Pond Skimmer Installation - How to

[QuickSiR]

thanks for the tips. :)

[ThePondDigger]

@QuickSiR For sure!

[sooouuuuper]

what is a pond skimmer ? wont the fish eat that yukky stuff ? isnt this just a big filter ? what is a under layman ? do i really need one of those ugly looking boxes in the pool and wont the goldfish get caught in it ?

[ThePondDigger]

@sooouuuuper A pond skimmer keeps the surface of your pond clean from wind blown debris. The fish don't eat leaf debris. A skimmer is really a pre-filter. You don't really need one on a pond but we don't build ponds without them. The underlayment is a protective fabric we put down before we install the EPDM rubber liner. On occasion a fish will wander into a skimmer.

[sooouuuuper]

@ThePondDigger ty for ur answer

[lazyboyinc]

Is it important to know how many gallons my pond is for when buying a pump or skimmer?

[ThePondDigger]

@lazyboyinc It is important to know the total gallons on your pond before purchasing a skimmer and pond pump to the system. Typically you are going to want to turn your total pond volume one to one and a half times per hour. For example if you have a 3000 gallon pond you will be looking for a pump that turns 3000 to 4500 gallons per hour.

[lazyboyinc]

I don't have any specifics on a pond yet. Because say I layout a 4x8 spot in my yard to dig a pond and I dig 3 to 4ft down and around how do I figure out how many gallons of water are going to fit in this hole. A- Do I fill a 5 gallon bucket dump it in the pond and calculate the sum by adding the # of buckets it took? Or B-You know an easier way or you know that part doesn't matter or does it? How do I figure out what equipment I will need? + What's the url to your store?

[lazyboyinc]

What are your preferred brand of skimmer pumps and skimmers and do you know of a website where i can buy them.

[ThePondDigger]

@lazyboyinc My preferred skimmer is very subjective to the environment of which the pond is installed, the goals of the pond owner, the style of pond being constructed and the budget at which is set for the pond equipment. I don't mean to be elusive in this answer but this is the case. Our online store sells a variety of skimmers. Send me a message with specifics of your pond and I will gladly tell you which pond skimmer I think would be best suited the pond and your goals.

[MAD2be1]

is dat a box opening razor

[Soper79]

Great Video. Can you make a video in determining where the water level will be using a laser level? Thanks.

[ThePondDigger]

@Soper79 It's certainly a topic that we will put on our board. We have a pile of other videos that we will need to get to first but we can put this on our priority list. Thanks for the feedback.

[Soper79]

@ThePondDigger Great. I'd really be interested in that. I should have specified. It's determining the level with a rotary laser, grade rod & detector but I'm sure you knew that. Furthermore, once you do set your water level to that ideal 3/4 from the top of the skimmer, do most skimmers come with an overflow valve to protect the water from getting too high (say if it rains) or do you take care of that and install one yourself? Great work on your videos and thanks.

[iaasdfwtx2]

I have a large pond with a concrete collar which makes it unsuitable to install one next to the pond like you do in this video. Is is possible to install a skimmer like this one directly in the pond? My pond is 30x25 feet. The shallow parts are 1 feet deep, the deeper part is a little over 2 feet deep.

[ThePondDigger]

@iaasdfwtx2 Installing a skimmer in an existing concrete pond is possible. It's a little tricky to hide it in the pond but absolutely doable. There are a couple different options available. When OASE was selling product here in North America they had a small skimmer that was not bad. You might still be able to find them on line. Google In Pond Oase Skimmer and you might find some still on the market. You might need a couple on your size pond. Email me your results!

[ThePondDigger]

@iaasdfwtx2 There are a couple of in pond skimmers available. The in pond skimmers are taller than 1' so you will have a bit of difficulty finding the right spot in the pond for the skimmer. Google search for a No Niche Skimmer. You may be able to modify one of these for you pond. It would be my recommendation. Good Luck!

[xrayfeeney]

Eric, Thanks for all the info you provide for the DIY'ers. It's appreciated!!

[ThePondDigger]

@xrayfeeney You're very welcome! We are planning an entire PILE of videos at this time. Hold your breath and be sure to SUB. Happy Pondering......

[mophead013]

what brand of skimmer did you use in this video? thank you!

