Thank you for posting your tutorials. We have ducks and found one of your videos shared in a duck group. Your system has been the answer to one of the most challenging things we’ve experienced with duck ownership…keeping the pond clean. Thank you!
I just built a barrel filter using your method for my small 500 gallon pond. It went from an algae filled mess to crystal clear in hours and cleaning it is so much easier than my old set up filled with lava rock. Thanks for the videos! Would love to see how you built your bog garden
Nice! Usually I see over-the-top landscape art (expensive!!), or rectangular Japanese tanks, or ugly rudimentary tanks. Yours hits that nice zone of hobby and beauty.
Great system! Best design I can find. Do the 3 barrels have to be stepped down like that? Could they be at the same level? I'm building an 1100 gallon bait tank in my garage and want to build a system like this. You've already helped me a ton thanks!
Hey Jeff, I noticed a pvc pipe you have fashioned to open and close the drains on the barrels. Would you share the design detail. Also, is there any way to test for any leaks in the barrels, specifically the uniseals. Thanks for your time!
Hi Jeff, awesome pond. Love the filtration system. I was wondering, how did you make the steep "rock wall"? Did you just stack rocks against the liner and filled with some kind of adhesive? Kind regards from Sweden
Hi Jeff. Finally finished putting together the three barrel system! Unfortunately, three uniseal a are leaking, all three are at the drains for the barrels. AAArgh, any suggestions? They seem to be leaking at the insertion point of the uniseals to the barrels, not where the Valterra shut off valves are inserted
Hi Jeff, I am planning to add your suggested 3 barrel filtration system to my flamingo pond as I am planning to add koi fish to it, I am just worried about the size of the pond, it's 82,000 gallons and I am not sure about the required barrels sizes or numbers to achieve the required flow rate to keep the pond clean.
Hi Jeff. That pond is amazing. I’m looking at building a pond. I know rough dimensions but have no idea how many gallons it will hold. I know I’m gonna run a 3 barrel system. Just wondering what size pipes your running to keep up with the 3100gph pump. Would 4 inch pvc pipe be too big or ok?
Love the design. I’m considering building the barrel system using 275 gallon IBC totes. Reason being, I’d like the ability for the system to handle a larger volume of solids. Question is, when there is no water in your barrel, how high does the loose K1 stand off the bottom of the barrel. I’m trying to get an idea of how much K1 I’d need.
Hello Dean，We are a supplier of high-quality k series products, and we can provide you with any products you need. Please contact me at sb32@smallboss.com
Hi, I hope you read this . I have been searching for a how to pond filters for weeks , yours is the best for a novice . I am building a 10 by 15 pond for ducks and was wondering if you could explain how to do the 3 barrel connection and explain the last barrel . I am a complete novice and I am going to try and run this all winter in Minnesota so any advice is appreciated .
The first 2 barrels are for mechanical filtration. While some biological happens, they are mainly meant for the removal of solids. The last barrelbus meant for biological filtrstuon. Meaning it houses an endless supply if benedicial bacteria that make the nitrogen cycle possible. Do you, or will you be heating the pond over winter?
Jeff theExecutioner , I am wrapping the barrels in insulation and I am going run a couple of bubblers to keep the pond open . I do know that I will have to do a clean out during the winter ducks poo a lot . From all I have read the pump is the most important thing to buy to run all winter . I will have it built by myself by fall, lol I expect I will be fine tuning all winter and next spring I will finish beautifying the whole space . It’s still in my head yet and not on paper . Thanks
Hello Jeff, thank you for your informative video. It helps a lot for my pond. I have a question. Currently, I have two barrels instead of 3 because our pond is kind of smaller. Actually it is just 500 gallons, but I decided to go with the two barrels. Currently I put k3 in the first barrels static, k1 moving bed in the second barrel. However, I just feel that the k3 is less effective than the k1 in static bed. I am thinking to change it to k1 media instead because I want to make the filter most efficient. Do you think that if I change from k3 to k1 in the static bed, it will clog the filter system? Thank you
I have been told the size of a pump is relative to the size of the skimmer! I can’t add another pump to the pond because of design. I am considering buying a new larger gonna pump and using a T and a valve to control flow to the barrel filers and waterfall. 3300 gallon pond,just seven large goldfish and 2 ancient, lazy Plecos. low flow , 2500 gph for the barrels and about the same for the waterfall. Still plan to use the retro bottom drain and leaf basket assembly. Any thoughts and suggestions would be really appreciated
Hey Jeff how do you clean your drum filter ? I cleaned mine and still a lot of debris & algae at the bottom and once I turn on my pump it pumps all that extra into the pond
My dad’s building a koi pond in his yard but is limited with space to house the barrels. Would it work just as well if he split it so the first 2 static barrels were together and build the 3rd fluidized barrel into a waterfall feed?
