Hi Bob,

Please take a look at my DIY filtration unit on my website. For 5,000 I'd
use two units, which would give you two bottom drains and two skimmers.
Last website listed below: Click on *My Filter* and also the *Demon Pond
Filter* which shows the parts that connect the barrels together. *My Lily
Pond* shows the piping configuration we used to connect bottom drain and
skimmer pipe. The actual skimmer pot
http://www.fancykoioutlet.com/supply/skimmer_drain.htm could be added
later. The most expensive thing about my filter is using open cell foam,
but you could always fill them all with window screening the first couple
of years till you save up again.

Note: the website above shows skimmer pipe thru side, my pipe goes thru the
bottom using Greg's Bickal's super cheap pipe boot.
http://www.geocities.com/bickal2000/pond.htm ;o) ~ jan

See my ponds and filter design:
http://users.owt.com/jjspond/

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


On Tue, 11 Feb 2003 19:26:50 -0800, "Bob H" wrote:

I am building a pond I estimate there is about 5000 +/- gallons, I have
ordered the liner now I need to look at filtration, I have been looking at
fishmate pumps (3500ex) and upflow waterfall biofilters....My setup will be
a waterfall on one end with 2 18" spillways with a total rise of about 6.5
feet (3 in pond & 3.5 above grade) the pond is 24 ft long & 8-13 ft wide in
an irregular shape. I want to be sure I have enough flow over the falls and
enough filtration. I don't expect I will have fish (too many wild birds &
critters). Do you think this setup sounds workable or can you come up with
a better (cheaper would be good) setup?
I have looked at external pumps but they seem a hassle, I can't really
afford the extra $$ for a skimmer right now (I would like to go with one
later).
I am not a total newbie, this is my second pond, my last house had a much
smaller 100 gallon + 200 gal & hour waterfall but I am far, far from expert.