Hi Liegh
I gravity 4" feed to my 30"Vortex, Then tee off to a Cloverleaf CL2 multibay then pump to low level end 1.
Also tee off to Easypod, then pump via U/V to another low level at end 2. This gives some floor movement towards

B/D ( pond is Heated ).
I also tee off to another pump feeding my Clarity CL3 foam Fractionator which also enters (my vege filter In summer) at the top, (oposite end to my skimmer).
I also tee off to another pump to feed a Waterco 24" reversed flow modified to static K1, the return also pushes surface flow

towards skimmer.
I run my skimmer (only when needed) on another separate pump to a 200 micron Sieve returned at top, oposite end. Most of my pumps are low wattage Messner eco (of various sizes) to give ideal flow rates for each filter.

The above gives me crystal clear water all year,

the Vortex drops out the heavies and alot of poo quite efficiently, you don`t want that clogging your main filtration as it makes for too much work, too often.

I think its better to keep things separated, I can usually mess about with one, while keeping the others operational.
I would like to try Air lift returns, please keep us posted as to successful specs. sizes, etc. as I have tried to find a practical way to modify my system,
so far with little success as to tube sizes, air flow volumes etc .