Jeff, I have a question. Currently, I have a smaller pond it is just 400 gallons, can I go with the two barrels. Can I design for the first barrel using rocks, gravels and seconds using k1 moving bed in the second barrels. your thought? Thank you
have you tried barrel #1 having k1 vs k3. thanks for the videos i made a 3 barrel system, just put k1 in the first and k3 in the 2nd and dont know if i should change them... thanks
The larger media will hold more of the large debris without plugging as fast. Spring and fall when DOC content is high, this helps things to keep running smoothly between cleanings.
Hi Jeff. Do you run flex pipe from your pond to the barrel system? In another of your fantastically informative videos, the planned successful failure you mentioned using an inverter powered by a battery for emergency power for the aerator; could you share a bit more about that set up? What inverter do you use? Price range is extremely varied. Thanks again
I use tiger flex. Its a brand name for flexible pvc not the ribbed cheap flex pipe that WILL fail. For running an aerator, any cheap 500 watt inverter will work fine. You don't need an expensive sine wave inverter to run an air pump.
Thanks for the video. I'm starting a 7000 gallon pool to stock about 300 - 5" small koi for the next 6 months and looking into filter types. Most filters I seen have mechanical pads in the 1st tank, can you tell me the difference and why you used k3? Thanks.
Ease of cleaning & the fact that it will not plug up. I can churn & drain the drum in under a minute for cleaning. the more solids it accumulates it will slowly push the media upward (a good indicator to clean) and eventually will start channeling but flor remains. Filter pads can become completely blocked until flow stops, and they are WAY harder to clean. The additional biological presence is a bonus also for K3.
Hi. I have built a similar filter system with a wooden housing. I bought gas struts which worked for a few days but now don't hold the lid up. Any ideas why? Regards...Matt
I am in the process of rebuilding my filtration, how do you have all of your water running, does the flow go into each bottom and out each top? I have like 8 63 gallon black pickle barrels with sealable lids, I ordered 4 cubic ft of K3 media I was going to put in my middle barrel, How can I add a uv light inside one of my barrels? any ideas?
Yes, water in the bottom and out the top. I'd split the k1 up over a couple drums. Having the UV in a drum will harm the bacteria on the media which is where this media shines. I run a uv in my skimmer. You could run it in your return to the pond but I wouldn't put it in with the media.
Is this applicable to all types of fish? I'm planning on building a 3000 gallon pond. Im stocking it with asian arowanas and freshwater stingrays. Will that kind of filtration still work? Thanks!
For a 700 gallon pond do you think a two barrel system is sufficient? I was thinking one static with k1/k2 mixed and the other is fluidized k1. Thanks!
Hello, I have a roughly 100 gpm pump for my 50x30 foot pond natural spring fed duck pond. Would a filter like this be able to keep up with the large pump, larger pond, and 11 ducks using it? Or would I have to go with more barrels? Also, where can I find a tutorial on how to build a filter system like this?
A pond that size would require a 3 barrel system at least. Being spring fed is a huge advantage though. The barrel systems are best run at the 2500 to 3000 gph range.
Dude I just watched all your videos, such a great idea!! Going to implement for my 700gal stock tank duck pool. What size K media would you recommend for processing duck waste? Will have 1 50gal drum for processing solids and 1 30gal fluidized I think. What brand aerator would you rec for the 30gal? Thanks!
Hey Sam!! I was thinking of doing something like this for my ducks as well. Just wondering if you had finished yours and how well it was working with the duck waste?
Just to clarify, I found out that K1 media is actually the largest, K2 is smaller and K3 is the smallest. I have K1 and K2 mix in the first static barrel, K2 in the 2nd and k2 in the 3rd fluidized barrel.
size chart in pics www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com.au%2FAquaponics-Aquaculture-Hydroponics-Garden-Supply%2Fdp%2FB00URX27DI&psig=AOvVaw382MwAKpVYgEKV4qUE6d0R&ust=1635126274927000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCPjR8pj24fMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAS
@@jeffakamax Looked at that sizing Chart, Funny, I got that incorrect info off the koi forum. Wonder why the K1 is physically larger than the K2 when looking at them side by side?
Hi Jeff. I just recently got 3 ducks and there was already a small hot tub buried in my yard that was once a pond. I believe it is maybe 200 gallons. Could I make a smaller barrel but using the same principle as what you have built? Also would one barrel work or would you recommend 2
For ducks the main issue is solids removal. a second barrel will gain you some more clarity, but being only 200 gallons, a smaller setup should work fine.
Hi there, amazing videos! I’ve read through your comments and watched other videos. And my question is will this setup work for a raised pond? Considering the outflow returning to the pond is gravity fed. I plan on building the pond from ground level up 4ft high. I don’t think this set up will work unless I elevate the barrel above the pond or you have other great ideas. Thank you !