[ThePondDigger]

@mophead013 In this video we are installing an EasyPro Mini pond skimmer. If you need one for your project let me know. We'd love to supply you with equipment for your feature.

[briantoms]

do you have a video on how too install a skimmer in a pond that is already built with water and fish? Thanks

[ThePondDigger]

@briantoms To install a skimmer on an existing pond is the same. You will need to drain the pond down at least a foot in order to make the connection. We have a polyurethane that we use for wet applications instead of silicone that allows you to fill the pond up with water quicker!

[Arteolike]

@ThePondDigger Can you use the Polyurethane Roof & Flashing on the skimmer like you mentioned in you're bottom drain forum on you're website?

[ThePondDigger]

@Arteolike Absolutely!

[gumper5242]

Just digging the hole for the skimmer today and I thought I would watch this video one more time .

[moomoo4u2moo]

where is your bottom drain video - these are awesome - thanks!

[ThePondDigger]

@moomoo4u2moo We did shoot a BD video but it was a train wreck. We do have plans to re shoot the video with step by step instruction. We have much work to do.

[jakoi945]

@moomoo4u2moo Yea i want to see that video too!

[Arteolike]

So you are the security man right, i couldn't help but see "SECURITY" on your pond digger shirt!

[ThePondDigger]

Yes this is one of my favorite Pond Digger shirts! We made this shirt on one of our pond tours and gave one to all the participants who showed their pond off.

We are getting close to launching a POND DIGGER APPAREL line on our website. Over the years we have made jackets, tshirts, beanies, hats, bandanas and more. We are making a cool t-shirt for a Pond Construction Seminar we are looking to do this fall. We will make the shirts available to the public. Stay tuned.

The Pond Digger

[ThePondDigger]

@Arteolike YES SECURITY! Our most popular Pond Digger shirt. :)

[Arteolike]

@ThePondDigger This is strange? I never asked you that again? This new YouTube is really crappy, this always happens the comments are doubled!?!

P.S. Were can i see the line of PondDigger shirts?

[keenefx]

Question....is the pond skimmer actually attached via pipe to the pump? As I understand it, the water motion helps the weir door collect the leaves, etc.

I will be using a submerged pump and an above ground uv biofilter.

[ThePondDigger]

The submerged pump can be installed in these style pond skimmers. They do have a speed limit to consider. The skimmer in this video can handle 3000 gallons per hour. The next size up skimmer can support up to a 6000 gallon per hour pond pump.

If we were using an external pump we would be have pipe plumbed from the skimmer to the pump and a check valve inside the skimmer to help with priming.

Hope that helps.

The Pond Digger

[msmeganmole]

The bests video that I have watched on skimmers. Very nice job. How about installing waterfall filter? Having a heck of a time getting the liner so it doesn't leak.

[ThePondDigger]

We are working on a waterfall construction video at this time and have several other videos on the editing block at the moment.

We will be shooting a waterfall filter liner connection in the near future but it will be a few videos away. Many of the same techniques on the skimmer install are applied to the waterfall filter but it sure helps to see it step by step, believe me I know. I'll get it on the board as soon as possible!

Thanks for the great feedback & suggestion!

The Pond Digger

[mykoikoi]

Nice Jib Eric

Any chance for a vedio on installing bottom drains ?

[ThePondDigger]

Thanks for the comment. We are planning a bottom drain installation video in the near future but it might be a couple months before we shoot it. Maybe I can give you some pointers if you are planning a bottom drain install before we get er dun. Let me know, Id be glad to help.

Touching People's Lives With Water,

The Pond Digger

[msmeganmole]

Excellent information.  I'm going out to install my skimmer with confidence. Thanks for sharing your professional knowledge!

[ThePondDigger]

No sweat. We're happy to hear we have improved your confidence for the task! Thanks for the comment.

The Pond Digger

[kmculp]

This really worked, and it saved me time, and it was easy after watching this a few times....THANKS for this tip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ThePondDigger]

Glad to be assistance! Thanks for the comment.

The Pond Digger

[holy8shit]

comin from a pro that means a lot thx :D

[holy8shit]

well im kinda a do it your selfer even though im 14

[ThePondDigger]

Sound to me like your a young pond builder in the making!

The Pond Digger

[Mostlyfun]

I really like your work, I would like to ad that I have made an effective skimer by diging a hole beside the pond and line it with the ponds liner . no mechanical joint no silicone and its easy to play with the opening height for the best skimming effect. It has no flap but it works well.

