Flow Through Well-Fed Trout Setup ?!? - 02/02/21 09:57 PM
I've come up with the concept of doing a "flow through" system where I pump water from my well into a 16ft diameter, 3ft deep concrete 4000 gal "pond." This is already built, though not setup yet. The water tests fine for ph / potability etc. Will spray the water in via a central geyser to help aerate it, and then also do additional bottom aeration.
The general thought is to bring enough water in to not have to actually filter it. I'm thinking if I bring in about 5gpm of well water on a 1/2 hp pump, which will cycle the water more than daily. Then thinking to do 2 bottom drains that flow from the pressure to release the water a slightly slower then its coming into the system. Perhaps on a 3" pipe with ball valve to be able to tune the flow rate out of the pond? Seems like this could be a potential issue (clogable) despite the high water turnover. Then hook in a skimmer to this line, and at a higher level, an overflow valve that would have its own free flow pipe to the stream, to control the top water level.
Thinking the 52 degree well water will be ideal for trout if I can keep it properly aerated, and able to keep me warm enough through a Kentucky winter at this flow rate.
Overflow will go to a stream and series of pools that I'll be creating to flow off of this that connect into an existing creek system.
So I guess I don't have anyone to run this setup by as far as the overall system feasibility, in addition to the trout raising side of things... and would love any feedback. I'm not looking to setup a "farm" - just 40 or so trout at various stages, to be able to smoke / grill from time to time.
What do you think? Would love input on sizing pumps / system in general as well.
1/2 hp well pump
1/2 hp aeration pump?
Would I need a separate circulation pump (and thus filters) to simulate a stream by spinning the water around?
If I added lights for a couple hours at night, would that mess with the fish? (I don't think it'd be too bad)
Anyways, would love any feedback, or tips in general.... Big thanks!
The general thought is to bring enough water in to not have to actually filter it. I'm thinking if I bring in about 5gpm of well water on a 1/2 hp pump, which will cycle the water more than daily. Then thinking to do 2 bottom drains that flow from the pressure to release the water a slightly slower then its coming into the system. Perhaps on a 3" pipe with ball valve to be able to tune the flow rate out of the pond? Seems like this could be a potential issue (clogable) despite the high water turnover. Then hook in a skimmer to this line, and at a higher level, an overflow valve that would have its own free flow pipe to the stream, to control the top water level.
Thinking the 52 degree well water will be ideal for trout if I can keep it properly aerated, and able to keep me warm enough through a Kentucky winter at this flow rate.
Overflow will go to a stream and series of pools that I'll be creating to flow off of this that connect into an existing creek system.
So I guess I don't have anyone to run this setup by as far as the overall system feasibility, in addition to the trout raising side of things... and would love any feedback. I'm not looking to setup a "farm" - just 40 or so trout at various stages, to be able to smoke / grill from time to time.
What do you think? Would love input on sizing pumps / system in general as well.
1/2 hp well pump
1/2 hp aeration pump?
Would I need a separate circulation pump (and thus filters) to simulate a stream by spinning the water around?
If I added lights for a couple hours at night, would that mess with the fish? (I don't think it'd be too bad)
Anyways, would love any feedback, or tips in general.... Big thanks!