You can either pump into the drums and gravity return, or you can gravity flow to the drums and pump the return to the pond. For a raised pond you could recess the drums so they gravity feed, then pump FROM the last drum to return to your pond.
@@jeffakamax got it, that’s what I was thinking too. Also, I am setting up a 700g tank, so I was thinking maybe use a 15g or 30g container and put it on top of the pond? Like in the corner to gravity fed down to the pond. Do you think those size containers will be enough for a 700g pond? I’ll be stocking it with tilapia, around 50 or so, just curious as to fish and filter ratios. Thank you very much for your reply!
I guess I don’t get it… I understand the drains in each barrel on the bottom with the valves on the outside for emptying content but what I don’t get is the 2” pvc that connects the barrels to each other. It looks like a small length of pvc attached horizontally about half way up to the next barrel. Thanks for your continued patience
I'm going to build a 2 55gal. barrel filter. What would you recommend for the 2nd barrel should it be a bio or a moving barrel? I don't plan to have many fish probably 10 to 15 max. Thanks
@@jeffakamax thanks Jeff. I noticed in another reply you said you built a mortared rockwall. Did you have to seal the rock before adding the water and fish? I hear cement is toxic to fish.
@@ranjanty cement isn't toxic but it will raise your pH dramatically. If you mix thinset mortar 50/50 with the cement it will help seal it. More importantly do a wash with vinegar after it cures... and before adding water. The vinegar will neutralize the oH in the cement.
I just upgraded to this 3 barrell system. I bought 4 CF if K2 and 2 CF of K1 and feel that that is way to much. How much do you use in your system? Thanks Kelly in SanAntoino
@@jeffakamax Thanks Jeff for the reply. I have been using a swirl barrel system (3 barrel's ) for over 10 years and after looking at this system It is much better and also looks like it is the best of both worlds. It's setup like a swirl but adds the media to better trap the gunk
All my uniseals are above ground. They are very resilient to flexing and misalignment. Much more so than bulkhead fittings. I've had great success with them.
@@jeffakamax thanks. Another question...if I install a UV after the moving bed filter, do you know any that can work with that flow rate? One company, Aqua Ultraviolet, said that gravity return will not be enough flow through their UV. This two barrel system will be going right to my small waterfall. Also, what size air pump do you suggest?
@@intohealth100 for UV to be effective you need a long dwell time. So the slower the flow, the more efficient it will be. Will work great on the gravity output.
@@jeffakamax I really appreciate your answers! Do you recommend a certain brand of UV, and which wattage for 3000 gallon pond? Which air pump do you recommend?
Hello sir, I have a Koi pond that is 8 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 6 feet deep. I would like to know whether I should use a 1 barrel or a 3 barrel filtration system. If so how much media should I use? Kind regards from India
I see we share some interests beyond pond filtration... hahaha Have you ever tried vortex barrels? I see you're using media instead. Thinking about building a duck pond to incorporate into the garden. Seems strange, but I'm primarily doing it to harvest duck shit. I was planning to use vortex barrels (assuming I'm referring to them correctly). Just wondering why you're using media instead.
Vortex barrels are most efficient when gravity fed as larger particles separate faster in a radial configuration. However the media affords me 50 micron filtration and biological filtration, as well. Something no radial filter can acheive.
is ithe jebao dct 15000 or what I cant find the pump you are using and would like to use the same one. If you could give me a link to your pump that would be great. Also what kind of remote are you using for your aerator a link for that would be great. Thanks
I have been running the Periha DC variable pumps for a few years now. VERY efficient! seasideaquatics.com/pond/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_11&products_id=30
@@jeffakamax Thanks for all the information you have a awesome pond. I'm build the 3 barrel system for my pond and using all the same things you did to your pond.
hi mate iv subbed to your channel and iv been watching your videos, I'm new to all this koi ponds and stuff and just finished my raised wooden pond its 9ft long 5ft wide and deepest in middle is 4ft any idea on what filter i would need to run it pls,,, im thinking if a retrofit bottom drain would be good to run or just a pump. any advise would be appreciated thanks mate
@@jeffakamax thanks mate for the advice.the 3 barrel would it be fine too have in line or below the pond water level or would I have to have it above the pond water level
@@jay-_meister either way is acceptable, each have their pros and cons. Below (gravity feed) has the benefit of not grinding up your solids before filtration but the drums are harder to flush and clean as they will need to be pumped out. Pump fed (above ground) are much easier to flush and clean. K media will handle solids and fines down to 50 micron so pump fed is not much of a sacrifice.
@@jeffakamax But I believe going off effectiveness and price per pound there are much better options? If you had all three of those tumbling you could probably house a whale.
@@devisissy1 I have tested the effectiveness for filtering solids down to 50 micron. NO media cleans easier and even not tumbling there is still a huge bacterial benefit. I've tried no less than 35 medias over the years.
