Bottom Drain Location, Fish Windows and Pond Pump Timers - Ask T.P.D. Show 24

Learn our suggestions on placement of bottom drains in your pond design, we discuss viewing windows in raised ponds and explain why you shouldn’t put your ponds pump on a timer. Learn from our experiences in the field for the last two decades. We offer specifics on exactly where we want to see drains, give a general explanation on installing a viewing window and offer solutions to saving money so you don’t have to turn your pumps off in the evening. You keep asking Questions, and I'll answer them, maybe even on the show.
View more episodes of Ask The Pond Digger:
• Koi Pond Construction ...
How to build a Fish Pond Tutorial
• How to build a Fish Po...
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Each Friday we release a new How to episode of the "Ask The Pond Digger" where we answer koi pond and water garden related questions. We discuss different philosophies on how to build a pond, tips and tricks on pond maintenance, water turtles, aquatic plants, goldfish and much more.
If you want a chance for us to answer your question on the show, use the hashtag #asktheponddigger, type your question and post it as a comment on one of our KZbin tutorial videos, or Twitter, or Facebook, or Instagram and we'll do our best to capture your questions and use them on the show!
Produced & Directed by: Dietmar Quistorf

[@skyedragon9458]

I just found your channel about a week ago, and the show was found late in the evening yesterday. I suppose you could say that I've been "marathoning" it to learn as much as I can about my project, and have been taking many notes thus far (on a word document, I have 5 pages of notes that I've taken from your channel, along with research I had done on several topics to back it up). I will deffinately be watching your show continuously, even after I've caught up wit the most recent one and after my pond is complete. While I am sure I will know a great deal more about ponds by that time, it never hurts to expand your knowledge, and you guys are just right for that.

[@ThePondDigger]

+Leslie Kite Thank you so much! We call it binge watching and we are so thankful for your support!

[@tratos1]

i Found your page around your 15-19 video post and been watching and getting into Koi and Pond ever since also thanks to my Father-in law. Always learning and growing when it comes to caring for these wonderful fish is now a big thing in my family. Keep it going and hope that someone picks up your Pond Digger show soon!!

[@ThePondDigger]

tratos1 Thank you!

[@MadOnPiez]

I've viewed many of your excellent videos over the past few months, gathering so much information and as many ideas as possible before I tackle my own mammoth project (huge fish pond filtered through long & wide shallow bio stream into waterfall and pool without chemicals) on 100 acres. It'll be a few years yet, but I'm determined. However I have only just stumbled onto this series and started somewhere in the twenties (episode). I have viewed a few in the random order that youtube has presented them but I am definitely going to watch them from the start. Thanks for putting so much time and effort into all of your videos to show everything from layout to rock placement, plants and landscaping. From filtration to wiring lights and handy tip & tricks in between. Much appreciated, from "the land down under" (a.k.a. Australia). :) Love ya work.

[@ThePondDigger]

+MadOnPiez Thank you so much for the great feedback and support of our channel. Stay Tuned for more!

[@MadOnPiez]

Shall do. ;)

[@goldenpondrvpark1637]

Started watching a few months ago. Took me about a week to watch all of your videos. Watch all in series. Love the show.

[@ThePondDigger]

Phillip Butts Thanks Phillip!!! Stay tuned for more!!!!

[@christa8393]

Found you while searching for pond info videos. I am training to be a pond/aquarium technician and have watched every single video I've found from you. Great stuff! thank you

[@brianfoster8988]

We found you through your "how to build a fish pond" videos, and have been watching Ask The Pond Digger since episode #1. Learn something every time!

[@ThePondDigger]

Brian Foster Thanks for watching!

[@marksuson5347]

Don't remember which episode I came in on. I found your show about a year ago and love it. I did go back and watch the previous episodes because I didn't want to miss any good information.

[@zTruthSeeker316]

Hey Eric. To answer your question, my wife and I became interested in building a pond almost four years ago. And, while doing our due diligence, we came across your KZbin videos. We have been watching your videos since then and always look forward to any new ones. Your Ask T.P.D series is a great addition which encourages us to come back for more viewing. We watch regularly and sometimes we go back to watch past shows to pick-up little bits of information we may not recall completely. Keep up the great work. BTW, your videos with Shawn from Mystic Koi are also great.

