otis otis
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  • Posted on: 25/3/2014 11:05
CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #1
Good Morning All!
Last year I had installed a Kockney Koi Mega Max Black Box Filter together with a Yamitsu Algae Master 55W UV and a Pontec PondoMax Eco 8000 pump. Although this seemed a good idea at the time - and indeed the system does the job - I have come to realise that cleaning the filter on a regular basis is going to be very onerous.

What should I be looking at in terms of replacing the black box with something far less high-maintenance but equally as efficient?

Thank you!
2010 2010
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  • Posted on: 25/3/2014 20:34
Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #2
Is it

Resized Image

This one?
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otis otis
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  • Posted on: 26/3/2014 10:42
Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #3
Yes, that's the one, but with 55W UV. And I can't shift the yellow tap either!
2010 2010
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  • Posted on: 27/3/2014 6:50
Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #4
Quote:

otis wrote:
............. I can't shift the yellow tap either!


There's your problem.

The tap is for you to remove all the sediment / junk that accumulates in the base of any sort of filter box (Bottom drain) If you can't open it then yes you will have problems cleaning your filter.
If you have tried opening it and failed, the cheapest solution would be to remove it and clean it then put it back. (or replace it)

Obviously you will have to turn the pump off and you will empty the whole filter (probably get wet too) but it has to be cheaper than buying a whole new filter. (That will probably not be as good)

I can't help but wonder if you realise how useful a bottom drain is, since most box filters don't have one.
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otis otis
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Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #5
Thanks for your advice, 2010.

Yes, am fully aware of the purpose and importance of the bottom drain which makes it all the more frustrating that I can't turn the tap. A neighbour (who is bigger and stronger than me!) has also tried without success
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  • Posted on: 27/3/2014 22:00
Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #6
You have to bear in mind (as my signature says) I can only go by what you type. So I am not to know what you do or do not know about your filter. I did also not know your neighbour tried it.

You only have one option then, change it. Have you considered cutting it off (Just before the valve) and fitting a new one, something like:

Resized Image
Good quality costs. Bear this in mind before you start.

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We can only go by what you type.

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2010 2010
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  • Posted on: 28/3/2014 0:20
Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #7
I would also like to mention that I have only just realised it is probably the same as the one you have, I did a search for "ball valve" and that was the first suitable one to come up. Its being sold HERE

Got to be cheaper than a new filter.
Good quality costs. Bear this in mind before you start.

Sorry if my reply is NOT want you want to hear, but what I have said is true.

We can only go by what you type.

A "thank you" costs nothing, but goes a long way.
otis otis
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  • Posted on: 28/3/2014 10:03
Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #8
Once again, many thanks for your counsel and apologies for not having been more explicit.

Yes, the tap/ball valve is identical to mine. I'm wondering whether it was fitted correctly or if the adhesive used by the installers may have locked the valve unintentionally. In any event, it will have to be fixed one way or another.
Karl Karl
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  • Posted on: 8/4/2014 8:34
Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #9
Hi there,
Looks very similar to one that I'm looking at. After advice from 2010 I've ordered an 8000lph pump and am looking for a decent sized filter for my 1300 gal pond. Do you think this might be suitable and if so what capacity/model is it.
(Finding looking for filters online a nightmare)
Best wishes & thanks for all the good advice.
Karl
otis otis
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  • Posted on: 8/4/2014 9:21
Re: CHANGING BOX FILTER TO ??? #10
Hi Karl,
Please see my initial post for details of model of filter.

Its specs are:
Goldfish Pond Size: 4000 gal (700 inches of goldfish)
Koi Pond Size: 2500 gal (175 inches of koi)
Flow Rate: Min: 1300 gph Max: 2000 gph

The recommended Yamitsu UV for this model is 30W but I went for the 55W unit.

As already noted, filter works well but is quite high maintenance. My pond has excessive and year-long blanketweed which means the filter is always up against it!

All best,
otis