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double0seven said:
Bigger is better, for a lot of things, especially filters, we are doing a huge one, but it is a bog.
Greetings from Mississippi
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Bigger is better, for a lot of things, especially filters, we are doing a huge one, but it is a bog.
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addy1 said:
Thanks Addy and you are exactly right! I'm gathering the parts for the new filter today. Do you guys have any recommendations on pumps?
With my pond being somewhere around 1200 gals - we've been using a 2400gph pump. I did read someplace that too much pump would cause an issue. Is this true?
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That is turning the water over ever 1/2 hour.
here is some info not written by me..............lol
For example, if you had a 1000 gallon pond, then you will require a 500 GPH pond pump.
If you have fish, or accessories such as fountains or waterfalls/streams, you should account for this be getting a larger pump (preferably one size larger).
The general rule of thumb is that you should double the pump's capacity if you are planning to add fish. by this statement is sounds like your pump may be a little over sized, I am not sure it will harm anything, let some of the koi keepers tell you that, I don't do koi.
Calculating the proper pump for waterfalls is a bit trickier, because waterfall pumps are rated by both GPH and maximum waterfall height. To estimate your waterfall's height, you must measure the vertical height from the top of your pump to the top of your waterfall or stream. In addition, you must add another foot of height or lift for every 10 feet of hosing you will be using (this will allow for loss of volume from resistance within the hose). To calculate the required pump GPH, a general rule of thumb is that each inch of width of the channel will require an extra 100 GPH. For example, if your stream or waterfall spillway will be 10 inches wide, you will need a pumpthat produces an excess flow of 1000 GPH at your waterfall's height.
Pond Pump Sizing Chart
Pond Size (gallons) Minimum Pond Pump Size (for pond circulation only)
30-100 50 GPH
100-200 100 GPH
200-400 200 GPH
400-700 350 GPH
700-900 450 GPH
900-1100 550 GPH
1100-1500 750 GPH
1500-2000 1000 GPH
Recommended Tubing Diameter For Pond Pumps (When Connecting To Waterfalls)
* 1/2-inch diameter for flows up to 120 GPH
* 3/4-inch diameter for flows up to 350 GPH
* 1-inch diameter for flows up to 1000 GPH
* 1 1/4 inch for flows up to 1500 GPH
* 1 1/2 inch for flows up to 3000 GPH
here is some info not written by me..............lol
For example, if you had a 1000 gallon pond, then you will require a 500 GPH pond pump.
If you have fish, or accessories such as fountains or waterfalls/streams, you should account for this be getting a larger pump (preferably one size larger).
The general rule of thumb is that you should double the pump's capacity if you are planning to add fish. by this statement is sounds like your pump may be a little over sized, I am not sure it will harm anything, let some of the koi keepers tell you that, I don't do koi.
Calculating the proper pump for waterfalls is a bit trickier, because waterfall pumps are rated by both GPH and maximum waterfall height. To estimate your waterfall's height, you must measure the vertical height from the top of your pump to the top of your waterfall or stream. In addition, you must add another foot of height or lift for every 10 feet of hosing you will be using (this will allow for loss of volume from resistance within the hose). To calculate the required pump GPH, a general rule of thumb is that each inch of width of the channel will require an extra 100 GPH. For example, if your stream or waterfall spillway will be 10 inches wide, you will need a pumpthat produces an excess flow of 1000 GPH at your waterfall's height.
Pond Pump Sizing Chart
Pond Size (gallons) Minimum Pond Pump Size (for pond circulation only)
30-100 50 GPH
100-200 100 GPH
200-400 200 GPH
400-700 350 GPH
700-900 450 GPH
900-1100 550 GPH
1100-1500 750 GPH
1500-2000 1000 GPH
Recommended Tubing Diameter For Pond Pumps (When Connecting To Waterfalls)
* 1/2-inch diameter for flows up to 120 GPH
* 3/4-inch diameter for flows up to 350 GPH
* 1-inch diameter for flows up to 1000 GPH
* 1 1/4 inch for flows up to 1500 GPH
* 1 1/2 inch for flows up to 3000 GPH
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Wanted to say thanks to all you guys for the input... I think I'm on the right track today to solving my issues.
Filter seems to be the problem. I'm building the Doc Filter with a 55 gallon drum and supplying it with a laguna 2900 pump. (I like these pumps because the pump is enclosed in a cage that catches most of the gunk before it gets to the pump.)
One thing that I'm going to add to the Doc Filter (unless there is a reason that I'm unaware of) that I have on my too small Skippy filter is a Venturi on the intake inside the container. This airiates the water amazingly. Something someone else may find useful so I thought I'd share it. Your Filter will fill with millions of tiny bubbles thus flowing out into your pond. If anyone needs help with this - pls ask. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the filter.
Filter seems to be the problem. I'm building the Doc Filter with a 55 gallon drum and supplying it with a laguna 2900 pump. (I like these pumps because the pump is enclosed in a cage that catches most of the gunk before it gets to the pump.)
One thing that I'm going to add to the Doc Filter (unless there is a reason that I'm unaware of) that I have on my too small Skippy filter is a Venturi on the intake inside the container. This airiates the water amazingly. Something someone else may find useful so I thought I'd share it. Your Filter will fill with millions of tiny bubbles thus flowing out into your pond. If anyone needs help with this - pls ask. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the filter.
Post photos of your mods to this. I/we are always interested in Innovation.
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Doc I have some questions for you about your Bio Filter. I'm gathering parts today to begin mine.
1) You mentioned that you rarely have to clean your pump from the gunk? Is this true or did I misunderstand you?
2) Do you ever clean your bio filter (I know if you do you must start over with the good stuff growing).
3) Which media type do you recommend? I know you used two different types. The tubes and the Poultry netting.
4) I noticed that you are a master plumber, what's the best sealant to use when putting together my filter that is easily found?
Thanks! I'll keep you posted!
1) You mentioned that you rarely have to clean your pump from the gunk? Is this true or did I misunderstand you?
2) Do you ever clean your bio filter (I know if you do you must start over with the good stuff growing).
3) Which media type do you recommend? I know you used two different types. The tubes and the Poultry netting.
4) I noticed that you are a master plumber, what's the best sealant to use when putting together my filter that is easily found?
Thanks! I'll keep you posted!
this is the test i suggested on an earlier question. when i first started i was told to see exactly how much water was being filtered, it's a simple test, get a stop watch and a bucket, hold the bucket under the outlet for 6 seconds, measure the amount of water in the bucket and times that by ten, this will tell you how much water is being filtered for 1 minute and just times that by sixty this will let you know what you are filtering per hour, i've always been led to believe that all of the water in the pond should be turned around at least every two hours, please let us know how you get on. i also built a pergola over mine to help keep the direct sunlight off, but my main problem was blanketweed.
mick
mick