|
Welcome to the
do-it-yourself page, where I showcase how to the amazing works of other
koi and fish keepers.
KOI38'S UPFLOW FILTER
|
This shows the inside of the 55 gallon drum with
the 2" shower drain for the bottom drain. The reason it is
positioned where it is because it is one of the lowest points in the
barrel and it was the only smooth place on the bottom. Ideally it
would be in the exact center but there is a mold seam there and it
will not allow a good seal.
|
|
|
Here it is with the inlet. The 2" bulkhead fitting
is the same as the one at the top left but it isn't visible in the
picture due to the shadow. By installing the inlet like this it will
slow the water down some and help with settlement. It also will be a
support for the Japenese Matt media.
|
|
| By installing the outlet like so the PVC pipe will
serve to hold the media down and with the elbow turned up it will
pick up oxygen before going back to the pond. When using it before a
pump, you need to turn the elbow down and use a pipe strainer on the
end.
|
|
| This filter can be pump fed or gravity fed. With
the 2" inlet and outlet a flow rate of 600-1,000 gph is recommended.
If you gravity feed the filter with the pump after you will need to
turn the elbow down so it doesn't pick up any air.
|
|
|
You can here the Japp Matt is rolled up to fit the
drum nice and neat. Its approx 24" in diameter.
The bird netting is folded 3 ways so I unroll it,
spread it out, gather it up and stuff it into the barrel.
You can use a piece of egg crate to help hold
the netting below the water with the outlet pipe over that. If you
build one of these filters make sure any of the media you use can't
get drawn into the outlet and clog it. If you have it outside cover
the top of the barrel so leaves or other debris can't get in and
stop up the outlet. Be sure to leave an air space between the lid
and the barrel. You can use heavy shade cloth to cover if outside.
|
|
| This is the drain for releasing excrement,
wastes and other solids
|
|
|
This shows the water flowing
out of the drum to either back to pond or waterfalls. Remember to
turn the elbow down if pumping water out to avoid air pick up.
Cleaning for me is a breeze.
If you've noticed slide valve was used for easy operation. Just pull
the slide valve every few days. The Jap matt was just rolled up. I
used some plastic straps to hold it in place. It also act as a
handle, when it needs cleaning I just normally give it a good shake
while inside the drum and done.
|
|
|
