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Pond descriptions

Wayne & Heidi's pond - page 8

Bio Filter.
I quadrupled  the amount of hair curlers that I was using in the Bio-Filter and also added some Bio Balls.

Note what I did with the hair curlers...I had three different sizes of hair curlers and then decided to push them into each other to increase their surface area.
My local  Koi dealer told me that it was a good idea to supplement the bacteria in the bio-filter with some additional oxygen so I added a air compressor line into the bio filter with four air stones.  This not only adds oxygen to the filter but also creates movement inside the bio filter.
On the right you can see the air compressor that I decided to use.
Usually you have to keep your pump running otherwise your good bacteria in your bio filter will die due to lack of oxygen. This way if need be you can switch your main pump off and close the ball valve on the in and outlet of the bio-filter and  keep the air compressor running... Dont forget about the fish in the pond they will also require oxygen if you switch the main pump off. Don't keep the main pump off for to long as the water will get dirty and ammonia could build up.
The air pump

Remember to add no-return valves to your air lines other wise the water could flow back into your air compressor...shorting it out and making it useless.

Venturi.
I decided right from the beginning to create my own venturi due to high cost of buying one. I actually cant believe that they should be that expensive but maybe it is only expensive in South Africa.

 On the left you can see my venturi in action. I was able to build my own venturi at 17% of the cost of buying one.
On the right is a diagram describing how to build your own venturi.
   
 
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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.
Website Copyright © 1999-2006 Eric W Poingdestre