A Bottom drain is considered an essential in Koi keeping these days. Ultra Zap carries an extensive range of bottom drains for all applications.

A slightly concaved profile in your pond when fitting a bottom drain, will help the debris to pass straight through into the bottom drain, and save you a sub-stantial amount of time, which can be used to enjoy your koi. A bottom drain is there to remove everyday waste that settles at the bottom of the pond, such as faeces, excess koi pellets and any dirt that has blow into the pond and sunk to the bottom. It is linked to your filter/discharge chamber, and then pumped to waste. (Thus easy to clean.)

Planning for your bottom drain should be done, as it is essential that the position of the drain is correct to ensure that it operates efficiently. Preferably a central position would be best with the surrounding bottom sloping down toward the drain itself, thus allowing the debris to be drawn into it. Pipe work is important to allow free movement of the debris within the pipes. You do not want to create sharp bends, 90º, as these could block up and reduce flow, 45º bends are much preferred.

The pipe and drain should be concreted in and the concrete should form a saucer around the drain. Ensure the concrete goes up to and under the lip of the drain, to prevent a gap that will trap debris and put great stress on the drain bottom. Stuffing an old bin bag into the drain sump will prevent concrete and other debris entering the drain.

If you do not have a bottom drain installed, there is a solution for cleaning the bottom of your pond, which is the use of our Hand-operated Pond Vacuums. It is much more time consuming but will assist in ridding your pond from decaying debris.