A week after the concrete was cured in the cast, we started tearing down the cast and work on the filter chambers. It is a 4 bay system.
Here we see the drains for the filter chambers being installed.
Since the planning was a bit off, we had to build the chambers using bricks and cement (so I lied, not all concrete), rendering it as we move up in the process, 1m x 1m is quite a small space to work on. The sides in the bottom are elevated by 1 brick and 1/2" pipes are fitted on the bricks to prevent the bioballs / filtermats from dropping. the 1/2" pipe at the top is for air from the air pump (Later on small ss valves will be fitted in the pipe for the airstones lines).
Another slab of concrete is pour in to cover the 4" pipes in the pond. As seen here it was rendered using smooth cement mix (just cement and water), the bench and the walls then were smoothen. We wait till the cement were dry, then the pond is washed, just to rid some of the chemicals used in the cement.
The returns in the pond are two venturis, and a mid water return which can be switched manually to work in two directions.
The bridge was also cast, sort of an ad hoc design after the walls were cast, (using 13mm iron bars and 8mm iron bars as the support). Had a welding crew also. Then the cast is set up. The rendering was done only at the bottom of the bridge.
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.
