Blog Monday 7th January 2008
The Heat Exchangers need cleaning, so after feeding all the koi and cleaning the filters, I made a start, disconnecting the pipe work on a couple. Once the pipe work was removed, I unscrewed the Heat Exchangers and gave them a good wash out.
This is a point which I have never heard mentioned in any Koi press or internet forum. Slowly over a period of time, the heat exchangers become partially blocked with a slow build up of waste. I'm not sure if this waste is 'attracted' by the heat or not, but I have to clean the ones at the farm 2 or 3 times a year. This is more often than most would need , but due to my heavy stocking and high feed rate, the ones at the farm become very inefficient after a couple of months and it takes much longer for the ponds to reach their set temperature. Once cleaned, the heat transfer is much improved and the heaters are on for a much shorter period.
To clean, I use a hose on full pressure, firstly flush through from both ends to remove loose waste, then place your hand over the lower outlet and half fill with water, then hold vertically with a hand over each inlet/outlet and sake vigorously. Repeat this as many times as it takes for the water to stay clean and there is no sign of any lumps when emptying the water.
I'd advise everyone to remove and clean theirs at least once a year, it will reduce the heating bills.
Tom is due back from his Christmas Holidays tomorrow.