On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:45:09 CST, "Reel McKoi"
wrote:

Put in a bottom drain to filter and you won't ever have to drain the pond
to clean, it will all get sucked out continuously to the filter. ~ jan
====================
This is true but it doesn't remove what a total water change will.

You're also removing the eco-balance. Not everyone has access to good water
and often a total water change will cause new-pond-syndrome (pea soup) for
some. I believe you have UV to combat this?

Many filters will clog quickly with the plant matter and other grunge that
settles to the bottom. Grunge also settles on the plants and their pots.
This is hosed off during the spring change. My filter intake is on the
bottom and catches much of the particles but not all land near the intake.
It lands on the shelves and all other serfaces. My pump has only one
intake.

Once one's koi are big enough, they continually move sediments towards the
bottom drain. Since this is continual the pond stays clean and the filter
doesn't need extra cleaning. Most people who have researched or discovered
the ease of using a bottom drain also have gotten the message regarding
proper filter size so they aren't cleaning them all that often. Once every
6 weeks, pre-filter only. That's why, IMHO, when someone who is just in the
thinking stage of building a pond should be steered towards bottom drains &
skimmers. And if they have the money, a vortex filter system. I'm all about
ease on the back, and time.

A 24/7 flow thru system takes care of a lot water chemistry problems (if
one has a good water source). ~ jan
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us