[@ThePondDigger]

TruthSeeker 3:16 Thank you!!!!

[@toreandersson3852]

Been watching ask the pond digger from the very start. Been watching your videos since you started with them too. I usually try to watch a new episode as fast as I can but since my work requires a lot of my attention sometimes I have to wait a few days, such as in this case :-) I've said it before, and I will say it again - thank you, you are great !!

[@ThePondDigger]

***** Thank you Tore!

[@wayneblanchard4347]

Found you on You Tube learning how to do a water feature with koi the right way. Bouncing around a little on your videos but finding them helpful. Will try to follow sequencing.

[@ThePondDigger]

We're glad you found us! Thanks for watching!

[@dskoi7358]

Thanks for the honorable mention on the koi in the swimming pool theory! I am a Pondaholic! I have been watching Ask the Pond Digger since day 1. I have watched all your videos. Can't get enough. Keep them coming! I mentioned adding aquaponics to a pond system in an earlier post. Since you mentioned air lift pumps, I would love to see how you would incorporate that into a pond as well.

[@SchleysBonsai]

I got into you from a bonsai buddy who said I should check you out and you'd have good tips on my pond building at the shop, and once I have all my equipment again, any future ponds I install for clients. I used to install them in 05 and 06, but the technology has improved and honestly I still have a lot to learn. I only got 4 in before I basically started focusing more on bonsai trees since my crew slowly thinned to just me. I put in a 65000 pond in the bonsai Nursery as a display centerpiece last month and I just ordered the helix skimmer and piping, but now I want to watch your install videos for tips on water feature before I and my guys get into too much more building. watching as much as possible to catch me up and finishing your videos worth notebook in hand taking notes like I'm in school again. I still have a lot to learn, but getting excited about having the best pond I possibly can.

[@ThePondDigger]

+Jason Schley Thank you so much for the great comment! I will look forward to working with you in the future!

[@MrCrazychris1984]

I have been following your channel since your koi discussion about new style showa vs old style with shawn and have been watching everything since then. Keep it up. I realy enjoy the koi discussions and your koi pond building skills. I have a koi pond with a window. Competely build and designed it myself. A true pond-aholic. Thank you and greating from holland.

[@ThePondDigger]

Chris Rump Chris from HOLLAND!! Thank you for your feedback and thanks for watching! FYI we have a schedule to film more Koi Discussions videos with Shawn mid May. We hope to cover Shiro Utsuri this time around! Stay tuned!!!

[@swdis00]

I watched from number 1 right away. I watched all your video's. I guess i found you 2 years ago while browsing for pond information and video's. :) So you got me hooked. :P

[@karenmeyers553]

Found your show looking for eco ponds and frog ponds and had to watch all your shows from the beginning 😉👍 from Australia 🥰 thanks

[@sarirbolah]

Hi ThePondDigger, Have been watching this Ask T.P.D show since it's 1st episode, just have been busy and tired since two week to switch on my pc, so now have a lot catch up with. Also I have been watching your channel since some month now. I came across it while searching some info on how to make a pond. Thank you as always

[@tchowcpa]

I came across your channel cuz I am planning to have DIY koi pond when I retire. Great channel and learn a lot!

[@jefffranz5181]

thanks for the shout Eric. I was searching youtube for koi varieties and came across a video with you and Shawn and was hooked. I have been watching ATPD since #1 and watch them as soon as they come out. Wish I could get an alert like shows on Hulu.

[@bretfurgason7615]

Last fall watched most of your pond installation videos . ( great stuff ) then a little while back. Seen ask the pond digger. I have got all caught up and a asktheponddigger ohlic.. look for them every morning. Great content

[@yelledbett]

Just found you now and am catching up as fast as I can. Love it! Really have missed my pond.

[@ThePondDigger]

+Sonny Baker Thank you very much for watching Sonny!