@@jeffakamax I've probably wasted that much money too. I still end up with lava rock in the end. Have you tried marine pro and if you have what were your results?
@@jeffakamax HI Jeff were changing over to the barrels. How many bags of k1 is needed per barrel? Can more be added later? Can you recommend where to buy for the best price?
@@theresawhaley3317 you need 2.5 cubic feet per drum. A bit more or less is fine too. I use the knock off stuff from Amazon or ebay. Prices have gone up a bit since the world went mad, but if you are patient you can still find it at a decent price.
@@jeffakamax awesome thank you so much I wasn’t sure if the pump would draw the water a further distance like that I’ve also considered an in-line pump but I’ve always use submersible pumps
Thank you for posting your tutorials. We have ducks and found one of your videos shared in a duck group. Your system has been the answer to one of the most challenging things we’ve experienced with duck ownership…keeping the pond clean. Thank you!
I've done a few duck pond installs myself, and you are right!
I built one of your pond filters, I absolutely love it, I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. We absolutely love it.
Excellent, you are very welcome.
I just built a barrel filter using your method for my small 500 gallon pond. It went from an algae filled mess to crystal clear in hours and cleaning it is so much easier than my old set up filled with lava rock. Thanks for the videos! Would love to see how you built your bog garden
Fantastic!
Nice!
Usually I see over-the-top landscape art (expensive!!), or rectangular Japanese tanks, or ugly rudimentary tanks.
Yours hits that nice zone of hobby and beauty.
Thanks!
beautiful pond.. very cool.
Great video! I'm looking at building a 2 barrel for my 150 gallon pond
Subscribed! Thanks for sharing!
Phenomenal. Thank you
When you doing another video they are great and informational
Dude! Still loving these videos. 2 quick questions. 1. Brand of pump for bottom drain 2. How much media per barrel. Thanks again for all the videos.
I've had great luck with the jebao dc series and the alpine cyclones. The jebao are much more efficient though. 2.5 cubic feet per drum is what I use.
Jeff theExecutioner thanks for quick reply 👍🏻
Pond is amazing!
Thanks
Great system! Best design I can find. Do the 3 barrels have to be stepped down like that? Could they be at the same level? I'm building an 1100 gallon bait tank in my garage and want to build a system like this. You've already helped me a ton thanks!
Stepping them down greatly increases flow through. You can leave them all flat but flow rate is halved roughly.
Hi.. tried finding your videos on how to build the 3.barrel system..
Hey Jeff, I noticed a pvc pipe you have fashioned to open and close the drains on the barrels. Would you share the design detail. Also, is there any way to test for any leaks in the barrels, specifically the uniseals. Thanks for your time!
Hi Jeff, awesome pond. Love the filtration system. I was wondering, how did you make the steep "rock wall"? Did you just stack rocks against the liner and filled with some kind of adhesive?
Kind regards from Sweden
Thats a mortared wall. Thanks for the compliment!
How do you connect you hose to pump and barrel ?
Hi Jeff. Finally finished putting together the three barrel system! Unfortunately, three uniseal a are leaking, all three are at the drains for the barrels. AAArgh, any suggestions? They seem to be leaking at the insertion point of the uniseals to the barrels, not where the Valterra shut off valves are inserted
Hi Jeff, I am planning to add your suggested 3 barrel filtration system to my flamingo pond as I am planning to add koi fish to it, I am just worried about the size of the pond, it's 82,000 gallons and I am not sure about the required barrels sizes or numbers to achieve the required flow rate to keep the pond clean.
Hi Jeff. That pond is amazing. I’m looking at building a pond. I know rough dimensions but have no idea how many gallons it will hold. I know I’m gonna run a 3 barrel system. Just wondering what size pipes your running to keep up with the 3100gph pump. Would 4 inch pvc pipe be too big or ok?
I'm currently feeding the 3 barrel system with 1.25" and 2" return. There are pond volume calculators available on line to estimate your future pond.
show de bola.
Love the design. I’m considering building the barrel system using 275 gallon IBC totes. Reason being, I’d like the ability for the system to handle a larger volume of solids. Question is, when there is no water in your barrel, how high does the loose K1 stand off the bottom of the barrel. I’m trying to get an idea of how much K1 I’d need.
About a third full with no water
Hello Dean，We are a supplier of high-quality k series products, and we can provide you with any products you need. Please contact me at sb32@smallboss.com
Could you explain and show how to connect the barrels? Thank you for all your videos!
This might help. It's when I set up the current system I'm using now. ruclips.net/video/wHhKy1Log38/видео.html
@@jeffakamax 00
Hi, I hope you read this . I have been searching for a how to pond filters for weeks , yours is the best for a novice .
I am building a 10 by 15 pond for ducks and was wondering if you could explain how to do the 3 barrel connection and explain the last barrel .
I am a complete novice and I am going to try and run this all winter in Minnesota so any advice is appreciated .
The first 2 barrels are for mechanical filtration. While some biological happens, they are mainly meant for the removal of solids. The last barrelbus meant for biological filtrstuon. Meaning it houses an endless supply if benedicial bacteria that make the nitrogen cycle possible.
Do you, or will you be heating the pond over winter?
Jeff theExecutioner , I am wrapping the barrels in insulation and I am going run a couple of bubblers to keep the pond open . I do know that I will have to do a clean out during the winter ducks poo a lot .
From all I have read the pump is the most important thing to buy to run all winter . I will have it built by myself by fall, lol
I expect I will be fine tuning all winter and next spring I will finish beautifying the whole space .
It’s still in my head yet and not on paper .
Thanks
Can you explain how you build your retro-fit bottom drain and leave trap? thanks
Check at 4:30 on this video. Let me know if you have questions. Might do a specific video on that if needed. ruclips.net/video/nbiEJ-lW-38/видео.html
Hello Jeff, thank you for your informative video. It helps a lot for my pond. I have a question. Currently, I have two barrels instead of 3 because our pond is kind of smaller. Actually it is just 500 gallons, but I decided to go with the two barrels. Currently I put k3 in the first barrels static, k1 moving bed in the second barrel. However, I just feel that the k3 is less effective than the k1 in static bed. I am thinking to change it to k1 media instead because I want to make the filter most efficient. Do you think that if I change from k3 to k1 in the static bed, it will clog the filter system? Thank you
The smaller media will filter down to a smaller micron value. given the size of your pond though, you may not notice too much difference.
@@jeffakamax thank you so much. :)
I have been told the size of a pump is relative to the size of the skimmer! I can’t add another pump to the pond because of design. I am considering buying a new larger gonna pump and using a T and a valve to control flow to the barrel filers and waterfall. 3300 gallon pond,just seven large goldfish and 2 ancient, lazy Plecos. low flow , 2500 gph for the barrels and about the same for the waterfall. Still plan to use the retro bottom drain and leaf basket assembly. Any thoughts and suggestions would be really appreciated
Splitting the flow will work fine. Lower flow through the drum system only makes it more efficient per volume.
Thank you so much for the suggestion! You have no idea how much your expertise means to all of us! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Hey Jeff how do you clean your drum filter ? I cleaned mine and still a lot of debris & algae at the bottom and once I turn on my pump it pumps all that extra into the pond
ruclips.net/video/uTtiemydpqM/видео.html
My dad’s building a koi pond in his yard but is limited with space to house the barrels. Would it work just as well if he split it so the first 2 static barrels were together and build the 3rd fluidized barrel into a waterfall feed?
Should work just fine
Jeff, I have a question. Currently, I have a smaller pond it is just 400 gallons, can I go with the two barrels. Can I design for the first barrel using rocks, gravels and seconds using k1 moving bed in the second barrels. your thought?
Thank you
You could do that. The gravel filters do work well but are much harder to clean and maintain.
have you tried barrel #1 having k1 vs k3. thanks for the videos i made a 3 barrel system, just put k1 in the first and k3 in the 2nd and dont know if i should change them... thanks
The larger media will hold more of the large debris without plugging as fast. Spring and fall when DOC content is high, this helps things to keep running smoothly between cleanings.
Hi Jeff. Do you run flex pipe from your pond to the barrel system? In another of your fantastically informative videos, the planned successful failure you mentioned using an inverter powered by a battery for emergency power for the aerator; could you share a bit more about that set up? What inverter do you use? Price range is extremely varied. Thanks again
I use tiger flex. Its a brand name for flexible pvc not the ribbed cheap flex pipe that WILL fail. For running an aerator, any cheap 500 watt inverter will work fine. You don't need an expensive sine wave inverter to run an air pump.
Thanks for the video. I'm starting a 7000 gallon pool to stock about 300 - 5" small koi for the next 6 months and looking into filter types. Most filters I seen have mechanical pads in the 1st tank, can you tell me the difference and why you used k3? Thanks.
Ease of cleaning & the fact that it will not plug up. I can churn & drain the drum in under a minute for cleaning. the more solids it accumulates it will slowly push the media upward (a good indicator to clean) and eventually will start channeling but flor remains. Filter pads can become completely blocked until flow stops, and they are WAY harder to clean. The additional biological presence is a bonus also for K3.
@@jeffakamax Thanks
Nice system. How do you catch the fry to give them away ??
It's not easy. Minnow traps are somewhat successful without disturbing the whole pond
Hi. I have built a similar filter system with a wooden housing. I bought gas struts which worked for a few days but now don't hold the lid up. Any ideas why?
Regards...Matt
Might just be a defective strut or just not strong enough for the weight of your lid.
