Protein Skimmer Fitting and Running

[@marcusupton646]

Got a similar skimmer, its a clarity 10. The foam outlet is 4" . Faom finds it difficult to push itself through 2" pipes. If you went back to how you had it before the blue barrel and make the foam outlet pipe 4" foam will flow with much less resistance. Fantastic to watch your builds grow. Quality work. True craftsman. Always inspires me to make my own improvements.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Marcus, I did run it without any pipe on the 4" T, but the flow didn't allow all the air to escape, and that's when I got all the foam in my bakki river. Thanks for the info though mate, I will give it some more thought before I change things. Thank you for your kind comments, it's really appreciated. Take care and stay safe mate, Terry.

[@marcusupton646]

@@Wrighty I did wonder why mine had such a large opening for the bubbles to rise, now I know. See if the design of the clarity 10 can give you some insiration for your own designed solution. You version works better than theirs at making foam in the fist place.

[@Wrighty]

Thanks Marcus, really appreciated mate. My brain is on the job lol. Take care mate, Terry.

[@just4koi143]

@@marcusupton646 hi mate, I was looking at the clarity 10 for my pond, are you happy with how it works and the foam it takes out? 👍🏻thanks

[@marcusupton646]

@@just4koi143 Works well but @Wrighty version works better once he manages collection method. I am happy with mine but the foam spews out the side and have to build in a collection device yourself or the wind will just blow it back into pond.

[@mykoiobsession]

Hi Terry. Your ingenuity never fails to amaze me. I wish I knew how you come up with all of the pipework changes and modifications on the fly the way you do. If I was trying to figure out the new layout for the plumbing from moving bed to up-flow to protein skimmer to Bakki river it would take me weeks, not hours the way you do it. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next. Take care mate.

[@Wrighty]

Hi KR, and thank you mate. I think it's that I've been messing about with pipe work for so long now, it comes a bit easier. I do spend a lot of time thinking about things before I start, with one or two sleepless nights on bigger projects lol. Thanks mate, take care, Terry.

[@scottcannings2746]

Hi, you have so much information, I'm a new be to koi ponding, have had so much issues, your pond and garden is amazing,, my parents dont understand my passion I'm building, I'm constantly trying to improve my pond and filtration, I'm on a multi bay bottom drain fed, skimmer now going through a tempest, and a retro bottom drain going to two bakki showers, been tinkering and am happy till winter lol, then my filter house fills with rain water, I have to vet vac before I clean the filter, I'm at the stage I might move and start again lol, love all you you tube guys, as the koi dealers are not really helping us new be people, with design and guidance thankyou and others for your passion.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Scott, Thank you for your kind comments. There are a lot of very informative videos here on KZbin, and most of them are done by really nice people that are willing to help with advice if you need it. Is it possible to put a sludge pump with a float in your filter bay, that way as soon as the water rises in there, it will cut in automatically and pump it out. Just a thought mate. You sound to have the right enthusiasm for koi keeping, so keep up the good work. Good luck with the hobby, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. We all do, Terry.

[@christopherforster6555]

Hi looks a lovely setup and lovely pond and fish .

[@Wrighty]

Hi Chris, and thanks mate. Very much appreciated. Terry.

[@koijoy]

wonderful job you have done there worked spot on first time given me some ideas as got foam on my pond at the minute

[@Wrighty]

Glad to have helped mate, Hope all goes well for you, Terry.

[@haitch04]

Another very interesting video mate glad skimmer is working okay, your pond and garden look great. Thanks again for sharing.

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, and thank you. I've got a bit more tinkering, yet I think lol. Thanks for your kind comments mate, take care, Terry.

[@martystules8567]

Excellent update Terry, you’ll get there in the end, you always do. Looks like a nice pint of Guinness 😂

[@Wrighty]

Hi Marty, and thank you. It is working well, just got to sort the skimmer collection out. Thanks again mate, Terry.

[@IcenI_Koi]

Great job Terry, koi & garden looking lovely too. Take care & stay safe.

[@Wrighty]

Thanks mate, always appreciated, take care, Terry.