[@50f150]

I have been watching from day one I have always wanted a pond so when I got some land of my own I started every after that I was hooked😆 I luv this hobby and my fish Now I am working on getting a half sleeve done with a koi (tattoo) with water and rising sun and water keep up the good work👍

[@ThePondDigger]

50f150 Awesome!!! I'll look forward to seeing your tattoo!!

[@50f150]

I will post it on instagram when I get it finished up

[@jimwalsh4834]

Eric first off thanks so much for answering my question gave me something to think about. Been watching pond videos for at least six years now about a year before I built my pond to get some how to and ideas. But all caught up on Ask TPD and also the pond build. Watched every one some of them 4 or 5 times hahaha (bottom drain ones mainly) . But again thanks keep up the great work . I'm a subscriber and I will continue watching usually the day you upload. Good day my friend.

[@mikec2ify]

Hi Eric, I have been watching Ask T.P.D. since show one. I started following your videos for at least a couple years now. I use to watch all kinds of uploaded pond videos and came across your 'ponds gone wrong' video. Been a subscriber since. Thanks for all of the helpful info.

[@insaneinnixa]

I found the show I think you're on episode 59 and so I started from the beginning and this is as far as I've got

[@ThePondDigger]

+Mark Patrick Thanks for watching the entire playlist. I hope you learned a thing or two.

[@insaneinnixa]

Maybe 10 or 15 things lol. This is a very informative series I'm very glad you are doing it.

[@MattyIce83]

Started from episode 1 boss!!! I usually watch them as you upload them. BOOM!!!

[@kingfish2137]

I watched the 1st episode. Mostly I watch daily. I never miss 3 days. I have watched all of your posted videos.

[@ThePondDigger]

KingFish Thanks KingFish for your ongoing support! FYI tomorrow is the next AskTPD show of course you know. We will have 12 consecutive days of uploads because of the new How TO up grade your pond skimmer series and the overlapping AskTPD shows! Stay tuned!

[@hpiguy]

I found your show by accident, came across the Frog Pond project as a recommended video, then watched everything else you had. This is my absolute favorite water gardening show. Your enthusiasm and knowledge make it fun to watch. Can't wait to see Rosie's pond finished as well. And hopefully you have another project in the works we can follow along with. What has your most favorite pond project been up to this point? #asktheponddigger

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

I started watching the show since episode 1, and weekly!

[@JudyLynn1949]

Eric, I am addicted to your posts lol have been here since the beginning

[@ThePondDigger]

Judy Riggs FANTASTIC!!!!

[@TheMFLAV]

I stumbled across the Turtle pond a few years ago. It was so awesome I subscribed and been watching ever since. \m/ Rock on Eric

[@pmgamingandcollectables2562]

Been watching for almost 3 years I went back and watch them now I come and see if u upload a new one and wait lol

[@ThePondDigger]

Pedro Marquez Thanks for watching!

[@robertcecil5921]

Hi Eric , I found you by looking for pond ideas on KZbin. I mostly bounce around on your show topics. I have an 18 year old pond with liner. The mistake I made was not putting liner under waterfall = leaker. I'm going to rebuild it and love your methodology. I will be in touch soon. Thanks Bob cecil meridian idaho.

[@kymbo72]

I was notified about Ask TPD due to being a subscriber and I usually watch the episode within 1 hour of you uploading it as you always seem to upload at the same time asI am sitting on the computer. I always look forward to the next one! BTW, when is the next instalment of the Koi Pond....hanging out for that!

[@ThePondDigger]

kymbo72 Thanks kymbo72!!!! We are scheduled to film at the koi pond this weekend once the landscaping is complete! Stay tuned and thanks for watching! FYI we did film a new SHORT tutorial series over the weekend!! Hope to have it up by the weekend. Thank you for your ongoing support!

[@pos512003]

I've watched them from day 1. Great show keep them coming please. Is it possible to do some more show with mystic koi about some of the more modern breeds and maybe a few shows on koi health and water quality etc

[@junaidhetherington6521]

I love your show just wanting to know about koi with ulsers on what should I do thanks

[@ThePondDigger]

Junaid Hetherington We may cover this topic in the future but you should definitely look to find help from your local koi specialist in the mean time. Best of luck to you

[@roberthansberger7300]

I was looking for diy filters and how to plant water plants found pond guru the found your videos on building a koi pond and liked the detail ami I think I have watched all of you videos no it was pond gone wrong . As I have to fix my mothers pond so thanks

[@ThePondDigger]

Robert Hansberger Get to work on Mom's pond!

