filtration set up

[easylife]

Hi,
i'm currently building a pond and looking at the filtration side of things
the pond will be approx 5000 gallons, i already have a nexus 300 easy and a pod my first plan was simple! easy on the bottom drain, pod on the skimmer
but then i saw a pond with a block built filter and was impressed so i am now looking at going block built but am unsure of the best set up
should i go
1 bb on bottom drain and 300 on the skimmer (is this overkill)
2 two b/d's one to bb one to easy 300 and pod on the skimmer (overkill again?)
3 is it possible to have 1 b/d to bb and T off to the easy 300 and pod on the skimmer, this would be my preferred set up so that i could use a smaller pump on both filters but would this work
what are your thoughts
many thanks Alan

[Davej]

Hi Alan

5000 is that difficult size when you are in the middle of one or two bottom drains and whether you want one or two skimmers.

On the basis you already have the nexus 300 and the Pod I would go one BD to the Nexus, the other BD and Skimmer to a Bakki shower and sell the Pod or use it for a quarantine tank!

Not sure if this will help much, but best to look at all the options and get it right first time.

Regards

Dave

[Kiabosh]

Alan,

There are many theories on here regarding best filtration, cycle times, dwell times etc.

I personally subscribe to the "no such thing as too much filtration" and the "highest possible turnover rate" theories. Two b/d will certainly help with circulation and reduce any build up of debris within the pond.

What ever you decide on, make sure that cleaning and maintenance is easy otherwise it becomes a major chore and is not much fun in our 10 month long winters. Remember that mistakes made at the planning stage can lead to a life time of misery. Good planning = more enjoyment once completed!

Good luck

Carl

[easylife]

Many thanks Dave and Carl for your replies, i guess that you don't go for the idea of 1 bottom drain to 2 filters as this was what i was hoping was possible
Carl as you said

make sure that cleaning and maintenance is easy otherwise it becomes a major chore

i have found the nexus needs a lot of cleaning, 3 times a week on a 2000 gallon holding tank but it is easy to do, this means you have to have someone competent to look after the pond if you go on holiday
Don't laugh at this idea but i was hoping to have a block built filter with 15' settlement then about 3' fluid k1 then 3' jap matting returned via aquamax 12000
and also run the nexus through the same bottom drain but with a aquamax 6000 as extra filtration, pulling around 4000 gallons through the bd less the resistance, my thinking was that the bb filter would filter most of the poop and lighten the load and cleaning on the nexus, also if i went away on holiday the nexus could be shut down if absolutely necessary
cheers Alan