[@tarewade9681]

I seem to remember that your first skimmer worked well. Why did you remove it to build a different one? Somehow, I have missed the video that explained that.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Tare, The first one I made had quite a few mods on it, and didn't look that good, but the main reason was because I had to run a 100 lpm air pump on it 24/7. I wondered If I could make one without the need for the air pump. This one is working, I've just got to sort out a design for the foam catcher. Thanks mate, take care, Terry.

[@LeTwistedOne]

Hi mate awesome video as always 😉👍👍👍 I have a pie built protein skimmer and that takes its air in via a venturi that is inline on the feed pipe just a thought for you 👍👍👍

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, and thank you, it's always appreciated mate. The problem I have, is that the flow is coming from the top of the up-flow filter and I don't think the pressure would be enough. Plus, I think it would put a lot more pressure on the up-flow filter tube. Thanks for the thought though mate, it's appreciated. Take care, Terry.

[@asterixborden-koi6881]

Hi Terry Lovely video and a great job If it’s working then I would think about putting the barrel out the back of the shed mate 👍

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, and thank you. I think the actual skimmer tube is working well, and I think it could do more. It's just a matter of finding the best way of collecting the skimmit. Thanks again, Terry.

[@boxtriker]

Very interesting Terry as you say it works its catching it that needs thinking about and its a try it sort of thing.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Martyn, thanks mate. Yes, a bit more trial and error on it, yet I think lol. But you know me, I love a tinker in the filter house lol. Take care mate, Terry.

[@goldencorndiarys1458]

Hi Terry I know it would work looks like it's working well, will be looking forward to seeing the other one well done x

[@Wrighty]

Hi Katrina, and thank you. I think if I played around with it a bit more, it would be ok. Thanks again, take care, Terry.

[@goldencorndiarys1458]

@@Wrighty Hi Terry can I ask what you feed your fish , I have always feed my fish just floating fish sticks from the pet shop , I thought I would try some better food and the oil coming out is a nightmare seems to be affecting the water quality and lots of protein on the pond what would you suggest thanks in advance I also have some small koi x

[@Wrighty]

Hi Katrina, This will happen with a low grade fish food. I do feed my koi lots of different things, like sweetcorn, wholemeal bred, Cheerios, dried meal worms, prawns, and shrimps, koi will eat nearly anything. Pellet food I use, Evolution Aqua's Premier pond pellets, Queni Koi, Kenko Koi Food and also their sinking Premium Growth Food. As long as you don't buy the cheap food you should be ok. Once your fish get use to eating different things, they'll eat anything. I even give mine a slice or two of orange now and again. You do have to pick the skin from the pond when their done though. Hope this helps. Terry.

[@goldencorndiarys1458]

@@Wrighty thank you Terry that's very helpful mine too love wholemeal bread ,its mad as I never had any problems with the cheaper food it's the more expensive food that is causing the problem perhaps I have chose the wrong food and maybe be feeding to much, appreciate your advice enjoy the rest of your evening x

[@just4koi143]

Another great invention, I was gonna mention taking the pressure pipe from the top but reading the comment I see you already done that 🤣I must say tho if you can get the protein skimmer to work, the up flow and protein skimmer look the business together, thanks matey and take care 👍🏻

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, and thank you. It is working now, but I think it could do more, so I'm still tinkering lol. Thanks again, Terry.

[@just4koi143]

@@Wrighty is it working with out the blue barrel ?👍🏻thanks

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, the tube aeration is working really well, I've just got to get the foam extractor sorted. Terry.

[@brynb2502]

Great work terry you really should think about making and selling some of your work, I know I would definitely buy most of the things you have made.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Bryn, and thank you. Have a look at my website diypondfilters.com I think you'll find it interesting mate. take care, Terry.

[@brynb2502]

@@Wrighty thanks Terry but I don’t have the skills equipment or space to build much let alone a rdf or bio chamber, if you do ever decide to start selling them I’ll be at the top of the waiting list lol.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Bryn, If I do decide to make them I'll give you a shout mate. Thanks, Terry.