[@ornerypete7862]

I started watching wile waiting for more DIY Koi Pond videos to come out.

[@ThePondDigger]

Charlie Schmidtlein Coming soon!

[@j3driver131]

I've been watching your videos for the last 3-4 years. Unfortunately I found them after I built my first pond. I like the question and answer but favor the how to videos. When will we see Rosemary's pond finished. Keep up the good work.

[@elfocker]

Killing my data on my mobile watching all you videos since day one... Worth it every time. Lol. I'm located in So Cal too, but didn't know about not shutting my pump down at night. I've been doing it for years. Now just confused because it runs so good. Maybe because it's so small. About 350gl. What do you think?

[@charithsandaruwanweeraseka5132]

Do you have a video that installing a glass window in pond?

[@129pico]

I am planning to put in a viewing window about 24" wide by 48 " long in my new concrete pond that is going to be 10' X 14'. The window will be installed 6" from the top. How thick should the glass be to hold the water pressure and what type of glass would you recommend (laminate or tempered glass)? I watch your shows very often to get good information on how to take care of my koi or pond.

[@ThePondDigger]

+Nicholas Mookram That is a fantastic question that I can't exactly answer for you. I would ask a glass professional before you make the purchase. Keep me posted!

[@Chequr_Prostate]

In the UK they seem to use two methods to seal the pond liner to the window. 1. Fold the liner behind the window and the silicone between liner/wall and window. 2. Silicone the window to the pond wall then silicone the pond liner directly to the window. No.2 seams to be the preferred option, as it appears to be the one that has less leaks. I’m just building a patio pond and I will be using method 2. My only concern is possible damage to the edges of the liner when cleaning the glass. So I may silicone a protective trim across the liner and window, something like a carpet trim.

[@quintanakoiponds]

Hi pond digger do you know where i can get the frame and window for koi pond im near mystic koi in upland. This would help alot i can only find mr koi in the u.k

[@AliMohamed-jg6bv]

Hi. Good info. I'm planning to make a raised pond from cinders block 2m x 3m x 1m. Which type and thickness of glass should I use?! 19 mm or higher?! Acrylic, laminated or tempered?! How to fix the window to make it waterproof?! Any advice?!

[@ThePondDigger]

Hey Ali! Thanks for the question. The installation of a window in a pond is one thing I have not added to my construction portfolio at this time. I would recommend communicating with your local acrylic company and asking them the questions about thickness and water proofing. We would be water proofing with polyurea and a mechnical attachment.

[@danniellebartro2266]

I.m not sure about connecting a bottom drain to a settlement tank. Does the bottom drain flow just by suction on the settlement tank

[@AliMohamed-jg6bv]

And is aeration system is must in pond?! I'll use osea system.

[@ThePondDigger]

Air is highly underused in pond design!

[@junaidhetherington6521]

Thank you I will just do that :)

[@carpate]

not to be rude, love your channel. just an fyi, it's koiquarium.co.uk, not koiaquarium.co.uk. I'm not trying to promote them or anything, I was interested in checking them out and had a bit of trouble finding the site due to spelling. It looks much like the DIY systems GARF.org implements for their coral farms. Plans for building them are free, they have all the calculators you will need to know glass or acrylic thickness to withstand the pressure safely. Great resource for anyone wanting viewing ports on a custom pond/tank.

[@daxenpax]

How I watch? Well; I'm a subscriber, so I get an e-mail notification every time you put up a new video. I tend to watch them pretty shortly after I get the notification.

[@ThePondDigger]

daxenpax Thanks for watching!!!

[@daxenpax]

ThePondDigger No; thank YOU! You do all the work. And you make it interesting and informative....and entertaining....to watch.

