|
| Okay, I've read a bit about these and understand that they are used to help circulate water and direct the koi poo to the bottom drain. Also know that if the pump is strong enough they can supply a kind of jet action or current that koi like to play in.
I'm adding on to my pond this fall and thought "what the heck maybe I should give a TPR a try". I'll be adding a 500-600 gallon addition. I don't really need a TPR to enhance the bottom drains effectiveness because it is such a small area....I think.....but thought it might be fun to give the koi some current to swim and play in. Now here's the thing. I know next to nothing about installing a TPR, how effective are they really for producing a jet or current effect. Couldn't I just make a DIY version myself by cutting the PVC that will return the water to the pond at an angle? Anyone with any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Jenny |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by victoriastiles none (My Page) on Sat, Oct 1, 11 at 8:42
| Garden ponds have become very popular the last ten years. A decent size pond is a homeowner do it yourself project that can be completed in a couple weekends.A good quality garden pond kit will cost between eight hundred and twenty two hundred dollars depending on the size pond you want to build. The kit will come complete with everything you need to build a pond including instructions. Once your pond is up and running you will find that your garden takes on a whole new dimension and will quickly become the focal point of your free time. |
|
- Posted by sleeplessinftwayne z4-5 IND (My Page) on Sun, Oct 2, 11 at 10:19
| This is a subject that has been touched on occasionally on the forum but it really hasn't been given all that much play. There are different ways to develop currents in the pond that fish do enjoy as a kind of sideline to keeping the water healthy. There are so many different types and sizes of ponds it would be difficult to keep the list small. The first thing I would consider is the method you will use to move water into the pond. Many of us have a waterfall. That creates a current of course but it is limited and dead spots can occur. The shape of the pond can make the complexity of the waterfall return much more interesting. An irregular shape is not only more interesting, it causes areas of more or less flow that can make the fish more active or give them a place to rest. A waterfall in an irregular cove in the side of a pond causes more noise and a rapid exit of water through the opening into the cove. Two outlets from the cove give you two different rates and directions of flow. Breaking the waterfall into parts will also give you different currents. The angle of the waterfall to the pond changes the flow. The more you break up the flow of water the less strength the individual currents will have and vice-versa So the more you make the water change direction the more power you need in a pump unless you have a lot of gravity working for you. Accessory pieces such as spitters and fountains can create light currents. A small UV in my pond makes a gentle water fall that my fish enjoy playing in and around. If you have a strong enough pump you can use a diverter to send a stream of water around the sides or across the pond. Rocks and other barriers can deflect the flow into more complex patterns. An extra small pump can be used for hard to get to areas. It can all be figured out beforehand if you are good at that kind of engineering or you can experiment with it easily enough. I find it rather satisfying. |
|
- Posted by jennyb5149 3b (My Page) on Mon, Oct 10, 11 at 16:45
| thank you for the info everyone! I went ahead and added two 2" jets through the wall of the new pond section. As I was upgrading the existing filtration and would be adding another pump to return the water from a secondary filter system, I figured, why not have the water returned through the side of the pond for variety. I already have two water falls and a spitter but I'm one of those people who wants to make sure my pets have the best quality of life possible - plus, like Sleepless, I like experimenting and challenging myself with each new pond addition/expansion. So, in the end, the water from the newer, bigger, more complete filter will be returned to two points in my pond....one pipe will feed into the skimmer where it then will feed into a waterfall, the second will feed into a plant/bio filter tub with a 950 gph pump in it...it is that pump that will feed into the two 2" jet returns through the side of the pond wall. I have a ball valve on the line to control the flow back into the pond. I want to create some current for my fish to play in but don't want to blast them across the pond! LOL |
|
- Posted by waterbug_guy Phoenix AZ (My Page) on Wed, Oct 12, 11 at 8:09
| I didn't know this had a name, Tangential Pond Return. Cool. I realize it's too late for this project, but I use a waterfall catch basin to direct water along the bottom to push muck.
And in use: Keeps the surface still too for better viewing. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Ponds & Aquatic Plants Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.