Best Pond Pump Information 2021

Pumps keep the water in your pond healthy. They help evenly spread nutrients in the water to fish, plants and other aquatic life. Running water prevents stagnation and cuts down on algae and mosquitoes. Keeping the water moving ensures that oxygen levels are distributed throughout the pond. Pumps also provide power for a pond’s water features, like waterfalls and fountains.

This guide will help you learn about the best pond pumps for your garden.

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The best water pumps for your pond and its fountain or waterfall come in variety of types and styles. They include submersible, external, magnetic drive and direct drive. Each of these water garden pumps offers its own advantages.

Submersible Pumps: These pumps are designed to work while wholly submerged in water. Typically, they are installed in the deepest part of the pond. Submersible pumps can be placed either directly into your pond or in a skimmer box or pond vault.

  • Easy to install.
  • Work well in environments that capitalize on a natural setting.
  • No need to camouflage the pump.
  • Run very quietly so there’s no distracting noise in your garden.
  • Submersible pumps can be used to drain your pond, if needed.
  • Range in pumping size from 50 to 5,000 gallons per hour.
  • Can generate higher energy costs than other pump types.
  • For smaller ponds, submersible pumps are generally more economical.

Tip: Some submersible pumps use oil to operate. If the pump seal breaks and leaks harmful oil coolant into the water, fish can be hurt or killed. If you have fish or other aquatic life in your pond, you’ll want to look for a submersible model that does not use oil.

External Pumps: External pumps can move a high volume of water, yet usually have lower energy costs than submersible pumps. They are not as quiet as submersible pumps. They should be placed in a dry location near your pond. External pumps are a lot more complicated to install. However, they are generally more reliable.

  • Available as self-priming pumps able to draw their own water.
  • Can be loud, disturbing the quiet of your garden.
  • Work well for larger ponds that are 1,000 gallons or more.
  • Offer long-lasting performance and easy repair.
  • Require less routine maintenance than submersible pumps.

Tip: Pumps that are not self-priming can burn out a motor if the power shuts off momentarily and then comes back on. Protect against this by installing a check valve.

Magnetic Drive: In a magnetic-drive pump, an electrical charge creates a magnetic field that causes the magnet on the impeller to rotate and pump water. Since they have no seals to wear out, they require little maintenance. Occasionally, you will need to clean the impeller and its chamber for the most efficient operation.

  • Completely sealed. Magnetic-drive pumps do not require lubrication.
  • Because they don’t contain oil, magnetic-drive pumps are safer for ponds with fish, since oil leaks don’t occur.
  • Don’t generate high head heights. Magnetic-drive pumps are unable to lift pond water vertically, which you might need to supply water to a fountain. They are not the best water pumps for fountains.
  • Work best in cleaner environments with little or no debris.
  • Highly efficient and cost-effective.

Direct Drive: Direct-drive pumps have an enclosed motor that is powered by electricity, which turns the impeller shaft.

  • Achieve significant head height, so they are able to move water vertically. They are among the best water pumps for fountains and waterfalls.
  • Typically more expensive to operate.
  • Push water rather than pulling it.
  • Not easily repaired.

Tip: Some models seal the motor in an oil-filled shell with seals around the cord and impeller shaft. These are risky to use if you have a pond stocked with fish. There is an ever-present danger of water contamination if a leak occurs. Many newer pumps, however, feature alternative lubrication that is safe for fish. Look for oil-free models if you have fish or other aquatic life in your pond.

AquascapePRO® Pond Pumps

Pond Pump Calculations

Figuring out the correct pump size depends upon the how big your pond is. Other factors include whether or not the pump is being used for filtration, re-circulation or water features. Another factor is the number of fish and plants your pond contains. Larger fish populations have greater air requirements.

A good rule of thumb is that pumps should be able to pump out about half the pond volume every hour. For example, a pump that moves 500 gallons per hour would be appropriate for a 1,000 gallon pond.

You don’t have to refer to a fountain pump size chart to figure out the best water pumps for your garden. With a few measurements and calculations, you can determine the size pump you’ll need.

Flow rate for filtration

  • Filtration flow rate in gallons per hour (gph) = 0.5 x pond volume (gallons)

Flow rate for fountains

  • For every inch of stream width at the top of the fountain, you need 100 gph at the height you’re pumping

Flow rate for waterfalls

  • Light flow = 50 gph x waterfall width (in.)
  • Average flow = 100 gph x waterfall width (in.)
  • Strong flow = 200 gph x waterfalls width (in.)

Pond volume

  • Pond volume (gallons) = 7.5 x average width (ft.) x average length (ft.) x average depth (ft.)

Pond Pump Features

In-line, utility, solids and axial pumps are just a few of the many varieties of water garden pumps that are available.

