subject: Pond Pumps and tips on buying the right one [print this page] Pond Pumps and tips on buying the right one
Features such as waterfalls, streams and fountains add a whole new dimension to a garden pond. All of these features require a pond pump to function correctly. The role of which is for the recirculation of water. Movement of water is important for increasing the oxygen content of the pond to keep it healthy.
There are many different types of pond pumps available on the market and choice depends on what the pump is intended for. For example, if your pond design includes a fountain then a fountain pump would be required, which are designed to deliver clean water to fountain attachments. Before going out to purchase a pond pump it is advisable to make a note of the volume of your pond, additional features such as fountains or waterfalls and, therefore the height between the surface of the pond and top of the waterfall to where water is be pumped.
Fish and other inhabitants to a pond constantly produce waste. This waste will cause problems to a pond if allowed to accumulate. A pond lightly stocked with fish and with plenty of plants, may remain in a natural balance. But, for the vast majority of ponds, additional help is required to keep the pond healthy. A pond filter allows for waste removal to keep the pond healthy. Common pond problems are usually linked to poor water quality so it is important that a good quality filter is selected. The type of filter will depend on pond volume and type of pump.
Pond pumps are rated according to how much water they can move over an hour. They will carry a rating listed as GPH (flow rate), which stands for Gallons Per Hour. This rating refers to the amount of water that the pump can move in one hour over a height of 0.3 meters. Therefore, if your garden pond pump will be carrying the water more than a 0.3 meters in elevation, this must be taken into consideration when buying a pump.
How to Calculate Pond Pump Size
The amount of work required by a pond pump depends both on the height and the distance the water must be carried. For every 3 meters of horizontal distance the water must be moved, you need to factor in a height of 0.3 meters. Total height is determined by measuring from the top of the pond pump to the top of the waterfall or fountain. For example, a waterfall 0.3 meters above the ground and pump located at the bottom of a 0.9 meter deep pond, the water must be raised 1.2 meters to fill the waterfall. Where the size of the waterfall or stream is concerned, every inch of width is the equivalent of 150 gallons over the course of an hour. A waterfall with a 4-inch spillway will require a pond pump that produces 600 gallons per hour (3000 liters/hour).
A pond pump should circulate the water at least once per hour. To determine the volume of your pond, multiply the length x width x depth. For every square meter of volume there are 21.5 gallons of water. So, a pond that has a volume of 15 cubic meters will contain roughly 375 gallons of water. From this, you can determine the flow rate needed for proper circulation of the water.
Do remember that a combination of water and electricity are lethal so it is advisable to call in a qualified electrician to install cables for a pond pump and filter to operate.
