how big of a pump do i need for my pond

Full Answer

How to choose the correct size pond water pump?

How to choose the correct size Pond Pump

• TIP ! Pumps don’t last forever. ...
• Choose the right flow rates. Make sure you get the right pond pump the first time. ...
• Suggested flow rates:
• TIP! ...
• Don’t forget the head height! ...
• TIP! ...
• TIP ! ...
• Tubing size and length. ...
• Suggested tubing sizes: Cost to run pumps – The Cheapest pump is not necessarily the best long term option! ...
• TIP ! ...

More items...

How to select the right pond pump for your pond?

• Pond Size. The size of your pond is critical in determining what pump to buy. ...
• Waterfall Width. If you have a waterfall, achieving the right ‘look’ depends on the flow of water coming over falls. ...
• Dynamic Head Pressure. ...
• Operating Cost. ...
• Cost of Ownership. ...
• Pump Warranty. ...
• A Final Note. ...

What is the ideal size for pond?

What is the best size for a pond? As a general rule of thumb, a pond should be 60cm (2ft) deep if you want plants and fish in it. Water that’s too shallow is vulnerable to evaporating in warm weather and freezing in winter.

How much does a pond pump cost to run?

One cost $215.89 and used 700 watts while another 3000 GPH pump sells for $700.00 and only draws 260 amps. The first pump would cost us $50.40 per month to operate while the second pump would cost $18.72 per month. The first pump would therefore cost over 2 1/2 times per month to operate compared to the second pump.

Can a pump be too big for a pond?

A pond pump can be too big for the size of pond, causing excess water loss, increased energy usage, an uncomfortable noise level, and an unsuitable environment for plants or fish. Careful calculation of your pump needs before purchase will help to avoid future difficulties.

What size pump do I need for 1000 gallon pond?

500 GPHIf you have a pond that is 1000 gallons, the minimum pump size is 500 GPH (gallons per hour). If you have fish in your pond (like most of us), more circulation is better, therefore ideally you should pick a 1000 GPH pump or larger.

What size pump do I need for a 2000 gallon pond?

Pond Size. This means for a 2000 gallon pond you should be pumping AT LEAST 1000 Gallons Per Hour (GPH).

How big of a pond pump do I need for a waterfall?

For waterfalls and streams, your pump should pump at least 100 gallons per hour for every inch wide the waterfall is. For more noise and "white-water" from your falls, increase the flow rate to 200 gallons per hour per inch of waterfall width.

What size pump do I need for a 1500 gallon pond?

750 GPHSo if you have a 1,500 gallon pond, you will want at least 750 GPH of flow. Water Quality (with fish): If you have fish in your pond, you want more filtration. For most pond setups, the main pump drives water through the filtration system; so more flow equals more filtration.

How many goldfish can I put in a 250 gallon pond?

We recommend allowing 1-2 koi or 2-3 goldfish per 200 gallons of water, so if your pond is 1000 gallons, that's approximately 5-10 koi or 10-15 goldfish."

What size pump do I need for a 250 gallon pond?

125 gallons per hourMinimum Size Pumps for smaller home ponds are rated on the output of gallons per hour (GPH). To determine pump size multiply GPH by 0.5. Thus, minimum pump size for a 250-gallon pond is one rated at 125 gallons per hour.

What kind of pump do I need for a small outdoor pond?

Filter pumps are the most commonly used type of pump; to keep the pond water flowing 24/7 and to assist in keeping your pond clean. Filter pumps are beneficial in comparison to water feature pumps because they can cope with larger solid waste and debris, helping to remove them from your ponds ecosystem.

How do I know what size water pump I need?

So, to determine what flow rate you need, simply divide the total water capacity of your pond by 60. For example: With a 7000 litre fountain, simply divide 7000 by 60 = 116.6. In this case, you need a pump with a flow rate above 116.6/LPM.

Do pond pumps use a lot of electricity?

Pond pumps have become much more efficient over the past twenty years, but a fair amount of power will always be required to move substantial volumes of water. As a guide, electric costs for: A small spouting frog ornament (9w) --- 4p per day. The very smallest in-pond filter/UV system (18w) --- 8p per day.

What's the difference between a pond pump and a waterfall pump?

Direct Drive Pond Pumps are stronger pumps usually referred to as a Waterfall Pump and best used for taller waterfalls and higher head lift situations. Direct Drive pumps usually take a little more energy since they are more powerful and since they have more parts that can wear down usually have a shorter warranty.

What's the difference between a fountain pump and a pond pump?

In a pond, this water pump is charged with mere circulation and cycling duties. With a fountain, of any size, your water pump is going to be charged with circulating water before jettisoning it out and through whatever top-level orifice your design requires.

What size pump do I need for 700 gallon pond?

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.

How do you calculate pump size?

