I am building a small (100 gal.) raised pond against a retaining wall
and my budget is limited, so I'm trying to buy as few pieces of
equipment as possible, at least initially. So I'm looking for an
inexpensive skimmer/filter with an integrated autofill valve (as
opposed to a filter and a separate skimmer with a valve - I don't think
I really need the skimmer part-just the filter and valve). Summers are
long in central Texas and I suspect there will be lots of evaporation,
hence the autofill. I'd like the unit to be plummable with PVC pipe, as
opposed to garden hose. Are there any out there that somone can
recommend?

If it makes a difference, my plan is to inset the valve/skimmer/filter
into the retaining wall at water level, so it's barely visible.

Also, I will have a decorative spout on the wall, supplied by a
waterfall/stream pump which will take the water up behind the wall and,
eventually, to a short faux stream up the hill behind the wall, total
rise about 15 ft. The water will flow down the stream, into a small
base pool, and down the spout. I would prefer an exterior pump with
adjustable flow (as opposed to a submersible, fixed flow pump). Any
recommendations? Any info appreciated!
Sam

We use a toilet fill valve. Simple and cheap and effective. Anchored in
a tupperware container with rocks in it.

We have a pic on our website.

Jim

Sam wrote:
I am building a small (100 gal.) raised pond against a retaining wall
and my budget is limited, so I'm trying to buy as few pieces of
equipment as possible, at least initially. So I'm looking for an
inexpensive skimmer/filter with an integrated autofill valve (as
opposed to a filter and a separate skimmer with a valve - I don't think
I really need the skimmer part-just the filter and valve). Summers are
long in central Texas and I suspect there will be lots of evaporation,
hence the autofill. I'd like the unit to be plummable with PVC pipe, as
opposed to garden hose. Are there any out there that somone can
recommend?

If it makes a difference, my plan is to inset the valve/skimmer/filter
into the retaining wall at water level, so it's barely visible.

Also, I will have a decorative spout on the wall, supplied by a
waterfall/stream pump which will take the water up behind the wall and,
eventually, to a short faux stream up the hill behind the wall, total
rise about 15 ft. The water will flow down the stream, into a small
base pool, and down the spout. I would prefer an exterior pump with
adjustable flow (as opposed to a submersible, fixed flow pump). Any
recommendations? Any info appreciated!
Sam

Thanks for the suggestion. I think a toilet valve would be too big to
hide in an inlet in the retaining wall, though. But since my post I
have found some small similar valves on the Internet. I figure I could
jerry-rig one into the retaining wall, without needing to integrate it
to a skimmer or filter. Now I just need to find one that I can hard
plumb to pvc, instead of a garden hose. Any suggestions out there?

Also, does anyone know if the Beckett Medium Waterfall-Stream Pump has
an adjustable flow rate? I'd like to be able to make the flow just
right for the wall spout, especially since later on I plan to move the
outlet up the hill to make a stream-waterfall. I'd lmake the flow
stronger at tht time. Thanks,
Sam