  • In-line Pumps: These pumps draw water through an inlet that connects to a hose so you can pull water from a remote location. All external pumps are in-line pumps.
  • Utility Pumps: Utility pumps draw water through openings that screen out debris. When placing one into a pond, use a pump sock or other enclosure to reduce the amount of cleaning needed. If you use a pump sock, be aware that sock-like screening can cause a dry pump situation.
  • Solids Pumps: These pumps draw water through a large opening and pump small debris through without clogging. For this reason, they can be placed into a pond without prefilters. This pump type is not safe for ponds with fish, frogs or other aquatic animals, however.
  • Axial Pumps: These special utility pumps are designed for high-flow, low-pressure pond environments. Because they are big, they require piping that is large in diameter.
  • Solar Pumps: Solar-powered pumps perform well in climates with lots of sunshine. They can cost less to operate since they don’t require an outdoor electrical outlet. Solar pumps also work well if your fountain is located far from the power supply. However, flow rate is minimal compared to typical voltage.
  • Heavy-Duty Pumps: Heavy-duty pumps are typically made of stainless steel and are more costly. However, they offer greater energy efficiency and last longer.

You’ll need to consider several factors when deciding between the best water pumps for your garden pond. A pump should be able to handle the size of your pond and support your water features. It also needs to be compatible with any fish or plants you may have.

Pondless Waterfall Installation

Pondless Waterfall Installation

A pondless waterfall is a great way to add the beauty of water to your landscape without all the work that goes into maintaining a traditional pond.

Koi Pond Builders Near Me

Koi Pond Builders Near Me

If you live in an area with a temperate climate, you may be considering adding a koi pond to your landscape. Koi ponds are beautiful additions to any property and can provide hours of enjoyment for both adults and children. But before you start shopping for koi fish, there are a few things you need to know about building a koi pond. Here are some tips from experienced koi pond builders near me.

Finding a koi pond builder near you

If you’re looking for a koi pond builder, it can be a daunting task to find one near your home. However, with the right resources and careful search, your local area may have just the landscape designer you’re looking for! Start by checking out online reviews and asking around for referrals. Your local garden store might also be able to point you in the direction of a reputable koi pond designer. You may even come across someone through online forums or at a nearby farmers market or other outdoor event. Finding a koi pond builder that is trustworthy and has experience with koi ponds can help make sure your project is completed to perfection.

Why you should build a koi pond

Building a koi pond can provide a lifetime of soothing beauty for your backyard. A koi pond is an excellent addition to any home as it brings a calming atmosphere, peace and joy for years to come. Not only will it offer tranquility and beauty, but koi are also an ideal way to bring color and life into your garden or patio with their vibrant colors. The colors of the fish change as they age providing ever-changing scenery in the pond. Furthermore, caring for koi requires little effort; simply feed them regularly and occasionally clean the filters in order to keep the water clean. Finally, ponds can be designed and built at a range of prices so that anyone can add one to their outdoor space regardless of their budget.

How to choose the right size and location for your koi pond

Choosing the right size and spot for your koi pond can be a tough decision, as there are many factors to consider. Whether it’s sitting in a sunny spot on your balcony or tucked away in a corner of your garden, the proposed area should provide access to at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Additionally, the ideal water surface area is about 9 sq. meters for 1-2 koi fish, so make sure to account for this before you buy any materials. Finally, keep the terrain in mind when deciding the best shape for your koi pond; rectangular ponds are great for flat areas, while more high elevated spots would require a curved edge pond design to accommodate water run off from rain or irrigation. By taking all these points into consideration, you’ll be able to easily find the size and location that will suit both your needs as well as those of your future scaled friends!

What type of fish to put in your koi pond

Adding fish to your koi pond can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it is important to choose the appropriate type of fish that will flourish in the ecosystem you have created. If you are new to caring for fish, then it may be wise to start with a smaller variety such as goldfish or minnows. These species are hardy and can handle some changes in water temperature, making them ideal for beginners. For those more experienced in keeping ponds and their inhabitants healthy, larger varieties like Japanese Koi Carp or shubunkin could be an interesting addition to the existing ecosystem. Whatever type of fish you choose, make sure they all coexist peacefully with each other as well as any existing plants in the pond before adding them!

How to take care of your koi pond

Taking care of a koi pond is an incredibly rewarding experience for any pond enthusiast. First, it’s important to keep the water in your pond clean and clear. Regularly test the water for nitrates and chlorines, and use a skimmer or net to remove debris from the surface of the water. Make sure to keep a watchful eye on the overall health of your koi by testing their pH level and maintaining their diet. To keep the pond aesthetically pleasing, it is also important to add aquatic plants to help with filtration, as well as adding stones and gravels to give refuge to your fish when they feel stressed. With proper maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy watching your koi live happy, healthy lives!

A koi pond can add beauty and serenity to your home, while providing a fun and relaxing hobby. If you’re thinking about adding a koi pond to your yard, there are a few things you need to know first. Use our tips above to find a reputable koi pond builder near you, choose the right size and location for your new pond, select the best type of fish, and learn how to properly take care of your new aquatic friends. With some planning and preparation, you’ll be enjoying your very own koi pond in no time at all!

Balancing Water Garden Ecosystems

Check out our store for all your water gardening needs! Aquascape products are Aquascape Inc. Certified.

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