Have you tried something like this?http://users.owt.com/jjspond/koipond/photos/set1/09.jpg

When I first read your post I was still furious so my first thought
was "Jeeze, I don't want to have to make another device!" but then I
calmed down and realized that your contraption seemed very effective.
I actually made a similar one today out a pair of the largest potting
containers at Lowes of that type. I had a hell of a time finding
something that would let me fasten the tube inside the device, and
finally resorted to using lots and lots of hot glue.

Mine is made from two 12" square-ish pots and I placed a thin brick
inside it to ensure that it will sink. I hooked it up and wasn't
getting any water out, so I unplugged the tube from the pump and the
pump started sucking water, then I reconnected the tube and
everything's been working well for 7 hours or so. I guess the pump
was just out of wack from the stress of sucking a vaccum yesterday.

Thanks for this tip!


You're not the only one, but once you do the mesh basket thing, you'll be
one less. ;-)

It seems to be working well, and those little Live Oak leaves
shouldn't be able to get through those holes, but I do worry that the
holes are too small and will build up debris which will then cause the
entire thing to impode from the suction of the pump. I've had that
problem happen in the past too. At first I thought it was heat from
the pump and feared my pump could melt a hole in the liner, but then I
realized the things were slowly crushed.



An air pump and large airstone might be better... and are good back up. As
far as the fittings, I feel you pain. Luckily I have a geeky (Asperger's)
son (25) who loves to go to the hardware store and figure out all the
fittings.

Duh! The air bubblers!
I was so mad yesterday when I made that post that I completely forgot
that I have a pair of air bubbler tubes in the pond for just that
problem. After I read your post I hooked the power up to the air
bubbler.



Why they don't put chairs/benches in hardware stores for us
non-hardware waiters is beyond me. (I'd say women, but I don't want to be
sexist.) ;-) ~ jan

I've wondered the same thing about shoe and clothing stores, except in
those places they need to put out cots and hammocks for the waiters