With the amount of new koi we are now bringing in I decided to build a new pond to add to my indoor 100ton and outdoor 200ton.The two 20 ton quarantine ponds are fine for the short term,but ideally the bigger koi need more space.My indoor pond houses mainly customers' gosanke,but I need another quality pond to grow on non-gosanke.
I am fortunate to have the funds and ample space to be able to build a Japanese style system which has a very big foot print,but is definitely my personal preference.
The first step was to dig,level and mark for the pipes and foundations.
Next the foundations were dug and the bottom drain pipes laid in place-160mm diameter.The drainage pipes were also put on place-75mm All pipes are thick walled with large radius bends.
All foundations,floor and walls reinforced with 12mm rebar .The 30 mpa 250mm slab was then poured.
The block laying then began with each block filled with concrete.
The weir pipes were positioned and the floor shaped.
I decided to install 3 mid water returns-also help push debris down to the bottom drains.
Plastering the walls and putting a good radius in the corners.
Once the plaster had dried properly,the fibreglass was done.
Connected up all the drainage outlets from the settlement and biological filters.
Settlement chamber with 63mm swivel skimmer/overflow,2 x 110mm weirs(with option to insert stand pipes),and 2 x 160mm down/up pipes to the first biological filter.
The first of 5 identical biological filters.The 2 x 160mm pipes feed under the stainless steel grid and the water then passes up through the bank of Sakai Japanese matting and then back down the 2 x 160mm pipes to the next chamber.
Fiberglass lined concrete domes covering the bottom drains.
Start filling the pond with a water meter.
Decking completed,protein skimmer installed and pumps turned on-100 liters an hour all through submersible pumps only
Japanese matting installed in biological filters with corrugated fiberglass sheets between each mat for even flow of water.
UV lights in last biological chamber.
5000 liter holding tank with submersible pump and spray bar.Fed through a large carbon filter.Connected to the pump chamber of the pond.
Water returned to pond through 3 surface and 3 mid water returns,plus protein skimmer.
A hedge planted on the sunny side of the pond for some shade protection.
A great view from the deck between the indoor and new pond.
When I get a chance I will run through my indoor pond and filtration system,but now I need to start to pack-leaving for Japan on Saturday.
