Round cone vortex requires a second chamber to catch fine particles other chambers can be as you wish and contain any filter medium of your choice. The criteria is that is must be of a suitable size to filter your pond.

Bottom drains to these chambers are an advantage as they make them easier to clean.

Trickle filters are now being talked about - might be worth investigating.

My choice for filter medium is Japanese matting.

PUMP PIT
Big as possible and waterproof Electrics must be trip and earth leakage
protected. A qualified Electrician really is a must. A drain in the bottom
of the pit helps to keep it dry.

Equipment required
Pumps - Grundfos - 2 No. if possible.
U.V's.
Hi Blow. - Again, there are now many other good products available.

It is best to valve the pipes coming in and out of pump pit so any alteration to pipework can be done without draining the pond. Other equipment such as sand filter, skimmer, magnets, water purifier, venturi, waterfalls etc. can be added.

Returns to the pond ideally should be positioned to form a current in the pond to help in the cleaning process of the pond. Any venturi should be positioned on the outside of the pond. REMEMBER no projections into the pond.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Build a pond to suit your pocket.

Try not to cut back on the cost of the pond structure. Liner, fibreglass, rein fibre will give you the least problems but will seem the most expensive. Ask prices, compare specification, ask advice.

Pipework, especially underground, should be pressure pipe. Although other plastic pipe can be used the range of connections and fittings is limited.

Never have a pond designed so that it can pump itself dry.

1 strongly advise that you read as many books on the subject as possible, visit other ponds, talk to other Koi keepers and plan carefully before you embark on the actual work of building your pond - in this way you can learn from other people's mistakes and hopefully get your pond right FIRST TIME!

DENIS CARTER