Using a timer, open the valve nearest the pump location until the bucket is full. Use the pump flowrate calculation: Divide the container volume by the length of time it took to fill up to get the flow rate. 5 gallons / 1 minute = 5 gallons per minute. 5 gallons /30 seconds (0.5 minutes) = 10 gallons per minute.

What size pump do I need for my water feature?

So, to determine what flow rate you need, simply divide the total water capacity of your pond by 60. For example: With a 7000 litre fountain, simply divide 7000 by 60 = 116.6. In this case, you need a pump with a flow rate above 116.6/LPM.

How do I size a submersible pump?

The capacity of the pump system in gallons per minute should equal the number of fixtures in the home. This must take into account all use for the kitchen, bath, appliances, outside irrigation, a pool and special fixtures, such as a hot tub.

How to determine the size of a pond pump?

To calculate the volume of water in gallons, simply multiply the length x width x average depth x 7.5.

Why is it important to use the correct size of tubing for pond pumps?

It is also important to use the correct tubing size because it has a direct effect on the pond pump ’s maximum lift capability. If you use smaller tubing than specified you will limit the pump’s maximum lift and the amount of water circulated.

How big is a submersible pump?

They are placed directly into your pond or in a skimmer box or pond vault. Submersible pumps range in size from 50 to 5,000 gallons per hour. They are easy to install and are sometime a more economical solution for smaller ponds (up to 1000 gallons of water).They are also quiet and can also be used to drain your pond. If you have fish or other aquatic life in your pond, you may want to consider a model that does not use oil because there is a danger of the pump seal breaking and oil coolant leaking into the water.

What is a centrifugal pond pump?

Centrifugal Pond Pumps. External or centrifugal pond pumps are a reliable, energy-efficient option. They are installed in a dry location near your pond. External pond water pumps are suitable for larger ponds (over 1000 gallons). Compared to a submersible pump, they are typically louder and more complicated to install, ...

Why is it important to have a pump in a pond?

Choosing a pump for your pond or fountain is an important step to ensure you maintain proper water movement. Failure to keep the water properly circulated can result in stagnation, algae buildup and mosquitoes. If you have fish, plants or other aquatic life in your pond, it is essential that you keep the water healthy by evenly distributing ...

How to calculate lift of fountain?

To calculate the lift, you need to measure how far the water in your fountain has to travel from the pump’s location in your fountain to the top of the fountain where the water comes out. Then you need to select a pump that lifts higher than that measurement. For example, if that distance is 24”, than you will need a fountain pump ...

How many gallons of water can a pond drain?

They are easy to install and are sometime a more economical solution for smaller ponds (up to 1000 gallons of water).They are also quiet and can also be used to drain your pond.

How to size a pond pump?

The most basic step in sizing up a pond pump is to calculate the flow rate. Depending on the local unit, it is usually measured in gallons per hour or liters per hour.

How to Calculate Pond Pump Size?

To be able to calculate what size pump for a 7500-liter pond, you need to know a few things that include:

Why Do You Need a Pond Pump?

While there are many functions performed by a water pump, it all boils down to two main basic functions that are acquired: aeration and decorative.

How many gph is needed for a pond pump?

If you know how to calculate pond pump size, so you can decide whether you need the 50 gph pond pump or the 3000 gph pond pump, whichever fits perfectly into the picture of your pond. The ideal pump assures the health of your pond, keeping it fresh and clean, as well as the lives of the fish that live inside the pond.

Why are ponds built for aeration?

Some ponds are built exclusively for aeration purposes. They have higher pressure and a higher gph in order to get the oxygen circulated in the pond with a gusto. It keeps the pond fresh and healthy.

Why are pond pumps built?

Some pond pumps are built in order to add to the aesthetic of the pond. These pond pumps aren’t focused around the aeration function as much as they are around the visual effects that can appeal to the eyes.

What happens if you don't have a water pump in your pond?

Without the water pump circulating the water in the pond, the water becomes stagnant. This leads to the water becoming unbearable and not the kind that you need in your pond

How deep should a pond be for a fountain?

The 6 Foot Rule. If your pond is more than 6-7 feet deep, a fountain will not provide enough aeration, because the fountain cannot mix the deeper water with the surface water at the same time. The deeper water remains untouched and oxygen-deprived.

How many gallons of water can a 2 HP fountain pump?

A 2 HP fountain can only pump 15,000 gallons per hour, while a 2 HP decorative aerator can move an astounding 34,000 gallons per hour into the air.

What is the Difference Between a Floating Pond Fountain and a Pond Aerator?

We get asked this question all the time, and yes, there is a significant difference between a floating pond fountain and a pond aerator! Simply put, as the name would suggest, a pond aerator is much better at aerating. It pumps a considerable amount more water per hour than a floating pond fountain.

How do aerators work in a pond?

Unlike floating pond fountains, pond aerators need to move high volumes of water in order to accomplish the following tasks: Effectively aerate the pond or lake by moving as much water as possible while refreshing the stagnant pond water (destratification).

How does a floating pond fountain work?

