~ janj JJsPond.us wrote:

On Fri, 27 May 2005 18:32:02 -0600, Wilmdale wrote:





Anyone have any experiences (good or bad) with the Tetra or any other
vacuum bottom drain?
I am wondering if the vacuum bottom drain would be a better choice over
the submersible pump.
Thanks again, everybody!
W. Dale



W.Dale, if you go to my website you'll see a diagram of what I did with my
pond using both the no-niche skimmer and tetra vac bottom drain. Click on
*My filter*. I've been real happy with the set up, beats a pump in the
pond.

DH & I did at one time discuss going thru the liner, but found out the only
way to do it with a good seal was to put in new liner. We neither have the
money, nor do I have the energy to move all the rocks at this time. I think
I'd be more apt to covert the two pond system into one big pond if we got
serious about a remodel. Though I really like the look of my 2 pond system,
it is no where near big enough when a koi hits the 2' size. Not with the
plants I also like to keep in it. Recently sold my biggest koi for this
reason. ~ jan

See my ponds and filter design:
www.jjspond.us

~Keep 'em Wet!~
Tri-Cities WA Zone 7a
To e-mail see website


Thanks Jan. Your design is simple and looks like something that could
be accomplished without too much hassle. And the cost of the Tetra
vacuum bottom drain is enticing as well. If I attempted to put in a
bottom drain, I think I would probably be working on it for at least 3 -
5 days plus I would need to empty my pond setting it back for the
season. I think I will try a variation on your design using the 3 stock
tanks I have. I may even remove the other little giant and run all 4
filters off the external pump. I am probably going to go with the Money
Saver Pump (1 hp that can be dialed down) and try your triple cam lock
fitting idea with the 3" pipes. That way I can feed the 2 - 70 gallons
stock tank filters, 1 - 100 gallon stock tank filter, and the 500 gallon
veggie filter. I think that may work. I will keep the submersible
little giant around for emergencies.
I appreciate you help and suggestion. I will keep you posted and try
chronicle the process.
Have a happy weekend!
W. Dale