[@DansKoiPond]

@Wrighty I am wondering if you 4" pipe needs to be longer before you go into your T? If you are getting bubbles through into the river I would think that means the bubbles haven't had time to rise through the water in the pipe to get out the T, instead they are being carried through by the flow.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Dan, Thanks for the thought mate. That's not a bad idea, I'll give it a go and see what happens. Thanks mate, Terry.

[@NishikigoiwithOliver]

Hi Terry, I've been looking at implementing a skimmer for my pond for quite a while. I'm quite interesting in implementing this... but notice you don't currently have any plans on your website for it. I'm guessing this is due to you still tweaking with it? :)

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, If I build anything, I like to give it a good run before doing the plans, just to make sure all's ok. I'm going to start doing the plans this week, so hopefully they'll be out in a week or so. I will put them up on my website as soon as I have them done mate. Thank you for your interest, and if you have any questions, just give me a shout. Thanks mate, Terry.

[@jasonodell953]

Hi mate great video could you tell me how thick the clear tube is your using cheers👍

[@Wrighty]

Hi Jason, and thank you. It's a 200mm x 3mm x 1000mm. I got it on eBay. Terry.

[@sisworldofkoi1976]

Hi Terry, Great videos and some very inspiring projects you have put together ! I was wondering what the dimensions are of the acrylic tubes? Diameter, thickness etc. Many thanks and can't wait for the next videos.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Simon, and thanks mate. The acrylic tube is 1000mm x 200mm x 3mm You'll find it on eBay mate. Thank again and take care, Terry.

[@jordancumberpatch9326]

Hello just a question i know its not to do with your skimmer or up flow but what pipe work do you use for your air lines and that ive just got a jecod like you just wondering what you use many thanks

[@Wrighty]

Hi Jordan, I use the JG Speedfit 15mm push fit as it's so easy to use. You'll find it on eBay or your local DIY store. Terry.

[@jordancumberpatch9326]

@@Wrighty will that jusy push on to the nipple that comes with it or do i have to change it many thanks

[@Wrighty]

Hi Jordan, I put a piece of 8mm flexible tube over the nipple first, then heat the end of the 15mm pipe and stretch it over the 8mm pipe. If you look at this video, you can see what I do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKG7gpSAbNGqb80 It's at 15:37 on the video. Terry. PS, I've Just thought. Did your pump come with the black rubber piece of hose? If so, the black hose will fit over the 15mm pipe, and I just secured mine with a jubilee clip.

[@benrogers8129]

Hi, just recently started watching your videos, really impressed with your filtration system (and pond of course), really well thought out and built. I was just wondering how you decide how to layout your various filters, is there a optimum order for them to go in? and also does all water pass through all filters in sequence or does some of the water get divert out at an earlier point? Sorry if these seem like stupid questions but have only really dealt with a small all in one basic filter, that is a challenge to keep the pond clear with. Sorry for the long post. Really enjoy you videos! Looking forward to see what else you come up with.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Ben, and thank you, it's good to hear you enjoy the videos. The first in line is my Sieve filter, which removes all the larger dirt and any leaves or algae. From there it goes through the RDF which filters down to 60 microns. From there into my bio moving bed. All my water passes through these 3 filters. From there, half goes back to the pond and half goes through the up-flow filter and now the protein skimmer, and then the bakki river, then back to the pond. I do have a lot of koi, hence the need for good filtration. Hope this helps, thanks again and take care mate, Terry.

[@benrogers8129]

@@Wrighty wow thanks for such a comprehensive answer, is there any reason why half goes back to the pond before the up-flow filter? Is it just to keep the filter sizes down or something else? Again sorry for all the questions.

[@Wrighty]

No Problem mate. The up-flow filter and protein skimmer, as they are, wouldn't take the full flow mate. I would have to have 2 of each, and I don't have the room in there. Terry.

