Hi Guys,

This may sound like a stupid question but is there any reason for me not to use the cheaper (+- R30) plastic floor drain as apposed to the koi specific drains (+-R350)? I am trying to build the elusive cheap pond

I have seen many ponds with the cheap gulley drain with no problems.

However, I think smaller fish can be sucked in easier and fish can be cought. The proper dome bottom drain can prevent this.

considering the price of Koi's even if you lose just one the money you saved would be lost.

I would rather go for the proper BD.

How big will your dam be?

If it is a really small pond and the flow rate will be small it might still work.

I agree with Nardus. The cheap drains also blocks from time to time as string algae gets stuck on the drain.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies. I currently have a small fibreglass pond that I eagerly stocked with a few koi and goldfish babies...since then they have grown a fair bit and I want to give them a bigger place. The idea is a +-4000l rectangular liner pond with diy (natch) filters all to be done on a small budget.

Filtration looks to be a bottom drain running to a settlement chamber, then to a bio filter, them submersible pump to a waterfall and back into pond.

Contemplating a plant shelf/bog area in addition to the filtration and have also seen water plants being placed in the bio filter...good idea / bad?

If you are going the liner route, you will need to use a liner bottom drain which has a flange so that you can seal it properly. A gulley can only be used on a concrete pond.

Plants can be placed in the bio filter, as long as they are kept under control so as not to interfere with the bio media.

Definitely go for the linear BD with a flange.

What will your pond dimensions be?

Cant you go a little bigger?

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to look into modding the cheaper gully option first before I look at buying an expensive BD...when I get around to it and if it works I'll post an update.

Unfortunately my pond dimensions are limited by my yard's dimensions so I was thinking of 2-3m long x 1.5m wide x 1-1.5m deep. It'll have to be liner (budget) so if anyone knows where I can get good cheap liner that roughly fits those dimensions that'll be awesome? Gonna be looking at Builders Warehouse to see what size, thickness and price they have. The 'BD' and piping I'll get from there too; have got a bio-filter setup already but will look at modding it with a settlement chamber (picked up 2x25l plastic containers). Not sure about a skimmer yet but if I do decide on one then I'll diy that too.

This is all in my head at the moment but as soon as I have a workable budget and plan together I'll post it.

Pleasure.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Its always nice to follow pond building projects.

Builders wharehouse normally only has the 250 micron liner and is expensive. You have to ue at least 500 micron. Go to Gundle. http://www.gundle.co.za