Return to the Ponds & Aquatic Plants Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Calculating pump size

Posted by romanr (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 9, 10 at 18:38

Choosing a pump for the new pond. The pond's size is about 500 gallons and the waterfall starts at +8' from the pond's bottom via a hose of about 14' long. The waterfall's width will ~15". There is a 2000gph pump on sale now (link below) which I think is a bit of an overkill... What do you think?

Here is a link that might be useful: 2000gph pump on sale


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Calculating pump size

  • Posted by horton 6 b Ontario. (My Page) on
    Mon, Aug 9, 10 at 20:01

romanr,acquiring that 2000 GPH pump sounds like a good plan, especially since it is on sale!
Though I can't tell you if it is a reliable pump or not as I have not come across that brand name?

Laguna pond pumps, Pondmaster pond pumps and Little Giant pond pumps, are reliable pumps and you may find them on sale at this time of year. Do a search and it maybe worthwhile to you.

The "rule of thumb" commonly advised, is to turn your pond water over once to twice per hour, so you will be well within those specs with a 2000 GPH pump, even with your piping lengths there will not be a great loss in the flow rate.

The bonus about having a greater output from the pump than you really need, is that you have the volume already there, should you need it in the future.
Once you get the pond bug, you will probably want to go bigger and better, like a great number of us did.

You can install a ball valve on the output side of the pump (never on the input side!) to control the flow to what you want, it will not harm the pump in anyway.
Good luck with the project,
"Horton"


 o
RE: Calculating pump size

I read a few reviews with the link you provided. Sounded like most people had problems with the pump. Also wonder how much electricity it uses. I would look at some of the brands Horton suggested. DC


 o
RE: Calculating pump size

It looks like it may be a brand made for Lowes. Not sure though. It also appears to be an energy hog, at 1/4 hp! I have an external pump that is 1/16 hp that pumps 3600 gph. So I really don't think you are moving much water for the amount of electricity it uses. I have had great sucess with Pondmaster pumps (several of mine have been running 24/7 for over 10 years now).


 o
RE: Calculating pump size

From the recommended brands Laguna has the most user-friendly site but after reading product characteristics I got a bit puzzled. Need your help. To remind you: the pond is about 500Gal and the waterfall starts at 8' high and 15' long.

1. Pump. My understanding is that I need the 1500Gph pump as the next lower volume pump is only 900Gph and probably not powerful enough for pond height and length.

2. Filter. PowerFalls Filter Spillway matches my desired width although I didn't find data about its throughput.

3. UV Sterilizer. a) do I need it? b) there are few models but all with 500Gph. Since I'm planning for twice as much what do I do?

Thanks in advance!

Here is a link that might be useful: Laguna site


 o
RE: Calculating pump size

  • Posted by jalal z3/Canada (My Page) on
    Sun, Oct 3, 10 at 12:02

Horton has given you good advice. Even though your pond is 500 gals. with water turnover twice per hour is a 1000 gph pump. The challenge is you are pumping up 8 ft which is head and your pipe length is 15'. Anything I've read is allow 100 gals per inch of waterfall width which you didn't mention. What you do need is a pump that is capable of pumping 1000 gph at 8ft up. The size of your pipe also comes into play as there is more friction loss on smaller pipe diameter. There is also friction loss with fittings--90's etc. Sounds like you are looking at a submersible pump. I started with those but didn't like having to drag them out of the pond to clean also by the time the water went through the 1 1/2" pipe to my waterfall which is only 4' high and pipe run 15' the flow was only 700 gph on the waterfall-that was from a 1950gph Little Giant pump that used 330watts. So you need to look at friction loss/head charts for whatever pump you are buying.


 o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!


Return to the Ponds & Aquatic Plants Forum

Instructions

  • You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
  • HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
  • No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.



 
Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.