Plans For Gravity Bottom Drain And Filter Set Up

doody

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

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TreeBay

My pump (in the pond) pushes water into an outside filter from which it percolates up through the filiter media and returns by gravity through a waterfall to the pond.

In this diagram, you are relying on gravity to push water through the filter media, and that process may become slower and less effective as it becomes saturated with debris. If the filter or bottom drain clogs, it could create a pumpdown in the filter.

I think in principle it would work, but you would need to balance everything pretty well and maintain it more dilligently.

Regards,

Matt

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doody

Matt, lots of people use gravity methods in their bottom drain / filter systems with no problems, and end up with a clearer pond and less bottom cleaning to do. The plumbing between the drain and filter is a minimum of 3" in diameter. So, I think that the water will flow through the filter as fast as the pump takes water from the filter, as long as the filter is below ponds water line.
In a way, you are right about the filter media becoming saturated with debris. I think this is only a big concern in fall, because of leaf drop. In the begining of fall, I usually go out with a net everyday and scoop anything on top of the pond. In late fall, I cover my pond with this heavy duty plastic screen. It's holes are only 1/8". So, the pond is able to breath and get sunlight, with very little debris reaching it. Maybe I can create some sort of settling chamber before the filter. This way all the heavy stuff will sink there befor it gets to the filter media.
Anyway, I am trying to post a new diagram below. In the new design, the plumbing connects to the filter from the side, just above the filter media instead of below it. This way the water and debris will fall in to the media, instead of being pulled through. I also created a shelf to hold the media above the pump (in red). As I consult with other ponders, I will keep you posted on changes in design.

I WILL FIND SOMETHING THAT WORKS.

http://watergardening.infopop.net/3...a&ul=3482950476

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"What we see depends mainly on what we look for", because "Creation and art are defined only by the boundaries we confine ourselves"

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TreeBay

I think you might be better off with the media arranged sideways and kind of like

POND___________________SETTLING FILTER PUMP
\__________________/ ===\_______|||||||___X__/


can't show the bottom plumbing, but the supply and return
are as you illustrated

Regards,

Matt

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doody

Matt just to let you know, I decided against my original design. There was too much concern about flow rate, and the pump running dry. I did however come up with a design that would work. It's pretty similar to what you suggested.

My pond will be 2600 gallons. As you suggested my 3" bottom drain will gravity feed a settling chamber that will be no smaller than 55 gallons. I will have an external pump hooked up to the out flow of settling tank that will push water into a 100 gallon skippy bio-filter. The filter will also act as the water fall.

Here is a link for building skippy filters. http://www.skippysstuff.com/biofiltr.htm

I have other links for bottom drain and settling chambers if anyone wants them. Man I can't wait to start digging.

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TreeBay

That's a great link. It so happens I have two of the rubbermaid stock tanks sitting in the back yard growing waterlilies, so I will be all set if I build one of these!

Tanks & regards,

Matt

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doody

Where did you get them and how much$. I am gonna call some feed stores and check, but if you got a good source let me know.

__________________
"What we see depends mainly on what we look for", because "Creation and art are defined only by the boundaries we confine ourselves"

both quotes written by authors unknown