I am in the process of rebuilding my filtration, how do you have all of your water running, does the flow go into each bottom and out each top? I have like 8 63 gallon black pickle barrels with sealable lids, I ordered 4 cubic ft of K3 media I was going to put in my middle barrel, How can I add a uv light inside one of my barrels? any ideas?
Yes, water in the bottom and out the top. I'd split the k1 up over a couple drums. Having the UV in a drum will harm the bacteria on the media which is where this media shines. I run a uv in my skimmer. You could run it in your return to the pond but I wouldn't put it in with the media.
Is this applicable to all types of fish? I'm planning on building a 3000 gallon pond. Im stocking it with asian arowanas and freshwater stingrays. Will that kind of filtration still work? Thanks!
Yes it is.
About how much filter media would I need to fill all 3 barrels in cubic feet?
I have 8 cubic feet spread among the 3 barrels.
For a 700 gallon pond do you think a two barrel system is sufficient? I was thinking one static with k1/k2 mixed and the other is fluidized k1. Thanks!
More then enough, will work great!
Hello, I have a roughly 100 gpm pump for my 50x30 foot pond natural spring fed duck pond. Would a filter like this be able to keep up with the large pump, larger pond, and 11 ducks using it? Or would I have to go with more barrels?
Also, where can I find a tutorial on how to build a filter system like this?
A pond that size would require a 3 barrel system at least. Being spring fed is a huge advantage though. The barrel systems are best run at the 2500 to 3000 gph range.
Check my RUclips channel for more filter videos. If you still have questions, feel free to ask.
Plan on using your filter for my pond but was wondering do the need to step down those barrels like you have it or could I keep them level ground ?
Stepping them down increases the flow rate by gravity. They can be level, but the flow rate will be considerably less.
Hello，We are a supplier of high-quality k series products, and we can provide you with any products you need. Please contact me at sb32@smallboss.com
Hey Jeff, have you used koi clay (Calcium Bentonite )?
Yes! I use it in my ponds and aquariums. Great stuff on many levels.
When you empty the blue filter barrel do you fill it up with tap water or water from the pond .
Just turn the pump on and fill with pond water
Dude I just watched all your videos, such a great idea!! Going to implement for my 700gal stock tank duck pool. What size K media would you recommend for processing duck waste? Will have 1 50gal drum for processing solids and 1 30gal fluidized I think. What brand aerator would you rec for the 30gal? Thanks!
I'd do k2 for the static and k1 for the fluidized. I'm using a cheap chinese 19 watt pump. 15 watts or so would be plenty for a 30g grum.
Jeff theExecutioner Awesome! That you for the quick reply, Jeff! Do you have a brand or store you prefer to buy K media from?
Hey Sam!! I was thinking of doing something like this for my ducks as well. Just wondering if you had finished yours and how well it was working with the duck waste?
@@jtltet Have you tried it? I'm also making a pond out of a 700 gallon stock tank for my ducks. I would love any and all advice!
@@mustangsally547, no I haven't tried it yet.
what kind of air pump are you using?, and are you using airstone or air pad for the moving bed
Cheap 19 watt China knock off with a 6" rubber bladder.
What size barrels are you using for this? could you run a 55 gallon to a 30 gallon drum?
55 gal drums. You could go 55 to 30 as long as the staggered drop is consistent. Gravity returns depend on the drops to maintain flow.
How do you catch baby-ish koi? I’m finding it very very difficult.
It is. I give my friends kids nets and send them in with mixed results.
What is the name brand of the pump with the skimmer basket on it? And what size?
The leaf basket will accept any submersible pump with a 1.5" output.
Just to clarify, I found out that K1 media is actually the largest, K2 is smaller and K3 is the smallest. I have K1 and K2 mix in the first static barrel, K2 in the 2nd and k2 in the 3rd fluidized barrel.
size chart in pics www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com.au%2FAquaponics-Aquaculture-Hydroponics-Garden-Supply%2Fdp%2FB00URX27DI&psig=AOvVaw382MwAKpVYgEKV4qUE6d0R&ust=1635126274927000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCPjR8pj24fMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAS
@@jeffakamax Looked at that sizing Chart, Funny, I got that incorrect info off the koi forum. Wonder why the K1 is physically larger than the K2 when looking at them side by side?
Hey Jeff how can I reach you will question on where and what type of inline pump you use on your system ...
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BX3PSTF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
How much fish food do you throw in the pond daily?
About 3 cups on average
would using 3 inch return lines improve the flow rate?
It would but 2500 to 3000 gph is ideal. Larger diameter lines will help if you don't have much drop and gravity to assist.
Hi Jeff. I just recently got 3 ducks and there was already a small hot tub buried in my yard that was once a pond. I believe it is maybe 200 gallons. Could I make a smaller barrel but using the same principle as what you have built? Also would one barrel work or would you recommend 2
For ducks the main issue is solids removal. a second barrel will gain you some more clarity, but being only 200 gallons, a smaller setup should work fine.