[@baxterdesert]

I know you have mentioned in the past that the net is for the Heron, have you had any problems with fish jumping out? For the first time our setup has a surface net as we lost a fish and have no idea where. Guessing it jumped out and something got it as its completely under canopy and I cant see a Heron coming in to get it. Your net seems like it would keep them from getting anywhere.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Jon, Yes, we do have a heron problem here, we see him fly over most days, that's why I have to have the net fence around the pond at night and when were not here. Having netting across the pond does spoil viewing your fish, I must admit, that's why I went for the fence. It would also stop any fish jumping out, as they would just hit the fence and drop back in the pond. It only takes me 1 minute to take off and the same to put back, so it's not a real problem. I take it off in the morning and put it back at night, which works well for me, and it doesn't spoil my view of the fish when it's on the pond. Hope this helps mate, take care, Terry.

[@carollycett1329]

The fish are looking nice the bottle bush is lovely once had one but it died stay safe 🙏🐟🐟🐟🐟🙏

[@Wrighty]

Hi Carol, and thank you. The bottle bush flowers do look really nice, but the trouble is they don't last long. Sorry to hear about yours. They do seem very temperamental though. Take care, Terry.

[@renomacca1967]

can you angel the brown pipe angaled 5 degrees toward the outlet

[@Wrighty]

Hi Andrew, I have tried several positions with the 4" T but it just seems to let air through. I will do a bit more tinkering with it. Thanks mate, Terry.

[@renomacca1967]

@@Wrighty great vids

[@Wrighty]

Thanks mate, much appreciated, Terry.

[@Kev-Jan]

Hi Terry, how do I get in touch with you to gain the plans for both the upflow and protein designs ? I don't live to far away from you "March"

[@Wrighty]

Hi Kevin, my website, where the plans are is: diypondfilters.com and you can contact me on [e-mail] I don't have any plans for the protein skimmer yet as I'm still testing and making changes, but the up-flow filter plans are on there. Terry.

[@Kev-Jan]

@@Wrighty thanks Terry very much appreciated.. I will be in touch

[@Wrighty]

You're very welcome mate, Terry.

[@sparkie92567]

Hi Terry another great video as usual...one question tho!? What will you do if everything is perfect....just stand & scratch your head...jk! Lol! I don't think you will ever be giving up on any kinda tinkering it's just not in you to stop! What a funny man you are... Hi to the wife, be safe & until the next video....😉!

[@Wrighty]

Hi Debs, and thank you, you're too kind. I don't think I'll ever get everything perfect, I'm not that good lol. I just love tinkering as you know, it keeps me out of trouble lol. The wife says Hi lol. I hope all's well with you and your family. You take care, stay safe, and I'll see you in the next one, Terry.

[@sparkie92567]

@@Wrighty your the best, what a great sense of humor you have and I know the wife see's it too....lol! 😀

[@Wrighty]

Bless you Deb, you're too kind. You take care and stay safe, Terry.

[@beesleyfarm8297]

Hi there can you let me know more about heatpumps?

[@Wrighty]

Hi Mate, I sell the Thermotec Inverter type for HeatPumps4Pools. I've put a link below, so you can look at the info on the heaters. If your interested, give me a shout on [e-mail] and I'll help all I can. Terry. www.heatpumps4pools.com/product/thermotec-inverter-horizontal-heat-pumps-9kw-to-24kw/

[@beesleyfarm8297]

@@Wrighty will do! Also where did you get your acrylic pipe from?

[@Wrighty]

I get mine on eBay, Trent-plastics: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174172903123?hash=item288d8396d3:g:f5wAAOSw2F9gHWxb Terry.

[@joshkeyworth4679]

Hi Terry great Video, what size and type of solenoid valve are you using in your setup ? cheers Josh

[@Wrighty]

Thanks Josh, I used a 1" N/C solenoid, I got it on eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253581032647 Thanks mate, Terry.

[@joshkeyworth4679]

@@Wrighty Cheers Terry that's spot on. just ordered it 👍 would you mind telling where you get the pvc fittings for the solenoid are you using a threaded hose tail fitting ? I plan on attaching this to the outlet of my easy pod. automatic cleaning without buying the EAs version that is extremely expensive all controlled by a 5 gang smart timer switch. all being well.

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, I took it up to my local plumbers, and he got me the bits to fit it. I've no idea what there called mate sorry. I did use a hose tail on the outlet from the solenoid. Terry.

