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Pond Pumps
Hints & Tips on selecting a
pond pump
Pond pumps can be used to run fountains, filters, waterfalls or a combination
of these. Where more or larger features are required a more powerful
pump will be required. There are a number of factors which need to be
considered when selecting a pump:- 
The higher a pump lifts water above the surface of a pond, the less
water it will pump, the maximum head is the height at which it stops
pumping. Note the "head" is measured from the surface of the
pond, not from the position of the pump in the
pond.
Many pump manufacturers quote maximum flow rates on their boxes, this
is the flow rate at zero head; although this figure can seem very impressive,
it is important to consider what the pump will actually deliver at the
head you intend to use it at. We quote flow rates for pumps at 1 metre
& ½ metre head. These figures give realistic flow rates for
the majority of waterfall features. However if your waterfall is significantly
higher then you will need to take the maximum head into account. e.g.
a pump with a maximum head of 3 metres, which delivers 500gph at a 1
metre head, is likely to give about 250gph at a 2 metre head.
As a rule of thumb a small fountain will require a flow of about 100
gph (7.5 lpm) whilst a waterfall will require between 300 - 400 gph
(22.7 - 30.3 lpm) for every 6" (15cm) of pouring lip.
Some pumps are designed as "dirty water" pumps, these are
ideal for use as filter or waterfall pumps as they require very little
maintenance. This type of pump is not suitable to run a fountain as
the jet will become clogged with small particles. For fountains a pump
with an efficient strainer which is large enough not to need frequent
cleaning is required.
The higher the wattage the higher the running costs will be. Pond filters
must be run 24 hours a day throughout the spring summer and autumn;
and in general it's a good idea to do the same for waterfalls and fountains.
It obviously makes sense to choose a low wattage pump. As a rough guide
a 100 watt pump running 24 hours a day will cost about £1.30 a
week to run.
Most pumps can be used with a variety of sized hoses. Small hoses will
restrict the flow. For waterfalls up to about 600gph 1" hose is
usually sufficient. For larger waterfalls, 1 1/4" or 1 ½"
is usually more appropriate. Where a pump with a low maximum head is
used or where a particularly long length of hose is used a larger diameter
of hose is usually required.
Most pond pumps are 240v mains voltage. These are supplied with 10m
of electrical cable. Should you need to extend this cable we supply
a range of waterproof and outdoor cable connectors.
It is strongly recommended that an RCD trip is used with all mains voltage
pumps. We also stock low voltage pumps, unless otherwise stated these
are supplied with a transformer which needs to be housed indoors.
If you are in any doubt about the correct installation of a pump - please
consult a qualified electrician.
Our Range of Pumps
We stock an extensive range of pumps from a wide range
of manufacturers, which cater for almost every concievable need. these
include :-
These British manufactured pumps have been around for many years and
have proven themselves to be extremely reliable and long lasting. They
range from the P2000 with a flow rate of 185gph (gallons per hour) at
1 metre head to the P9000 with a flow of nearly 1600gph at the same
height. They are particularly well suited as fountain pumps, and the
smaller models (P2000 - P4000) are supplied with a range of fountain
jets. They have 3 year guarantees.
 The
Aquamax range of pumps have proved to be highly effective and reliable
filter pumps. Designed to need the minimum of maintenance, they are
low wattage for cost effective filtration.
The range is now split into the "CWS" range and the more basic
"Start" range. The CWS range have additional features, such
as the option of adding a "satalite strainer" or surface skimmer,
and the larger models feature season fl;ow control for more ecconomical
winter running. Both ranges are manufactured in Germany, all except
the smallest (2000) model have 5 year guarantees. Flows range, at 1m
head, from 218gph for the 2000 start to 2904gph for the largest 16000
model.
For even larger flows the Promax 20000 & 30000 are in effect two
Aquamax pumps in one housing. The Promax 30000 will deliver 5280gph
at a 1m head. The Promax pumps also feature a remote control which allows
the flow to be fully controlled & adjusted from the comfort of your
deck chair!
These pumps are specifically designed for running fountains
with the smaller units being ideal for use in small self-contained water
features. They feature an adjustable inlet which allows water to be
drawn from the base of the feature, so that once the pump is running,
it will continue to pump even when the water level in the container
falls to a few millimetres deep.
Other pump ranges include :-
Blagdon Mini & Midi ranges - economical
pumps suitable for use as both fountain or waterfall pumps.
Blagdon Force hybrid - High pressure
solids handling pump, designed to compete with the oase aquamax range,
these are siginificantly cheaper to purchase than the aquamax equivalent,
but with higher wattage they are not as economical to run
Blagdon all in one - fountain pump with
integral filter, uv and ornamental light!
Oase Aquarius Fountain pumps - Intented
as in pool fountain pumps, supplied with a range of high quality fountain
jets and fitings.
Pondovario - budget fountain pumps with
removable strainer covers making them suitable for running a filter.
Oase Filtral - Inpool pumps with integral
filters and ultraviolet units. An excellent solution for keeping small
ponds clear, whilst running a waterfall or fountain ornament.
Fishmate - Low wattage British designed
pump at highly competitive prices.
We also stock solar powered fountain pumps, and a range
of specialised fountain and filter pumps including dry mounting filter
pumps, sump pumps and jumping jets.
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Running
Costs