Pond Pumps
If there’s one thing that a pond owner must keep in mind at all times is the statement, “before it’s green, you have to clean”. Keeping the pond water pristine and limiting its algae can be achieved in two ways. First is by purchasing a large pond pump, and the second is by keeping it clean.
There’s nothing wrong with buying bigger pond pumps that’s needed. In fact, buying the biggest and the best pond pumps that one can afford is advised. Why? It takes lesser cleaning, resulting in less time spent for maintenance, and it also creates an improved living environment for pond plants and fish.
Moreover, maintaining a proper circulation, aeration, and flow of the pond water, as well as keeping clean water going into the pond, will definitely require high-quality pond pumps. Importantly, there are two types of pump options that pond owners can select from - the submersible pump and the waterfall. The choice will probably depend on one’s preference of either a soothing sound and pleasing waterfall-look or the budget.
Choosing Pond Pumps
Shopping for garden pond pumps can be a misleading and confusing process. Lots of dealers and retailers themselves are most of the time unsure on the proper recommendations. This will lead to inaccurate information, plus the possibility that the pump will not be suitable for the pond itself. Thus, the need to know some of the essential things that one should take into account when choosing pond pumps.
Some of the items to be determined include, total gallons of the pond, total “dynamic head pressure”, fish load, and the voltage/energy consumption of the pump.
Total Pond Gallons
It is essential that one is aware of the amount of gallons in the pond, to ensure that inadequate circulation doesn’t occur. Inadequate circulation will cause inappropriately low oxygen, stagnant water in some areas of the pond, lack of appropriate filtration, and lots of other things that will sooner or later lead to unhealthy pond not suitable for plant and fish habitats. Additionally, it can give a sorely sight.
Computing the total pond gallons can be figured out by using this formulas: for square or rectangular ponds –length x width x average depth x 7.5 –this will provide the approximate pond gallons. For oval or circular ponds –3.14 x radius x radius x average depth x 7.5 –this will give an approximate amount for pond gallons.
Total Dynamic Head Pressure
This refers to the amount of total pressure that’s put back into the pond pump while it is operating. The higher its head pressure, the less the pump will be able to circulate water. This factor encompasses lots of things, including length of tubing needed by the water to get pushed through, tubing diameter, adapters or special blends, height from the water level’s top to the top of the pump’s push, and any other special fittings.
Fish Load
This is the “total inches of fish per gallon of water”. There’s actually no real definition on figuring out this value, but the greater the number of fish that’s in the pond, the more circulation and filtration will be required. Generally, it’s good enough to have five inches of fish for every five gallons of water. It’s important to have the fish load under the accepted equation. Keep in mind that if the pond is mainly for fish, then it requires more circulation and flow compared to one that’s filled with fewer fish and plants.
Voltage/Energy Consumption
This the electricity needed by the pump to properly operate. Just keep in mind that a pond pump that has the lowest possible wattage is most appropriate for energy consumption. This can simply save lots of money every year for electrical bills.
There are lots of pond pump sold in the market today, and it’s wise to know more about it before picking out one for your use. The properly suited pump will save you money and create healthier ponds.