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

I use a Aqua matic pump. It will run at very low rate when temps are dropping. I saved a ton of money that way. Full blast it push 20.000 liters a hour. At night it goes down to 4.000 liters keeping the filter going. My uv light is also variable. In turns up the power when there is more sun light. And turns down at night. Still on. But just idling

[@ThePondDigger]

+Kenneth Jensen Thanks for sharing.

[@roberthansberger7300]

Watched all then found the video list so going around for the 2nd time, I have gone back to spot watch some videos, Picked up some tips I missed the first time, As my knowledge deepens on the pond industry its the details that get lost some times, for example the beneficial bacteria the 14 day treatment when changing from cold water temp to warm water temp,or on new start up totally missed that the first time around. That info is not in the instructions, Thanks Eric and that why I will go around again. On all of your series. Robert AKA the Fishman from unit 5/41 FA in Schweinfurt Germany 1989-1992.

[@ThePondDigger]

+Robert Hansberger Thank you so much Robert for the comment and our support here you youTube. Don't know if you know it but my producer is from Germany, Dietmar Quirstorf. I have him as a guest on my Periscope Broadcasts a couple times a month! Follow us on Periscope! It would be a kick to have you ask him a question in German! Have a great day!

[@patricksarmiento7404]

I am planning to shutdown my submersible on my pond (modern type) at night and every time it is off for around 30 mins at 2 hour interval, the airpump will take over to aerate the pond. Media aeration is still 24/7.

[@ThePondDigger]

+Patrick Sarmiento MY only concern is the surge of the pump coming on in the bio mechanical filter. The surge can loosen debris in the filter and regurgitate it back into the pond. Keep that in mind when you are establishing the new timer system.

[@levikim2808]

Hi my name is levi my question is it possible to build a Pond in Oahu

[@ThePondDigger]

MASTER TOON YES!

[@DaveOonUTube]

I wanted to provide some input regarding shutting your pump off at night to save money. I agree with Eric that any decision to do this could be very dangerous to your fish and especially if you have a dedicated koi pond. I would never recommend turning your pump off. However, having said that, there are some tricks you can use to keep your pumps going at night, but by investing in the right technology, you can still save a lot of money. As Eric said, you can use high efficiency pumps... but you might also consider using a bit of technology called a variable frequency drive inverter (VFD). I'm an electrical engineer by trade... so I'm going to try and keep my explanation simple here just so those who might be interested can understand the benefits of using VFDs. A VFD is simply a small electrical device that converts single phase 240VAC power (this is what everybody usually has available in their electrical panel at home) to three-phase 208VAC power. The VFD sits between your panel and your external pump running your life support system. The pump must be a three-phase 208VAC type. What the VFD does is allow you to vary the speed of your pump from 0 rpms to its full-on capability (usually 1-5 horsepower). How does this help you save money? Well... these adjustable-speed drives control the AC motor speed and torque by varying motor input frequency and voltage. Energy cost savings can be high in variable-torque pump applications where the torque and power vary with the square and cube, respectively, of the speed. This change gives a large power reduction compared to fixed-speed operation for a relatively small reduction in speed. For example, at 63% speed - a motor load consumes only 25% of its full speed power. This non-linear energy savings is in accordance with affinity laws that define the relationship between various centrifugal load variables. I know that’s a lot to digest, but the bottom line is this: You can save a lot of energy by buying a higher horsepower motor and a VFD that allows you to run the motor at a lower speed. Here’s another example: I have an in-ground swimming pool with a 240VAC, 1hp external pump running 12 hours a day, seven days a week. At the end of the month, I pay about $75/month to run my swimming pool pump. Now these costs did come into my mind when I built my koi pond and I shuddered at the idea of running a similar set up for my koi pond 24 hours a day. Yikes! My electricity bill was about to skyrocket. Instead, I bought a 3hp, 3-phase 208VAC external motor and a VFD to run it. I run the motor at around 1hp, which allows me to pump about the same quantity of water as the 1hp pump in my swimming pool. The cost differences, however, are widely different, because the efficiency curves are not linear. I only spend about $35/month to run my 3hp pump at the 1hp speed as compared to paying more than double that amount to run my swimming pool pump only half as long. I know this sounds impossible… but it works. The down side is the investment necessary to get started. The cost of the larger pump is higher, of course, and the VFD costs about $300 dollars, but the cost savings pay for themselves in just a couple of years. As Eric told us many times, a high quality external pump can last a very long time… and I’m here to tell you that running a good 3-phase pump at less than half of its top rated speed will make that pump last nearly forever. The casing will rust out in the rain long before you burn out that motor. One more advantage to using the 3-phase motor with a VFD is when you go to backwash. A lot of people will buy a blower for their bead filters to insure a good backwash. Save the $125 by going with my 3-phase, inverter setup. If you run your pond at 1hp using a 3-hp pump, you can then backwash your bead filter at the maximum 3-hp setting and really blow your beads around for a much improved washing. Works great, lasts a long time… and it saves you energy and money. What could be better? And by the way… when your friends come over to marvel at your koi pond… it’s always a lot of fun to crank up the VFD again and run the waterfalls at the full 3-hp setting. Nothing like the sound of a crashing waterfall to spark up more conversations about your beautiful pond. I hope this helps with the discussions around saving energy costs.

