skip to main content

Ponds & Aquatic Plants

Solar pond pump question

11 years ago

I have a solar powered pond oxygenator. I need to place the solar panel in a sunnier location and the cable is not long enough. Has anyone had any experience with splicing solar cable? I know that I can purchase longer air tubing, but that will put my pump out in the weather. I would rather have the pump protected to extend it's service. I have searched the web, but unable to find this kind of pump written about. I need to know if the solar power diminishes if you lengthen the cable. Any solar cable splicing experience out there? Thank you. Dianne

Comments (3)

annedickinson
11 years ago
I asked an electrician friend about your solar power question. He said that he wasn't familiar with that kind of pump but he didn't think it would dimish the power to lengthen the cable. Hopefully someone who knows for sure will chip in.
tropicbreezent
11 years ago
The longer the cable the more the power loss. But for the distances you're planning maybe it will be insignificant. The voltage you're operating at and the thickness of the cable will have an effect. It's a balancing act between all those variables.
monet_g
11 years ago
"I know that I can purchase longer air tubing, but that will put my pump out in the weather." Could you put the pump in a bucket with an inverted bucket on top? I did this during the winter to keep an air hole open with no problems and I'm in Michigan - cold and snowy.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

GREEN BUILDING Going Solar at Home: Solar Panel Basics

By Christine Tusher

Save money on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint by installing photovoltaic panels. This guide will help you get started

GREEN BUILDING Considering Concrete Floors? 3 Green-Minded Questions to Ask

By Melanie Loftus

Learn what’s in your concrete and about sustainability to make a healthy choice for your home and the earth

GREEN BUILDING Let’s Clear Up Some Confusion About Solar Panels

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Different panel types do different things. If you want solar energy for your home, get the basics here first

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING How to Make a Pond

By Mitchell Parker

You can make an outdoor fish paradise of your own, for less than you might think. But you'll need this expert design wisdom

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Rustic Cabin With Dive-In Pond

By Becky Harris

Set on 22 acres and with as many modern comforts as rugged trails, this Montana home is an outdoor lover's paradise

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Koi Find Friendly Shores in Any Garden Style

By Marianne Lipanovich

A pond full of colorful koi can be a delightful addition to just about any landscape or garden

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Off the Grid in the Remote Washington Wilderness

By Mitchell Parker

Not only does this house run on solar power, but it was built with it too

ARCHITECTURE How Thermal Mass Keeps You Warm and Cool

Passive solar design makes use of this element. Here’s how it works and how you can get it in your home

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: Sustainable, Comfy Living in 196 Square Feet

By Vanessa Brunner

Solar panels, ship-inspired features and minimal possessions make this tiny Washington home kind to the earth and cozy for the owners

FLOORS Is Radiant Heating or Cooling Right for You?

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Questions to ask before you go for one of these temperature systems in your floors or walls (yes, walls)

More Discussions

Leak in my small inground prefab watergarden...?

1

pothos with yellow leaves

7

Stock tank cracked, New tank has brass drain

1

Growing impatiens in water

1