"Richard Kerry" wrote .
Many thanks for all the useful advice, now I have even more questions I'm
afraid! The pond we inherited is about 7 years old so the "Koi" seem to
have been ok in their existing environment, longer term (end of 05) I'd
like to dig the pond out so the advice I need is to get the appropriate
pump and filters that will work today and also in the future.

Where do I get a CH pump from? Do I need a CH pump for heating and an
ordinary pump for the filters? Is a CH pump energy effecient as I've seen
some inexpensive (aka cheap) pumps running crazy currents so NOT a good
idea 24/7.

You get a Central Heating (Grundfos) pump from any good plumbers merchant
that sells radiators etc. and although some koi keepers do heat their ponds
a bit in the winter it isn't necessary. I and others use a CH pump for the
filters.
Yes a central heating pump is very efficient, probably the most efficient
type of pump.
This is the sort of thing http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/348-195



Also, if I got for the system I indicated on my orgininal post I wonder
whether using an standard box filter with the EcoClear 18000 would work as
the EcoClear is a pressurised system or would that make no difference?

Put it after the pressurised filter and it will "polish" the water making it
crystal clear. If you go down the CH pump route you need to discuss with the
plumbers merchant what pump you need to give you the pressure (or head) to
run your "pressurised" filter, but what's the advantage of the pressure
filter over the sort you already have? The water has to have time in the
filter for the bacteria to work, pumping it through at speed will not work.

Can I also get new materials for my existing filter should I wish to
continue using it?

Yes you can, either from an aquatic shop like the one whose URL I already
mentioned or get some Filter Foam from a foam shop, but wash it thoroughly
before use.

--
Regards
Bob
In Runnymede, 17 miles West of London