I use a basket then filter media then the pump. It works as a filter as well as a skimmer.

Its hidden with a 4'x4' cedar deck that is home to my reading chair.

[ThePondDigger]

That is a fine way to engineer a skimmer pre-filter for your pond. Do you have any video footage of it?

The Pond Digger

[Mostlyfun]

Not yet, I am fairly new to the whole computer thing I would have gone through my whole life without computers except I now work for the government of Canada and if I want to be payed I have to do my time sheet on their intranet

I am a Stone Mason by trade pretty much the other end of the tech scale from computers . I am learning stuff though,I finaly figured out how to add an attachment to an e-mail .

I will get my 10 year old to show me how to download some vidio and post it soon.

[Mostlyfun]

I like to use rubbing alcohol to clean the liner and plastic .

I once had a leek that was traced back to an oily film on the skimmer ,the silicone never stuck at all to the plastic .

The skimmer  I used was not of the same quality as the one you are useing, It came with four screws one in each corner by the time I got it to work properly the screws were gone and 16 bolts took there place .

[ThePondDigger]

Rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning areas intended for sealing liner. I use it when I have a stubborn area that needs to be clean up nice.

The Pond Digger

[bdawgfilms]

Dude, you helped me soo uch with my pond that im gonna make a video of my completed pond and send it to you

[ThePondDigger]

I'll be waiting for it so be sure to send it! Make me proud!

The Pond Digger

[MyDixieRekked]

is a skimmer another word for a filter?

[ThePondDigger]

Yes & No. A skimmer is really a PRE-Filter but many people consider skimmers a filter. The skimmer is designed to capture larger debris before the actual filter. Biological filters are much more effective without large leaf debris clogging it up.

The Pond Digger

[mmeekkproductions]

is white silicone for window, door, siding ok for fish?

[mmeekkproductions]

and turtles?

[ThePondDigger]

I NEVER use colored silicone for fear of mildew inhibitors. I would not suggest using the white silicone even though it is rated for windows and door. I have seen fish kills on contractors using white silicone.

[millmanturtle]

man bulding ponds is really hard b/c u have to think about what will happen if u put whatever in and stuff

[ThePondDigger]

Building Ponds is both challenging and fun. Don't sweat the small stuff. We'll gladly help you along the way if you have any questions. Expect more instructional videos this summer.

The Pond Digger

[javiakasku11one]

is this the same pond from the ponds gone wrong episode 1?

[ThePondDigger]

No this is a different pond. Simply a demonstration pond for the video. We will be producing a waterfall filter video over the summer. Stay tuned.

The Pond Digger

[Y0un3smArk1995]

u know how u placed the skimmer behind the liner sitting on dirt, isint best to make a concret/cement shelf for the skimmer to sit on.

cause over time wouldent rain drift the skimmer or softens the dirt beneath

[ThePondDigger]

In Southern California we don't have any problems with skimmer placement right in our native soils even in sandy areas like Palm Springs. We have skimmers in ground for over ten years with little to no problems.

If you are working in an area with a high water table it might be appropriate to place your skimmer in or on a concrete shelf.

The Pond Digger

[danielle4domanic]

thanks

[ThePondDigger]

De Nada!

Pond Digger

[danielle4domanic]

eill normal silicone work

[ThePondDigger]

Yes and No. :) If you go to your local hardware store to pick up some silicone be sure to use CLEAR WINDOW & DOOR silicone.

STAY AWAY from any COLORED silicone designed for bathrooms or kitchens as they have a mildew resistant compound mixed in that will not be safe for fish.

Good Luck!

The Pond Digger

[danielle4domanic]

can u use normal silicone

[declanS008]

if one of the bricks fell over wouldnt that restrict the flow ???

[ThePondDigger]

GOOD QUESTION. Yes you are correct. If the opening to the skimmer is restricted it is not good for the pump or the pond. When we dress up the front of the skimmer like we did in this video we will secure all of the stones and driftwood with BLACK WATERFALL foam. That way everything is solid and won't fall over and block the skimmer opening. If you don't secure everything with the waterfall foam it is possible a small animal will knock things over. We will do a video demo on this soon. Thanks!

[declanS008]

okay thanks