in there nicely, or will I have to pick and choose?What would be the most economical way to feed so many monsters? What would be the price-per-month?Any other tips is great too!Thanks for all the help!
Stocking and Filtration for 15' x 42" Pool
- Thread starter hervoicewasgray
- Start date
The guy at the LFS is on the right track. A large rubbermaid (or simaliar) stock tank comes in 70, 100, and 300 gals. If you are handy and build a strong enough base, the filter could drain into the pond via gravity. Or split the difference and bury the pool half in the ground and a smaller base for the filter. Still reling on gravity for the return. The rubbermaid models come w/a bung at the bottom. I think they are 1 or 1.5", you could very easily drill out a 2" bulkhead for it. I have never tried any larger the 2", a 3" might be possible, but I would only try that on the 300 gal. Lava rock is OK, but will clog over time and just needs a little more than year maint. It is also more effective if it is not completely covered w/water, which is hard since the return will most likely not drain fast enough to keep the water level low in the bin. If you do use lava rock, place them in large mesh bags, avail. at pond shops, you could run 4-5 or more bags and clean 1 out every week. That would leave several still running with all the BB undisturbed. As for pads, anything will work. The water will be pumped from the pond and over the top edge of the bin. Have it splash on the media much like a drip tray on a wet/dry.
Another idea is to use the bin like a bog. Fill it with Hyacinth and Water Lettuce and a few pots of marginals like cattails and horsetail. Build a Bio-tower on the opposite side of the pool. Or, keep all the mechanicals on one side and hide them behind a screen to not deter from the aesthetics. Have all your plumbing in one spot.
Stock list sounds good with the RTC probabllly going in last. All of them, except the Channel, will require a heater at some point, unless your lucky like Tuggard. No idea on a food bill for them. I would become friends with a butcher or monger and buy fillets in bulk.
Another idea is to use the bin like a bog. Fill it with Hyacinth and Water Lettuce and a few pots of marginals like cattails and horsetail. Build a Bio-tower on the opposite side of the pool. Or, keep all the mechanicals on one side and hide them behind a screen to not deter from the aesthetics. Have all your plumbing in one spot.
Stock list sounds good with the RTC probabllly going in last. All of them, except the Channel, will require a heater at some point, unless your lucky like Tuggard. No idea on a food bill for them. I would become friends with a butcher or monger and buy fillets in bulk.