- bsean0714 wrote:
- Ok, so my plan is to now use a two barrell design with the first being a vortex with brushes and second containing some sort of media and the pump, pumping water to water fall bio filter. What kind of media should i use in second chamber and what size and how many oveeflowline pipes to thecover second barrell. Also, what size pump should i consider for thethe second barrell with 4"pipe bottom drain? Any ideas on how to partition the barrells dor the sections of media? Thank you for al your help.
U will have to put the first two drums level with the pond and feed them by gravity. I used this special expensive suction pipe, instead of rigid pipes...It is flexible, and it is much easier to use.
You will need to pump as U said from the bio filter...to the water fall.
For media in the vortex, is good U decided on brushes. I use garden shade cloth with large holes, and designed it in such a way that it is easy to clean. It is also long lasting and cheap.
Remember U will need to spin the water in the vortex, so put the inlet pipe with a bent inside, 20-30 cm above the bottom of the drum. There is another system to use as a vortex prefilter very easy to use designed by Kent Wallis USA...It is a plastic bucket inside the drum , with lots of holes, with a exit pipe inside also with lots of holes...filled with plastic shavings to prefilter the water. So the water also spins around the Bucket and solids are deposited on the bottom, but is prefiltered also by the plastic shaving before it goes to the bio filter.
Dont forget to put a drain in each drum on the bottom. How Will U drain your drums if they are bellow soil level? Is your pond going to be partially above ground level...if U do that U can use the flexible or rigid pipe to bring your waste above ground but bellow water level...at list 30 cm, or make a sump to drain the drums.
U Must remember that if your drums feed by gravity and the pump is sucking from them...if the level in the pond goes bellow the outlet pipe of the drums, your pump will not be fed and run dry.
Have U thought about that?
I pump directly from a perforated pipe on the bottom, to a Birdman sand filter, and then by gravity to bio and pond.
I have seen some float valves...for large tanks...that operate mechanically...open when the water level goes down... Maybe U can incorporate one for a safety measure in the last chamber...so if the water in the last drum goes bellow your pipe...it opens and brings water for the pump not to run dry.
What is going to filter the fines in your pond?
Brushes are not very good for that...if U want clear water U need to have something to filter the fines.
U can Use the media in your biofilter, but that is not advisable...it will disturb your bacteria.
Maybe U use Kent wallis pre filter...(the bucket)
I can send U pictures if U want.
U dont need overflow pipes if your drum is gravity fed...but if U get obstruction in one of your barrels, U will need that float safety valve...
If U mean pipes for the water flow between the drums...This is what I think.
your pond is around 1800 liters...to have a turn over rate of one hour...U need a pump of 1800 liters per hour.
2000 liters passes very easily by gravity through a 2" pipe...so Regardless of your bottom drain being 4" ( U dont need such a big BD for your pond) 3" is more than enough.....so if U use 2" pipes between your drums it will be fine with that size pump.
It depends on your budget what media U will use for your bio...best is K1...aerated...in the drum...will do wonders...but it is also the most expensive.