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| I know this forum gets a million pump related questions, but this one seems unique (just like everyone else's request ;-):
The previous owners installed a raised planter which includes a ~1500 gallon koi pond that extends down below ground level. Right next to the pond is a small area that is dug out that houses an external pump and all the pipes and valves.[1] The pump ends up being right around ground level, but is inside the rocked area.[2] The problem is that they did not make the pump area water tight, either from above or below. And despite being an engineer, I don't see a good way to make it water tight, with the rock surround as it is. The result, predictably, is that the pump gets flooded and shorts out once or twice a year during very heavy rain storms. I'm tired of dealing with it and would like to find a waterproof pump. I like to think I have pretty good google-fu, but I have been unable to find a waterproof external pump, so I'm guessing that next to none of them exist. 1. Does anyone know of one?
Since there are times when enough leaves and such block the inlet, it would be best if the pump doesn't self-destruct if run dry. The backup plan is to move the pump, but that would result in the pump being well above water level and would involve re-routing pipes that I would really like to avoid. If I were forced to go this route, would self-priming work even if the pump is well above water level? Thank you! Marc P.S. If anyone is interested, the water feature has about 5-6 head feet. P.P.S. Two pictures of the current setup:
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Follow-Up Postings:
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| I have used the Danner Mag Drive Submersible pumps as externals in the past with no problem at all. Since they are mag drive, they do not need water surrounding them to keep them cool. They are not terribly quiet when used as an external pump but not as loud as many I have heard. I ran one of my mag drives for 4 years this way and it is still going strong. It will not work well if it is situated above pond level though. As long as water can freely flow into it from the pond, it works great. |
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- Posted by pondmaninal 7b (My Page) on Thu, May 6, 10 at 19:41
| I think the mag drive pumps at Harbor Freight can be used as an external. |
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| Hmmm... I'm thinking I didn't ask my question very clearly. From reading various mag drive pump manuals and such, my understanding is that most mag drive pumps can't handle the combination of: 1. possibly running dry For example, a couple of the Danner's explictly warn against #1 and #2. Harbor Freight has some that handle solids, but I'm suspect about #1 and #3. Web sites selling the Torpedo Pump discuss filters, so I'm worried about #2, but can't find the manual to confirm. Is my understanding wrong and/or am I being too paranoid? Is someone aware of a 500-1000 gph pump (any technology) that can handle three above items plus being water proof? If so, I'd greatly appreciate a pointer! Budget is relatively open. Thanks again! |
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| I took a look at your pictures of the pump area--can see what you mean. If you want to keep the pump the easiest thing to do would be put a priming pot/strainer basket in front of the pump--aquaart sells them for relatively cheap. Not sure if an irragation pump house cover would help to at least cover the hole your pump is in unless ground water is coming up. Aquaart also sells a pump box which can house your pump. If external pump is above pond water level you need a priming pot to make sure it always has water. I have external pumps on my pond and would never go back to a submersible pump. Hate getting in the pond to get the pump to clean it and they use way more energy. Oh the priming pot/straining pot catches algae, leaves etc before entering the pump. From your description it sounds like there is no skimmer on your set up. |
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- Posted by mrshkoiluver 5b (My Page) on Fri, May 7, 10 at 10:24
| Look into an Ehiem pump. Made for Fishtanks. They can be used in or out of the water. |
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