|
|
Post by madonplants on May 8, 2007 11:25:28 GMT
Now that all our hassles seem to be ending, fingers crossed, thoughts are back on the pond filter. I think I have decided on one, but now need to know about pond pumps. How many times do I need to turn the water over? I have read various things about this, so as I have orfe and comets and no koi, how many times do I need to turn the water over? Pond is not far off 1000 gallons, 962 if I remember correctly and I 'think' I have chosen one of these so need ideas on a pump. I was looking at the titan pumps, but the 3000 seems too small and the 5500 sems to powerful. So after ideas, folks or general advice. Thanks in advance. Keith Edit: I put wrong size in link before. Re done it, so OK now! |
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 8, 2007 13:22:35 GMT
Keith...you want to be looking at turning the pond volume over through the filter once every two hours....so you want approx 500 gph or 2000 lph going through the filter.....so i would say the titan 3000 is fine.
Of course these pumps usually have a fascility to "T" off so you can run a filter and a waterfall/fountain. This will increase the aeration which of course, the Orfe will love (they start to jump out if there's not enough O2). You could therefore go for the bigger one.
HTH
|
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 8, 2007 13:45:20 GMT
Thanks Andy. Is my choice of filter OK? I have sort of gone off the Bioforce as it states it goes through the UV last. It then says it dumps the dead algae on the pond floor or gets taken out next time around. With my little knowledge, I thought with a pump fed system that should be first and then the dead algae gets taken out by the mechanical side of the filter?
One thing I thought about with the choice of pump was that the 3000 can take up 4mm whereas the 5500 can take double that. Is that something I should worry about or not?
Keith
|
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 8, 2007 17:01:27 GMT
Yeah....my koi pond has the UV before the filter. Your choice looks fine mate.
The 4mm and 8mm refers to the size of the solids that can pass through the pump. Obviously, the bigger the solid handling capability, the less chance of the pump getting clogged up so 8mm is better than 4mm.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 9, 2007 11:55:59 GMT
I have one of these - it is soooo very easy to clean. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 9, 2007 21:51:29 GMT
I know you do Rita, but where I was going to put the below ground filter, I have plans to have more plants there than I first thought, so wanted a 'box' type that would sit at the top of the waterfall. Hence the change of mind a bit. Also as the pond is in good sun, went for a filter with a good sized UV with it. The one I am going for has a 15w tube as oposed to the 11 on the hozelock. I also wanted to have more filter media than sponge in it, suppose that is the tropical fishkeeper in me!!  Keith |
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 15, 2007 9:36:06 GMT
Well I have bought that filter, so that part is out of the way. Will this pump be OK to run it? Keith |
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 15, 2007 10:56:28 GMT
Yep....spot on Keith  |
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 15, 2007 11:25:07 GMT
Brilliant, cheers Andy! Now all I have got to do now is sort out an electrician!! ;D Keith |
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 15, 2007 11:48:55 GMT
I just ran pond pump cable from an indoor socket (with circuit breaker) to a waterproof socket or pond electric switch box somewhere near the pond. Cable can be run underground or along the top of a fence....preferably in a conduit.
Been working for me for 3 years and is as easy as wiring a plug.
|
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 15, 2007 12:28:53 GMT
I just ran pond pump cable from an indoor socket (with circuit breaker) to a waterproof socket or pond electric switch box somewhere near the pond. Cable can be run underground or along the top of a fence....preferably in a conduit. Been working for me for 3 years and is as easy as wiring a plug. I must admit, it's the drilling through the house that frightens me, never done it before!!  Keith |
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 15, 2007 13:50:47 GMT
Easy-peasy....you just need to get a long masonary drill bit for your standard hammer drill....most DIY or hardware shops would be able to sort you one that will do the job
|
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 15, 2007 15:02:23 GMT
Easy-peasy....you just need to get a long masonary drill bit for your standard hammer drill....most DIY or hardware shops would be able to sort you one that will do the job Yes, but where do you drill, that is what I mean!! Just afraid of doing damage to the brickwork/mortar!! Do you drill outside in or inside out? I have seen it done both ways on these tv programmes and they make it look so easy!! Keith |
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 15, 2007 16:18:24 GMT
Doesn't matter Keith...just drill above the damp proof course (black tar line) and out of the way of any sockets. I've done it loads of times and the hardest part is getting the cable through both layers of bricks (don't forget that most houses have an inside wall made of block usually and an outside wall made of brick...with a gap in the middle !!!)
|
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 15, 2007 19:20:45 GMT
Just sitting here earlier having dinner and remember something on Teletext saying, unless you are qualified, you can't do electrics outside, due to new laws that have come in now! I know some will say, well who is going to tell if you do it, but is this true now or not? I am fairly OK with electrics, so sure I won't have a problem, bar the drilling!
Keith
|
|
|
|
Post by beanie on May 17, 2007 16:31:21 GMT
it's something to do with part P building regulation that came in about 2005 . my hubby has been an electician for 40yrs and now needs this certificate to put in new circuits or if he hasn't got one his work will need to be checked by someone who has a part P certificate although this person need not neccecarily be an electrician. silly isn't it  no one will know that your pond wiring didn't go in before 2005. it's more of a worry if you have a new circuit inside the house as if the electrician isn't properly qualified and caused a fire it could affect your house insurance. |
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 17, 2007 17:19:47 GMT
Yeah, i'm sure the "part P" doesn't include running an extension lead from house to pond. Otherwise, we'd all need it for changing light bulbs or plugs.
I'm off to check up for you.
|
|
|
|
Post by retropwr on May 17, 2007 19:41:13 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 17, 2007 21:27:00 GMT
Thanks everyone. I think maybe a call to an electrician to be on the safe side. I want to have an outside 'socket' so best get it done right. Would the electrician expect you to have brought the bits so to speak? I don't mean the cable as such, but the electric box? Keith |
|
|
|
Post by beanie on May 22, 2007 9:18:43 GMT
sorry forgot to come back on this one.  the electrician may have an account with a suppliers and can get parts at a cheaper rate, but if you want a particular item best to get it yourself and tell him . |
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 22, 2007 9:30:43 GMT
You'll need to get the electric box Keith.
However, if you can wire a plug, then wiring up this electric box is really as easy as that. If i was a bit closer to you, i'd come and do it myself as it's literally a half hour job.
|
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 22, 2007 11:30:25 GMT
Cheers, folks. Maybe what I will do is get a 'quote' from a couple of electricians and see what they comes back with. I suppose I have to lift the slabs and do the burying of cable work myself, don't I? Thanks for the offer Andy, pity you weren't closer! Sorry to have asked all these questions, I have only ever had wildlife ponds before, so no need for electricity!! ;D
Keith
|
|
