Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm entering the final stages of my AP setup where the sump will actually be a small pond, maybe a KIO or two, but mainly just lillys. Can someone give me some insite as to what plumbing I should include in the pond for future expansion. I'm thinking to keep it clean looking I will need some sort of surface skimmer and maybe a bottom skimmer. The pond will be poured concrete, so whatever plumbing I do not get through the walls now, will never happen. I have two pieces of 3 inch PVC through the walls at about full water level which are for growbed returns. A two inch pipe through the wall just below water level that is for electrical cords (pump & lights). And a 1 inch pipe for filling the FT (chift pist).

In reading about ponds some, I'm guessing I might need a surface skimmer and bottom skimmer to keep things clean, but I do not quite get it yet. Can anyone suggest any other through wall plumbing I should add now? And size and what depth? In my quick searches I have become quickly overwhelmed by all the options out there. Entering panic mode.

Surface skimmer only really needed if likely to get lots of leaves in my opinion. I find the movement from the air stones are enough to keep the surface clean of dust etc.
I've always just had a bottom drain at the lowest point. Size will depend on flow.

Depending on setup an overflow may be needed for rain?