What size pump would you recommend?
@@JRosenthal depends on the size of drum but 800 to 1000gph would be more than enough for that size pond.
Hi there, amazing videos! I’ve read through your comments and watched other videos. And my question is will this setup work for a raised pond? Considering the outflow returning to the pond is gravity fed. I plan on building the pond from ground level up 4ft high. I don’t think this set up will work unless I elevate the barrel above the pond or you have other great ideas. Thank you !
You can either pump into the drums and gravity return, or you can gravity flow to the drums and pump the return to the pond. For a raised pond you could recess the drums so they gravity feed, then pump FROM the last drum to return to your pond.
@@jeffakamax got it, that’s what I was thinking too. Also, I am setting up a 700g tank, so I was thinking maybe use a 15g or 30g container and put it on top of the pond? Like in the corner to gravity fed down to the pond. Do you think those size containers will be enough for a 700g pond? I’ll be stocking it with tilapia, around 50 or so, just curious as to fish and filter ratios. Thank you very much for your reply!
@@LongNguyen-rc4qo Have you kept Tilapia before? they get big fast and carry a heavy bio load.
@@jeffakamax nope, first time having a pond and tilapia hahaha just a project so we’ll see how it’ll turn out
Hi Jeff! How does the media not move from one barrel to the next when they are connected. Please forgive my silly questions. Thank you
The slits in the drains between barrels are smaller than the media
I guess I don’t get it… I understand the drains in each barrel on the bottom with the valves on the outside for emptying content but what I don’t get is the 2” pvc that connects the barrels to each other. It looks like a small length of pvc attached horizontally about half way up to the next barrel. Thanks for your continued patience
I'm going to build a 2 55gal. barrel filter. What would you recommend for the 2nd barrel should it be a bio or a moving barrel? I don't plan to have many fish probably 10 to 15 max. Thanks
I'd make the 2nd barrel a moving bed given your low bio load. The added beneficial bacteria will be more useful than increased mechanical filtration.
@@jeffakamax thanks Jeff. I noticed in another reply you said you built a mortared rockwall. Did you have to seal the rock before adding the water and fish? I hear cement is toxic to fish.
@@ranjanty cement isn't toxic but it will raise your pH dramatically. If you mix thinset mortar 50/50 with the cement it will help seal it. More importantly do a wash with vinegar after it cures... and before adding water. The vinegar will neutralize the oH in the cement.
Hi, do you have birds coming to eat the fish? How to solve that if yes. Thank
No issues with birds. I did have an issue with a mink once that didn't end well.
I just upgraded to this 3 barrell system. I bought 4 CF if K2 and 2 CF of K1 and feel that that is way to much. How much do you use in your system?
Thanks
Kelly in SanAntoino
I have 8cf among all 3 barrels. Give it a few weeks. Once the bacteria colonizes it will become neutrally buoyant and won't float.
@@jeffakamax Thanks Jeff for the reply. I have been using a swirl barrel system (3 barrel's ) for over 10 years and after looking at this system It is much better and also looks like it is the best of both worlds. It's setup like a swirl but adds the media to better trap the gunk
Do you have mosquitoes when you open the lids. I opened mine and it was filled
Gnats, no mosquitos
@@jeffakamax thanks i took a closer look and thats what mine are also. I was kinda worried lol
Also, with today's prices I've spent over $1000 bucks on a 5 barrel system, so there not cheap any more
Have you had a bottom drain leak using uniseal?
All my uniseals are above ground. They are very resilient to flexing and misalignment. Much more so than bulkhead fittings. I've had great success with them.
How much k1 do you put in the moving bed filter? Also, can that filter use the shower drain flow-over, too?
I have 2.5 cubic feet per drum. Yes, the fluidized bed could use the same drain.
@@jeffakamax thanks. Another question...if I install a UV after the moving bed filter, do you know any that can work with that flow rate? One company, Aqua Ultraviolet, said that gravity return will not be enough flow through their UV. This two barrel system will be going right to my small waterfall. Also, what size air pump do you suggest?
@@intohealth100 for UV to be effective you need a long dwell time. So the slower the flow, the more efficient it will be. Will work great on the gravity output.
@@jeffakamax I really appreciate your answers! Do you recommend a certain brand of UV, and which wattage for 3000 gallon pond? Which air pump do you recommend?
@@intohealth100 find a cheap 30w on eBay or Amazon. Replace the bulb every season. I've had great luck with the danner pumps. An AP20 will be plenty.
May i ask what state you’re in?
Illinois
Hello sir, I have a Koi pond that is 8 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 6 feet deep. I would like to know whether I should use a 1 barrel or a 3 barrel filtration system. If so how much media should I use?
Kind regards from India
3 barrel system with about 8 cubic feet of media between all 3 barrels.
