Would anyone be interested in helping me build my Koi Pond, I am recieving my new Signature series 2500 pond kit 11x16 this tuesday, and getting ready to start building. I just rented a jackhammer, and spent the whole day digging, I only dug out the outer edge of the pond, and have along ways to go. I really don't feel comfortable in doing it alone without guidence. I live in Lake Elsinore, and stay home full time. Please let me know if you are interested. You may call me at 951-244-0741 or email me at johnmoya@verizon.net.
Thanks,
John
Did you get any takers John? Taking on a large do it yourself pond installation project can be an emotional roller coaster! Scared, excited, exhausted, gradyifing, painful, thrilling and the list goes on and on!
At any rate we would love to see some pictures of your project before, during and after! Feel free to lean on us here for ON-LINE tech support.
Good Luck,
Eric,
Attached is my picture of my escavation of the pond. I ened up consulting an aquascape designer for two hours, whiched helped alot. But the only issue I have now, is that the overflow outlet coming out of the skimmer is too low for my existing drainage that I wanted to tie-into. So the water flow would have to go uphill. Should I just plug that port, and not use the overflow?
Thanks,
John
Hey John,
I understand what your problem very clearly. The plumbing configurations on the Signature Series Aquascape Skimmers are set up to give you versatility on the installation of your pumps, yet it leaves your overflow options limited.
I would suggest that you cap or plug the bulkhead fitting that is suppose to be your overflow and simply drill a new hole in the back center of the skimmer and install another bulkhead at the appropriate height to remove runoff water from your pond.
Get the pond completed and filled with water before you make the modifications. Once your water level in the pond is perfect, you can make the mark, lower the water level and then make the overflow modifications.
Good Luck,
Can I pick up another bulkhead fitting for the overflow at a hardware store, or do I need to pick one up at a pond store? Thanks for helpful information, I will follow your advise.
Thanks,
John
I don't think you will come across the proper bulkhead fitting at a hardware store, but it wouldn't hurt to look.
You will want to get a 2" bulkhead, nothing smaller. A pet store may have what you need but pond specialty store will definately do the trick.
Expect to pay around 20 bucks for the fitting. If you have any trouble finding the proper bulkhead locally, call our Pond Construction Headquarters (800) 522-5043, we will gladly take care of you and have the fitting on your door step in a jiffy!
Send more pictures as you progess.
Happy Pondering.......................
Eric,
I ordered the Bulkhead Fitting online. Does the Bulkhead Fitting come with a Cap Plug? If not, I bought one that may work from homedepot. The only thing is that it is made out of Abs, and not schedule 40. Is that going to be a problem? I called Sarah, and she is going to find out if they sell the cap individually.
Thanks,
John
I Bought the Bulkhead Fitting from Sarah at Exotic Aquatics, she told me that it comes with the Plug Cap. So I will wait for the shipment.
Thanks,
John
Eric,
Just wanted to get your advise on my next step, my last step was connecting the flexible hose to the bulkhead fitting on the skimmer, and I capped off the other bulkhead fitting port for the overflow. I will need to add a third hole for the fitting for the overflow once I figure out my water level. Do you think I am ready for underlinement, and the liner? Please see the pictures.
Sincerly,
John[
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I would suggest making the deep end bigger and extend it into the other shelfs. I woud suggest digging the pond 2" deeper than you want your actual depth to be in the water to compensate for the gravel.
Other than that, I would say you are good to go.
Sincerely In Ponds,