[@tijnc4159]

Do you think I should arrorate my siporax ore better leave my oxygen pump off in my chambers ore 1 with 25L not with oxygen and 25L with oxygen ore all not for e.a

[@tijnc4159]

Air*

[@Wrighty]

Hi Tijn, It depends on what sort of filter you've got and what type of bacteria you're looking to produce. If you're wanting to produce aerobic bacteria, which deals with the ammonia and nitrite, you need air in the filter. If you're looking to produce anaerobic (anoxic) bacteria, that deals with nitrates, you don't need any air in the filter. Hope this helps, Terry.

[@CharlesLales]

As usual, cool build / experiment! ;-)

[@Wrighty]

Thanks Charles, it's always appreciated mate, Terry.

[@johnwaller5317]

Hi Terry I'm sure you will sort it .you said something about air source heat pump can you give me a price for one that will heat a 1500 gl pond please

[@Wrighty]

Hi John, and thank you. The smallest heater in the Thermotec Inverter range, which is one of the best on the market, is the 9Kw, the same as mine. Have a look on the website and see what you think mate. Give me a shout on [e-mail] if I can help further: www.heatpumps4pools.com/product/thermotec-inverter-horizontal-heat-pumps-9kw-to-24kw/ thanks again, Terry.

[@hughmacgillivray9752]

Hi works great just ur last bit was not right have water at end coming into up right pipe half way so create vortex for foam to corkscrew out and outflow pipe at bottom for to ur River hope u read mac

[@Wrighty]

Hi Mac, thank you, and thanks for the advice, really appreciated. I will have another look at it and see what I can do. Thanks again, Terry.

[@hughmacgillivray9752]

@@Wrighty OK like to see it if you redo last bit if you manage to create vortex it will help to centralise foam to be forced out also the return at bottom will ensure no air returns to ur next filter

[@hughmacgillivray9752]

Ps shouldn't need to be to large a pipe so won't take up as much space as barrel

[@Wrighty]

Thanks for the info mate, very much appreciated. Terry.

[@willslikes2surf]

I Think the original 4” T-piece design would work if you rotated it through 90 degrees. (So it was stood up, rather than lying on its back) Take the Bakki river from the base of the T, and your skimmings would boil off the top. It would be easy to alter the height and if you used a clear 4” insert you could inspect the bubbles.

[@Wrighty]

Hi William, I will give it some thought mate, thank you. I am thinking of re-routing the outlet flow into the moving bed pond return, which would stop the air getting into the bakki river, which is a problem. Thanks for your input, it's really appreciated. Terry.

[@keithpung758]

Maybe you could build a water-tight PVC box under your protein skimmer. Then you could build in a lip for foam or just have a waste pvc pipe of the top of the box. the pvc box could support your skimmer and be the reservoir.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Keith, that's not a bad idea, I will give it some thought. Thanks mate, I'll have a tinker, Terry.

[@seanmeads9400]

Another cracking video ,, but i haven't got a clue what your trying to achieve ,,

[@Wrighty]

Hi Sean, and thank you. It's basically to remove the proteins from the pond water. You sometimes see it as foam on a pond. Thanks and take care mate, Terry

[@matt281075]

👌👍

[@Wrighty]

Thanks matt, take care mate, Terry.

[@Demantius]

To increase efficiency you probably need to put the foam output much closer to the water surface (to decrease foam back-pressure) and increase the the foam outlet pipe diameter. Just like commercial units like this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZmrfnSBbdubjbc

[@DJDecB]

Hi terry. The way you had it at the start, A valve on the outlet would solve your issue to raise the water level inside the 4” section to trap the bubbles inside Just key it back ever so slightly

[@Wrighty]

Hi Dec, I will have another mess around with it. I do think it could do a lot more than it is. Thanks mate, I'll have a go. Terry.

[@jackrickells3979]

Just leave it all that just for some bubbles

[@CATANDEYEKOI]

All looking like a huge science experiment, I think you need a bigger shed. Fabulous video Terry, cheers.

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, and thank you. The barrel has to go, as it's driving me mental where it is lol. Hope to come up with something else this week. Brain in overdrive lol. Take care mate, Terry.