The pump forces the water through a decorative nozzle, and that is how you get the pretty fountain displays. A floating pond fountain will give you high and decorative displays. This type of fountain will also aerate your pond, but at a lower rate. Any time you move the water you are interrupting stagnation, slowing the growth ...

How to aerate a pond?

Unlike floating pond fountains, pond aerators need to move high volumes of water in order to accomplish the following tasks: 1 Effectively aerate the pond or lake by moving as much water as possible while refreshing the stagnant pond water (destratification). 2 Improve the landscape or waterscape with its visual appearance, and also with the tranquil sound of the splashing water from the plume spray.

What is a pond aerator?

Pond Aerators: A pond aerator is similarly beautiful to a floating fountain, but it is able to move significantly more water per hour. Water does not enter the motor, similar to a boat propeller. Consequently, aerators don’t have different spray patterns.

What If The Pond Pump Is Too Big Or Too Small?

When a pump is too small to move the pond water effectively, algae build-ups in certain pond areas. These “pockets” will eventually spread and deplete the oxygen levels within the pond.

What Other Factors Influence The Size Of The Pond Pump Required?

Some other factors to keep in mind when selecting a pump of a particular size include:

How Do I Choose A Pump Size?

The pump that you select needs to be strong enough to circulate the entire volume of pond water at least once in an hour, i.e., for a 1200-gallon pond, you would need a pump with a rating of at least 1200 gallons per hour (GPH). For a 250-gallon pond, you would need a pump with a rating of at least 250 gallons per hour (GPH).

Do I Need A Pump In My Koi Pond?

Koi pond pumps play a critical role in ensuring the longevity, health, and appearance of your koi and their pond by circulating the water. This circulation results in oxygenation of the water (so koi fish have enough oxygen to breathe), preventing the pond water from stagnating.

Application

Are looking to send water cascading over a waterfall or run a small fountain or send water through a UV clarifier?

Minimum Pump Size

Water needs to circulate through the filter at least once every 2 hours. This means that if you have a 1,000-gallon pond, you need a pump that can produce at least 500 gallons per hour or GPH. If you have fish, then it is best to double the pump's capacity to ensure that your water stays clean.

Measurements Needed

Head pressure and desired flow rate will influence the pump needed to power your water feature. Head pressure refers to the friction created when water is pumped uphill or over long distances. Flow rate will determine how much water moves through the feature. Below are some tips for calculating these measurements:

Types of Pumps

There are two classes of pumps, submersible and external. For ponds, submersible pumps are preferred because they can be hidden easily and used in skimmer boxes. There are several varieties of pumps available, so below is guide to help you determine which one is right for you.

How often should a pond pump be pumped?

An acceptable pond pump flow rate is to have a complete turnover every 1.5 hours.

How often should I pump a pond?

Generally a pond should have a complete turnover every 30 minutes to every 3 hours. Smaller ponds need a complete turnover approximately every hour and larger ponds can handle a turnover rate of up to 6 hours or more depending on aeration in the pond, fish density and other natural conditions. Decorative ponds and koi fish ponds have different requirements so it is best to do research on the baste rate for your particular pond and fish load.

What is the importance of pond pump?

Choosing the right pond pump is a very important. If your pump is for a pond filtration system with a skimmer you will want to ensure your pond has a complete turnover at the correct rate. The filtration requirements, the number of fish in the pond and the BOD (biological oxygen demand) will play a part in calculating in how often you want to pump your full volume through the filtration.

How many gallons per hour for waterfall pump?

Now, for every inch wide your waterfall weir is, you will calculate using 100 - 150 gallons per hour for your waterfall pump size. If you want a nice, steady flow you may use around 125 GPH or so. If you want a 'Niagara Falls' look, you may use around 150 - 200 GPH. Multiply every inch by what type of look you want.

How much lift do you need to push water from a waterfall pump?

We also have to add one foot of lift for every 10 FEET in horizontal length the waterfall pump has to push water. In our example, let's say that we need to push the water 30 feet from the pump to the top of the waterfall. We divide the 30 feet by 10 feet and we get 3 feet of lift.

Why are waterfall pumps not returnable?

Another bad thing is the fact that the pumps aren't returnable because you would have put it in potentially scummy water and no one wants to buy your returned waterfall pump. So, it's important that you figure this out correctly.

What happens if a waterfall pump is too big?

If the waterfall pump is too large, you could have too much pressure for the size of waterfall unit you have and the water will flow over the sides instead of off the front of the waterfall unit and be a huge mess. As always, if you need any help determining what size of waterfall pump you need, we're happy to help. ~~~~~.

How wide is a waterfall weir?

First, you will need to determine how wide your waterfall weir is. (A weir is the area where the water is actually falling down.)If your waterfall weir is 36 inches across, you will use 36 inches for part of this equation.

Water Circulation Factors

See more on grainger.com

Calculating Head and Lift Height

Powering The Pump

Selecting The Proper Pond Water Pump Tubing