Installing a fibreglass filter unit

This photo shows the unit being delivered, and passed into the garden over the wall. This one is over 12 feet long, and requires quite a few helpers to get it onto the garden, and into position. The problem is not so much the weight but because of it's size, and it is necessary not to damage it or twist it too much.

The 6" mid-water inlet into the first bay can be seen. The orange connection on the right is the pipework from the drains box to the main house drains. The three 4" vertical pipes are the connections to the three bottom drains.

NOTE. This pond was built before vortex chambers were generally in use, but the same principals apply.

In this photo we can see the general layout of this unit.
At the lower end of the photo is the drains box.
The next bay is the settlement chamber. This bay can remain empty, have brushes, or some easily removed media such as Flocor.
The gray square section frames in the next bays are the supports for the media trays. These trays are flat and lay over the top. This is not necessary if you are using matting, but very important if you are using heavy media such as Alpha-grog.
The four overflow pipes, one in each bay, can be clearly seen.

TIP. It is very important that when using a vortex chamber, on in this case the first bay, as a settlement chamber that you have this available as early as possible in the construction stage as then you can install it in position, and all the measurements are taken from that point.


A Guide to Modern Koi Pond Construction Installing a fibreglass filter unit
Let us now look at what is involved with installing a ready made fibreglass unit. Most of these fibreglass units are intended to be free standing, which means that they do not need to be filled in around the outside before they are filled with water. In any case it is important to get full instructions from the dealer before you purchase and start planning how to install it.
	All free standing units must be stood on a level concrete base as is being constructed here. The concrete mix is the same as for the pond base, and that is 3 parts chippings, 2 parts sand, and one part cement. The depth of this base is six inches, and reinforcing mesh should be used. When making the concrete base it is very important to get the height correct because the final height of the water in the filter , and the vortex chamber if fitted, will determine the final height of the water level in the pond.
	This photo shows the unit being delivered, and passed into the garden over the wall. This one is over 12 feet long, and requires quite a few helpers to get it onto the garden, and into position. The problem is not so much the weight but because of it's size, and it is necessary not to damage it or twist it too much.

The filter unit is now upright in the garden, and ready to be inspected before it is put into position. It can be seen that the base of each bay is shaped so that all the debris will fall towards the bottom drains.
	The 6" mid-water inlet into the first bay can be seen. The orange connection on the right is the pipework from the drains box to the main house drains. The three 4" vertical pipes are the connections to the three bottom drains. NOTE. This pond was built before vortex chambers were generally in use, but the same principals apply.
	In this photo we can see the general layout of this unit. At the lower end of the photo is the drains box. The next bay is the settlement chamber. This bay can remain empty, have brushes, or some easily removed media such as Flocor. The gray square section frames in the next bays are the supports for the media trays. These trays are flat and lay over the top. This is not necessary if you are using matting, but very important if you are using heavy media such as Alpha-grog. The four overflow pipes, one in each bay, can be clearly seen.

TIP. It is very important that when using a vortex chamber, on in this case the first bay, as a settlement chamber that you have this available as early as possible in the construction stage as then you can install it in position, and all the measurements are taken from that point.
The next page to check is Vortex filter chambers.
This page updated January 2004
This website started with a booklet which I made up originally for the help of those members of the BKKS - South Wales Section who were intending to start building a koi pond, and as the website has expanded more information and articles from other people have been included. This is for general guidance only, and we do not take any responsibility for problems that might occur by following these ideas. It is important that you check out everything in your area, and check on local laws and rules that may apply.
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