In thinking about various was to improve the mechanical filtration of my pond and to reduce debris entering my bio filter I have been thinking about various ways to strain the waste. Since my bottom drain is a retro fit which relies on pump suction to work, I have to put my mechanical filter after the pump. I also want something I can see into to watch for trouble and failure.
So I was thinking about strainers and building a pressurized system out of PVC but that would not be very attractive. Then I saw these lovely fiberglass planters at the garden center the other day. I started thinking about how I could modify one to be a mechanical strainer. Since these are pump fed and can not be pressurized, they will have to sit taller than by bio box, which is ok. Here is what I am thinking.
Parts list:
Planter – 36-48 inches tall
3″ bulkhead fitting for outlet pipe
3″ threaded fitting
3″ pipe
2″ bulkhead fittings for inlet and waste (2)
2″ theaded fittings (3)
2″ pipe
2″ elbows (2)
Coarse filter mat
Drill bits for the bulkeads and holes in pipe
2″ ball valves for contolling inlet flow and waste drainage. (2)
* Firberglass resin or other similar filler material.
Estimated Costs: $150-$200 USD
Notes:
The bottom of the planter needs to be large enough to fit the 3 bulkheads.
Thread the top of the bulkhead onto the pipes then push through holes in bottom.
* Since the bulkheads may stick up 1/2 inch inside the planter it may be necessary
to add some resin to the bottom of the planter to level the bottom ad make the debris go to the drain rather than sit between the bulkheads. This will also cement the bulkheads in place and prevent leaks.
You could insert the pipes into the sides if you have barrel flanges available but putting them in the bottom allows you to bury them out of sight.
Maintenance would include a daily flushing and perhaps weekly cleaning of the filter mat surrounding the outlet pipe with the garden hose.
Two of these could be connected together and fill the 2nd one with bio friendly material.
IF you have built something similar or have any comments, feel free to use the comments below to discuss this filter idea. I am not 100% sure it will work as intended.
