Submersible Pond / Fountain Pumps
Generally speaking, a large pond has an external pump, and a smaller pond will have a submersible pump.
Along with a filter, a pond pump is needed to maintain good pond health. It does require some effort on your part to keep a pond healthy. But it is worth it.
It provides movement, a robust environment for your pet fishes or turtles, and a vibrant and dramatic landscape for your home space. Effective maintenance of a pond effectively can be done by installing water pumps. These pumps maintain water movement throughout the pond.
Having a pump comes with tons of benefits. The water movement prevents stagnation and low oxygen conditions. Low Oxygen levels can affect the pond fish, snails, and other pond life.
It provides a wholesome environment for your fishes and turtles. They will have a lot of fun and find it entertaining to be in a pond with waterfalls and other effects. And you may even end up attracting birds and wildlife for a drink.
What pump size do I need for my pond?
Choosing the right pump for your pond or fountain is crucial to maintain proper water movement and flow. If you fail to do so, it can result in stagnation, algae buildup, and mosquitoes.
Submersible pumps range in size from 50 to 5000 GPH (Gallons Per Hour). Easy to install, they are the ideal solution for smaller ponds up to 1000 gallons.
The general rule of this: whatever is the size of the pond, you should have a pump that is half its size. If you have a 1500 gallon pond, then you need a pump rated at a minimum of 750 GPH. It is because you should turn the water approximately once in 2 hours. If your pond has a waterfall, the water should be turned once every hour. So, if you have a 1500 gallon pond, you will need a 1500 GPH rated pump.
What is the difference between a pond pump and a waterfall pump?
Fountain pumps have a two-prong plug and the flat lamp type wire, whereas the pond models have the grounded three-prong plugs and 16-3 round cord.
Mag-Drive Pumps are energy efficient, usually come with higher warranties, and the best selling pond pumps.
Direct Drive Pond Pumps are more robust pumps, usually referred to as Waterfall Pump. They are predominantly used for taller waterfalls and higher head lift situations. Direct Drive pumps generally take a little more energy as they are more powerful and have more parts. These parts are prone to wear, and so they come with a shorter warranty.
Do I need to run my pond pump all the time?
You should run your pond pump around the clock. 24 hours every day. This is to make sure that the pond’s water circulates through the filter and keep the water clear.
If you keep a fair amount of fish in your pond, you most definitely need to run the pump 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Can you have two pumps in a pond?
It is possible to have 2 pumps in a pond. In fact, it is better to have two submersible pumps in a pond. If you have two pumps, you will save energy and, consequently, money.
This is because the bigger pump that uses up most electric power is kept switched off most of the time. If you only had one pond pump, then you will need to run it 24/7.
Running two pumps is no more expensive than buying a single large pump. The option to switch off the larger pump (typically, the waterfall pump) can save you tons of money.
Moreover, when one pump breaks down, the other pump will keep the biofilter alive.
Do you need a pump and a filter in a pond?
A filter is an easy and most effective, and effortless way to keep the pond clear. If you plan to have more than just one or two fishes, then having a filter is a great idea. To keep the water clear and healthy, you need a sound filtration system.
If you plan not to have any fish, you can do away with a filter. But it takes some effort to maintain the water. It can take a very long time to get a balanced nitrogen cycle within the pond, which is why most people still opt for a filter in their pond.
As far as the pump is concerned, pond fish will not survive for long if there is no pump running in the pond. The pump does the job of pumping water to your filter and oxygenates the pond water.
Without a pump, the pond environment can get toxic and make your fish ill. It could even kill them. So, it is essential to have a pump in your pond.
Conclusion
Having a water pump is a crucial aspect of pond maintenance. It provides a viable environment for your fishes, turtles, and plants.
If you don’t use a pump, the sediment will accumulate at the bottom of your pond and build a thick layer that may prove impossible to remove. This is dangerous for the plants and fishes in the pond. Since a pump keeps the water constantly circulating, it controls algae growth in your pond.
Also, the continuously moving water ensures oxygen flow as well. It eliminates foul odors from the pond water. It prevents mosquito larvae as the mosquitoes will not be able to lay eggs in moving water. They prefer stagnant water for the same. If at all they lay some eggs and they latch, the pump filter will destroy them anyway.
Submersible pumps don’t make any noise, and they can be kept out of sight, making them an attractive option. Install them at the deepest part of the pond so that they are not visible from the surface.