[@ThePondDigger]

***** Thank you for your well thought out reply.

[@KrispyAquascape]

Indeed, turning off the filter consecutively can have many negative effects if the filter being shut off is the main source of filtration. The bacteria will never be stable and will most likely die off especially in warmer climates where oxygen levels are constantly evaporating leaving little left behind when the surface is still. Adding an air pump should aid in oxygenating the water and breaking the surface for proper gas exchange but like The Pond Digger said, only if the pump being shut down isn't the main source of filtration. You would probably need a large quantity of plants if you was to depend on it for filtration. What many people over look is that plants take time to absorb things in order to convert it to another. By shutting off the only filtration system, you'll most likely be flushing out dead bacteria little by little when it comes back on. Running water through the media is almost a must for the bacteria to survive and do it's job absorbing micro negative matter. I would say, unless you have another filtration system that's not connected to the waterfall it would be a very risky idea to plug the waterfall filter onto a timer. These are some possibilities that may occur. Failing filter due to a declining insufficient bacteria colony, algae forming chained to dead bacteria swallowing your water quality or in the worst case scenario your filter can completely start over and have blooms of many things. If you want to not run a pump the low maintenance and cost effective way then just build a bigger pond. I'm no pond specialist but in my aquariums, I would only not run a filter if the plant mass is 70% or above within the whole volume of my tank. Not many people can balance a small pond without a filter especially with koifish (they are messy fish). If you do have a large pond, turning off the filter shouldn't make a dent. In fact, many large ponds don't even use filters. Only some kind of air pump to help aerate the water. Just make sure to remove the media and leave only the wool pad if there is any. There's no point of having media in a filter only to run half of the day unless its carbon. If you do want to try and balance a small pond with plants as the main filtration, I would say that the plant mass should be 30% or more and not just only around the edges too with an air pump at night (not recommended for winter). You might be successful with carbon media shutting the filter off and on but it's guaranteed that you'll have to replace the carbon on time every time.

[@kaae7893]

I have a couple of questions: 1) is there a formula for what assessing the glass window size and thickness in relation the pond size 2) One thing that is never mentioned is electrical consumption for new pond builders, what could they or will be looking at 3) Have you heard of any pond builders that use sand bags as a wall then put cinder blocks on top. I have been told that this is possible? I am looking at a pond that is 8" deep, 4 below ground and 4" above, an "L" shaped approx 25 " long More questions to come thanks in advance

[@pmgamingandcollectables2562]

#asktheponddigger is it true u need a deep deep pond for koi someone told me u need at least 6 feet deep so they could have body presure, so that they can develop nice and strong bodyshape.

[@ThePondDigger]

Pedro Marquez Great question. I think we will cover this topic in one of our up and coming Koi Discussions videos next time we film with Shawn! Stay tuned!

[@pmgamingandcollectables2562]

Thank u can't wait to watch it... and hope to see u on the 30 at mystic koi it's going to be my first get together like that

[@57chevy350]

did i miss it ???????