When replacing my pump I got a larger pump as the old one did not seem to cope with pumping up to the top of the spill ponds. However, I am having trouble with this pump. I am having to chance the sponge filter every couple of days. Not because the water is excessively dirty but it has been compressed so much. There is dirt stuck to it but not an excessive amount but it dies seem to be clogged. I think it might be because the suction is too great. I cannot afford another pump right now is there anything I can do. I have tried to slow the rate by turning the adjuster knobs but it makes no difference. I have two sponge filters so that I can be resting one while the other is in use and it helps for a quick change over.
Pump size
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Meyer Jordan
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The foam (sponge) filter is doing exactly what it is designed to do, that is protect the pump from suspended debris particles. If the pump is now placed on the bottom of the pond, try raising it 4" - 8". Placing it on a couple of bricks or similar support structure should reduce the clogging frequency. You will still be required to clean the foam (sponge) filter periodically, depending on the amount of suspended debris in the pond's water.
What size is your pond (gallons)? What size is the new pump (GPH).?
What size is your pond (gallons)? What size is the new pump (GPH).?
I don't think it is getting that dirty. The pond is made from fibre glass and is crystal clear. I do not grow my plants in soil either. Just weigh the roots down with stones. It is like the suction is too strong. (Like when you suck in and your cheeks collapse inwards.) I used to only change the sponge about once a month previously and I am doing it every two days because it is sucked right in. It is not a deep pond so cannot raise it, but the bottom is clear anyway.
I just checked out the details you asked for and now think they sold me one that is too powerful. It is too late to do anything about it as I have had it for about a year. If so is there any way of making this work for me.
My Pond size is: 360 litres / 79.19 gallons
The pump rate is 2400lph / 1 268.03gph
I just checked out the details you asked for and now think they sold me one that is too powerful. It is too late to do anything about it as I have had it for about a year. If so is there any way of making this work for me.
My Pond size is: 360 litres / 79.19 gallons
The pump rate is 2400lph / 1 268.03gph
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Meyer Jordan
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The pond water should be crystal clear considering that you are circulating the entire capacity of your water feature 16 times per hour. Are you sure that the foam pre-filter that you now have is the right one for this pump. The people that sold you this pump, which is overkill for your small feature, may have given you the wrong pre-filter also. Regardless, because you are moving considerably more water than with the previous pump, the foam pre-filter will continue to clog more frequently. Who is the manufacturer of this pump?
It is too late now to do anything about this, unless you want to buy another, smaller pump. Running the present pump without any pre-filter risks damaging the pump.
It is too late now to do anything about this, unless you want to buy another, smaller pump. Running the present pump without any pre-filter risks damaging the pump.
Thanks Tadpole, I can see now that the reason why I am having a problem is because the suction is too great. I was hoping I could reduce it but I don't think this is possible. I can't read the name on the label but it does say that it should be in a metre of water (about 3ft) and it is in 30cm (about 1ft). I guess I will have to find the money to replace it unless anyone has any great ideas about restricting the flow. They did tell me at the time that you couldn't have too much flow saying it was better to have too much than too little. Thats what happens when you don't buy from a pond shop I guess. I thought if they are selling the things they would know something about them. He talked like he did. That will teach me. I should inform myself before making purchases. Even though this is not in the water you can see that it is quite compressed even though I changed it this morning. I am really sad about this.
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Put an inline valve on the outflow of the pump, and reduce the flow that way.
An inline valve should cost only a few dollars.
An inline valve should cost only a few dollars.
sissy
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I get pumps with the cover over the pump inlet and take the foam out and stick it in a bucket of lava rock and that catches the gunk and when it slows down I just pull the bucket out and hose it off .I drill holes in the bucket so water will flow into it better .I usually do that in the winter to help keep the pond cleaner .I usually put the bucket up off the bottom a little or I don't drill holes in the bottom half of the bucket .You could also buy those prefilters that colleen and jw buy they work great and attach to the front of the pump .Colleen from Canada has it on her sight on here .
Meyer Jordan
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All pumps are designed to operate with a certain level of back pressure. A flow control valve placed on the out-flow side of a pump assures that proper back pressure can be obtained....reducing electrical demand and lengthening the life of the pump. However, severely restricting the outflow of a pump will cause the pump to work harder trying to move the water. Any flow reduction over 50% of rated flow may eventually result in pump failure.
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Right. You don't want to overdo the outflow restriction.
The good news is that I went back to the shop I bought it from and asked for a flow control valve and explained the problem. Since it was one of their staff that advised me on that pump they decided to replace it and give me a refund for the difference. I was amazed and really chuffed. Thank you all for your help. The new smaller pump is working great.