This really sucks... or does it!

[Koidaddy]

Need help on this one:

Recently I installed a no niche skimmer in my pond. The skimmer is attached via a 1-1/2" abs line joined to a "T" section on my 3" line that runs to bottom drain.
The problem is, the bottom drain sucks like there is no tomorrow, but there is absolutely no pull at the "T" junction to skimmer - You would think there would be something, but nadda! I'm no physics guru, and the ways of water can be complex to understand, so if any of you have an idea or even better a solution, I would be one happy camper - I've been racking my brain over this one and my head hurts!

Please see my schematic below:

Thanks!
KD
:grin:

PS: Architectural reproductions available @ $5.00 each (includes shipping)

[carcha koi]

Can you plug the drain to force the water to be drawn into trhe skimmer. Once the water is being pulled into the skimmer you should be able to let your bottom go or in this case suck as well. I think it is a matter of priming it. I had a similar home made version when I had trout in large vats.

[Koidaddy]

OMG... that sounds like it might work - I'll dive in tomorrow and give it a whirl!

Thanks CFL!

KD
:yup:

[Marg]

Wouldn't there be more pull on the skimmer if that pipe was larger and the one to the drain smaller? :dunno:
Marg

[Koidaddy]

Marg, you're a smart cookie - Someone just suggested an idea with a similar logic - Put a ball valve on the 3" line between skimmer and bottom drain, this way it will equal out the pull on both units... The hard part is finding a 3" ball valve at a decent price!

Thanks for your brainy idea!
KD
:grin:

[philly]

OK KD, I had a look at your plumbing an you have (2) 90* 3" elbows (1) tee 1-1/2" to 3" in the pond and probably another 3" 90* elbow outside the pond wall which gives you a fair bit of restrictions. Is it possible to eliminate the (2) 90* elbows and just use a 2" to 3" tee which will give you more flow from the skimmer, make sure the 2" tee the flow goes towards the outside wall, if you look inside the tee it's like a mini elbow inside the 3" tee if it faces the other way you will have restriction there, for the 3" piping if you need some play and different angle like slight slopes you can use tiger-flex piping to correct that, sorry don't have any tiger-flex hose to take a photo as I gave what I had to Jackie. That's my two cents worth. :)

[Koidaddy]

Good points Phil - I'll have to check the direction of my T when I check things out - Think I'll try installing a ball valve, as I mentioned bottom drain really sucks too much, so much so I lost a nice wakin last week - Poor thing got sucked into the leaf basket overnight and was completely stripped of scales and yet still alive - All that being said, turning down the bottom drain flow to allow more to the skimmer will be fine for me - Them bits floating on the surface are driving me cray.

KD
:yup: