I'm getting the most awesome redneck
tan doing this project. Here, I'm installing the bottom drain piping.
Since it runs under the pond wall footing, I had to install this piping
first. All the bottom drain piping and the skimmer are 4 inch diameter
pipe. This larger size minimizes flow resistance to allow the pumps
to pump as much water as they can. The larger size also helps ensure
that the piping doesn't get clogged if some leaves or other debris gets
into the pipe. If 4" pipe isn't big enough for you, you can get bigger
stuff. One of the koi specialists that we had speak to our club mentioned
that he used 6" pipe. I hate being out done! :)
I'm using ABS drain pipe which is
the only piping easily available in most hardware stores in a 4" size.
I've heard some people mention that you shouldn't use ABS drain pipe since
it is meant for sewage lines and isn't safe. There may be some merit
to this since there is no reason for them to rinse out any plasticizer
chemicals and such during manufacture since it won't be used for drinking
water. It has been successfully used before though, and with a bit
of pre fish rinsing of the pond and its piping systems, I am confident
that it will not be a concern. If you want to avoid this concern,
use PVC piping. It may cost a bit more, but it will avoid the concern
mentioned above and is more easily connected to the PVC valves and fittings
that you will be using. You can glue PVC fittings to ABS pipe, but
you have to remember to use the special glue that they sell for this purpose.
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