@@jeffakamax Thank you very much for your reply sir
@@jeffakamax Sorry to bother you again. I have a mixture of k3 and k5 in a barrel (approximately 30 litres). Can I fill in the rest with the K1 media?
@@vivek101987 you sure can
I see we share some interests beyond pond filtration... hahaha
Have you ever tried vortex barrels? I see you're using media instead. Thinking about building a duck pond to incorporate into the garden. Seems strange, but I'm primarily doing it to harvest duck shit. I was planning to use vortex barrels (assuming I'm referring to them correctly). Just wondering why you're using media instead.
Vortex barrels are most efficient when gravity fed as larger particles separate faster in a radial configuration. However the media affords me 50 micron filtration and biological filtration, as well. Something no radial filter can acheive.
@@jeffakamax
I see I have a lot more to learn... haha
do you have link to amazon for the pump that you are using?
is ithe jebao dct 15000 or what I cant find the pump you are using and would like to use the same one. If you could give me a link to your pump that would be great. Also what kind of remote are you using for your aerator a link for that would be great. Thanks
I have been running the Periha DC variable pumps for a few years now. VERY efficient! seasideaquatics.com/pond/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_11&products_id=30
@@jeffakamax
Thanks
How about the remote that you are using for your aerator to turn it on and off? Thats awesome that you can do that with a remote.
@@rickkissinger9316 DEWENWILS Outdoor Wireless Remote Control Outlet Kit, Waterproof Electrical Plug for Indoor Outdoor Lights, Separately Controlled 3 Pack Receivers, 100 Feet RF Signal, UL Listed a.co/d/22SFGVW
@@jeffakamax
Thanks for all the information you have a awesome pond. I'm build the 3 barrel system for my pond and using all the same things you did to your pond.
hi mate iv subbed to your channel and iv been watching your videos, I'm new to all this koi ponds and stuff and just finished my raised wooden pond its 9ft long 5ft wide and deepest in middle is 4ft any idea on what filter i would need to run it pls,,, im thinking if a retrofit bottom drain would be good to run or just a pump. any advise would be appreciated thanks mate
A retro bottom drain a 3 barrel system would work great on your setup.
You could split the bottom drain with a skimmer for the best setup.
@@jeffakamax thanks mate for the advice.the 3 barrel would it be fine too have in line or below the pond water level or would I have to have it above the pond water level
@@jay-_meister either way is acceptable, each have their pros and cons. Below (gravity feed) has the benefit of not grinding up your solids before filtration but the drums are harder to flush and clean as they will need to be pumped out. Pump fed (above ground) are much easier to flush and clean. K media will handle solids and fines down to 50 micron so pump fed is not much of a sacrifice.
K3 is supposed to tumble to be of any use.
For bacteria, yes. However static is makes a great solids media. Proven.
@@jeffakamax But I believe going off effectiveness and price per pound there are much better options? If you had all three of those tumbling you could probably house a whale.
@@devisissy1 I have tested the effectiveness for filtering solids down to 50 micron. NO media cleans easier and even not tumbling there is still a huge bacterial benefit. I've tried no less than 35 medias over the years.
@@jeffakamax I've probably wasted that much money too. I still end up with lava rock in the end. Have you tried marine pro and if you have what were your results?
@@devisissy1 Marine Pure? the cintered ceramic stuff?
Hi Jeff what size pond do you have?
The pond in this video is approx. 5200 gallons
It's beautiful!
Thank you
@@jeffakamax HI Jeff were changing over to the barrels. How many bags of k1 is needed per barrel? Can more be added later? Can you recommend where to buy for the best price?
@@theresawhaley3317 you need 2.5 cubic feet per drum. A bit more or less is fine too. I use the knock off stuff from Amazon or ebay. Prices have gone up a bit since the world went mad, but if you are patient you can still find it at a decent price.
What kind of pump do you use ?
I've had the best luck with Alpine pumps for AC pumps and Jebao DC pumps if efficiency is important.
The inlet side of your pump is it threaded and do you use 1.5 pipe ?
@@EthanWalker-hv1wv inlet & Outlet of pump is threaded and I use 1.25" feed
and 2" gravity return.
@@jeffakamax awesome thank you so much I wasn’t sure if the pump would draw the water a further distance like that I’ve also considered an in-line pump but I’ve always use submersible pumps
@@EthanWalker-hv1wv check my retro bottom drain video for the pump configuration.
Can I have a pump then to my drum then to my waterfall?
If your drums are elevated enough to allow enough gravity flow, yes.
Is there anyway to have it at around the same level? Or can I make a pressure filter out of one of these
How far is the run from the drum to the waterfall?
@@jeffakamax it will only be about 7 feet at most and I’m doing a 1 drum system
@@jeffakamax I’ll be running a 2600 gallon pump on it as well
VERY NICE JEFF, HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME 😇