After doing some research, I will put in a bottom drain that uses gravity to fill the filter in my next pond. This is how it works. The filter will be next to the pond, but dug in the ground so that the top of filter is at water level. Since water seeks its own level, the water will travel through the bottom drain in to the filter. As the pump takes water from the filter. the water will automaticly seek its own level and fill the filter. This will cause less strain on the pump because gravity is pulling the water through the bottom drain to the filter, and all the pump has to do is return the water to the pond. Below is a diagram that I drew to show what I mean.
If you notice in the diagram, the pump is actually in the filter. I am not sure if that can be done. Most people would place the pump in the pond, and let it draw water from the filter. So that is my question. Can I build a filter with the pump inside of it, and how?
Thanks for any help
Ok, the pic was too large so here is a link to an other forum where I have the diagram. I'm sorry it's so big
http://watergardening.infopop.net/3...54&m=6512939376