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06-19-2003, 12:21 AM
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Small pond filtration
I've dinked around with a few dif't methods for trying to create a nice filtration system for very small ponds (50 sqft surface area and less, 12" deep or less). I've used PSA and Aquascapes and like their systems, and wanted something similar.
Well, I think I'm partway there. When I have time I'll post more info and more pics, but wanted to post this pic of a modified fountain box from Beckett, to show you how I'm trying to replicate the function of the larger systems waterfall unit.
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06-19-2003, 12:25 AM
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BTW, CalPump has a small scale skimmer that looks like it'd serve nicely for this kind of application as well. Didn't buy it to go over it yet, but I probably will... Now we just need the autofill and we'll be golden. 
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06-19-2003, 11:32 PM
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Ok, here's the beginning of this endeavor....
Get one of those rectangular box dealies from a home imrpovement store, one that you can get a little attachment to have a spraying fountain. Drill a 5/8" or larger hole in it like so:
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06-20-2003, 12:09 AM
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Get a 1/2" PVC coupler with male threaded end. Cut a piece of 45 mil pond liner to use as a washer. This washer won't provide a perfect seal, but with this method, a perfect seal is not required, as the entire filtration system will be contained within the pond liner, so any leaks at this point go right back into the pond.
Last edited by Stonehenge : 06-20-2003 at 12:14 AM.
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06-20-2003, 12:20 AM
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Place washer over threads, insert threaded end into box. Install another washer on threaded end on inside of box, install female threaded coupler to male threaded end.
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06-20-2003, 12:22 AM
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Cut a portion of the top of the box off, like in this picture - in fact, cut it a bit smaller than pictured. This is where the water will flow out from.
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06-21-2003, 10:37 PM
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The next step is to create a bibbing for this filter that will help to direct water flow where you want it. In this pic I traced the shape of the box onto a 4'x4' piece of pond liner.
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06-21-2003, 10:39 PM
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You can see above that I then drew another box inside that box, about 1" smaller on all sides. Then I cut out that smaller box area, and pulled the bib over the box.
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06-21-2003, 10:46 PM
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Part of the beauty of this installation again is that the filter/waterfall is totally contained within the liner of the pond - having perfect seals is great, but if you can't get them perfect, any tiny dribbles out water that get out the back or behind a few stones don't end up outside of the liner and pond - it just goes into the circulation of water just like the rest. So it's a bit more forgiving than attaching liner right to the edge of the mouth of the filter box.
After I've pulled the bib around the box, I just fold it up and around the sides and back, forming an open envelope from which the water pours. When installed I just use a few small stones to hold the bib/envelope in place.
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06-21-2003, 10:59 PM
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Here's an oversimplified diagram:
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06-23-2003, 06:06 PM
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Here's the pond that box went into:
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06-23-2003, 06:08 PM
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Nothing extravagant - the pond surface area is around 40 sqft, the waterfall is at a slow trickle, water depth is about 11".
Last edited by Stonehenge : 06-23-2003 at 06:10 PM.
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06-23-2003, 10:53 PM
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Ranger
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Now thats a great looking job, good thing my wife doesn't look at this forum or you'd be down here building one here.
__________________
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06-23-2003, 11:57 PM
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May not be very "extravagant" but it sure is a classy looking water feature. Looks great!
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06-24-2003, 12:22 AM
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Aw, shucks.  |
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