Selecting an efficent pond pump

[Pat]

Hi all,

I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my pond
(capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs only list
a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or head)
that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow (or
head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my particular
conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically pump specs?
Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering Oase and
Cyprio models.

Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat

[grubber]

"Pat" > wrote in message
news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> Hi all,
>
> I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my pond
> (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs only
list
> a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or head)
> that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow (or
> head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my particular
> conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically pump
specs?
> Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering Oase
and
> Cyprio models.
>
> Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
>
>
>
>

I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those are
external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the flow you
need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I found
when I looked.

If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more efficient than
the submersibles.

[Pat]

"grubber" > wrote in message
...
> "Pat" > wrote in message
> news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my pond
> > (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs only
> list
> > a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or
head)
> > that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow (or
> > head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my particular
> > conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically pump
> specs?
> > Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering Oase
> and
> > Cyprio models.
> >
> > Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those are
> external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the flow
you
> need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I found
> when I looked.
>
> If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more efficient than
> the submersibles.
>
>


Thanks for the reply.

I considered a Sequence but all their models are designed for larger
applications. The smallest I found (3200SEQ20) was rated for 2800gph. The
Laguna 5000 looks good, but would probably need a prefilter. Our last pump
required a prefilter, which constantly clogged and was a real pain. Also,
given how much lower it's advertised power consumption is than other
comparable mag drive products, I wonder how real it really is (either that,
or else the flowrate is not what they claim).

The appeal of either the Oase AquaMax/Powermax or Cyprio Titan is their
ability to pass solids, which (I think) should make them more maintenace
free. And they both look (on paper at least) to be pretty effiicient.

I'm surprised the manufacturers don't include more information on the power
use of their products since (in my opinion) this an important aspect to
consider when making a selection, given how much it can cost to operate
these things 24/7.

Thanks again, -Pat

[D Kat]

I hesitate to post this again after just being made fun of for my repeating
it continuously but it really does work for me. I had the same issue with
not being able to deal with the cleaning of the prefilter all of the time (I
was about to just fill in the pond because of the twice a week clean that
this system needed). Someone else posted in here about putting a pump in a
bucket filled with lava rock. This acts both as a bio filter and as a
prefilter to the pump. I only clean mine out about once a year and I have
been using this method for some time now. I had been using a waterfall pump
which is not picky about being prefiltered but when the cord was damaged I
fell back on my old pump that had needed prefiltering and it has been
working fine.


"Pat" > wrote in message
news:DWFBc.86339$HG.80536@attbi_s53...
> "grubber" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Pat" > wrote in message
> > news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my
pond
> > > (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs
only
> > list
> > > a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or
> head)
> > > that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow
(or
> > > head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my particular
> > > conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically pump
> > specs?
> > > Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering
Oase
> > and
> > > Cyprio models.
> > >
> > > Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> > I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those are
> > external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the flow
> you
> > need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I found
> > when I looked.
> >
> > If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more efficient
than
> > the submersibles.
> >
> >
>
>
> Thanks for the reply.
>
> I considered a Sequence but all their models are designed for larger
> applications. The smallest I found (3200SEQ20) was rated for 2800gph.
The
> Laguna 5000 looks good, but would probably need a prefilter. Our last
pump
> required a prefilter, which constantly clogged and was a real pain. Also,
> given how much lower it's advertised power consumption is than other
> comparable mag drive products, I wonder how real it really is (either
that,
> or else the flowrate is not what they claim).
>
> The appeal of either the Oase AquaMax/Powermax or Cyprio Titan is their
> ability to pass solids, which (I think) should make them more maintenace
> free. And they both look (on paper at least) to be pretty effiicient.
>
> I'm surprised the manufacturers don't include more information on the
power
> use of their products since (in my opinion) this an important aspect to
> consider when making a selection, given how much it can cost to operate
> these things 24/7.
>
> Thanks again, -Pat
>
>
>
>

[grubber]

"D Kat" > wrote in message
...
> I hesitate to post this again after just being made fun of for my
repeating
> it continuously but it really does work for me. I had the same issue with
> not being able to deal with the cleaning of the prefilter all of the time
(I
> was about to just fill in the pond because of the twice a week clean that
> this system needed). Someone else posted in here about putting a pump in
a
> bucket filled with lava rock. This acts both as a bio filter and as a
> prefilter to the pump. I only clean mine out about once a year and I have
> been using this method for some time now. I had been using a waterfall
pump
> which is not picky about being prefiltered but when the cord was damaged I
> fell back on my old pump that had needed prefiltering and it has been
> working fine.
>
>
> "Pat" > wrote in message
> news:DWFBc.86339$HG.80536@attbi_s53...
> > "grubber" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > "Pat" > wrote in message
> > > news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> > > > Hi all,
> > > >
> > > > I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my
> pond
> > > > (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs
> only
> > > list
> > > > a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or
> > head)
> > > > that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow
> (or
> > > > head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my
particular
> > > > conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically
pump
> > > specs?
> > > > Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering
> Oase
> > > and
> > > > Cyprio models.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those
are
> > > external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the
flow
> > you
> > > need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I
found
> > > when I looked.
> > >
> > > If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more efficient
> than
> > > the submersibles.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the reply.
> >
> > I considered a Sequence but all their models are designed for larger
> > applications. The smallest I found (3200SEQ20) was rated for 2800gph.
> The
> > Laguna 5000 looks good, but would probably need a prefilter. Our last
> pump
> > required a prefilter, which constantly clogged and was a real pain.
Also,
> > given how much lower it's advertised power consumption is than other
> > comparable mag drive products, I wonder how real it really is (either
> that,
> > or else the flowrate is not what they claim).
> >
> > The appeal of either the Oase AquaMax/Powermax or Cyprio Titan is their
> > ability to pass solids, which (I think) should make them more maintenace
> > free. And they both look (on paper at least) to be pretty effiicient.
> >
> > I'm surprised the manufacturers don't include more information on the
> power
> > use of their products since (in my opinion) this an important aspect to
> > consider when making a selection, given how much it can cost to operate
> > these things 24/7.
> >
> > Thanks again, -Pat
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

I have a Laguna 5000 in a large pot full of pea gravel and I haven't had to
unclog it in the several months it's been running. I don't have any idea on
the actual power consumption, but the output seems to be about what is
advertised.

[Newbie Bill]

Hi Pat - I have a Laguna 5000. As I am at least a teeeny bit past my
totally a... retentive stage I can quote only my recollection. Mine travels
about 15 feet, through flex tube to an above ground level of about 3 feet
and my actual flow is around 1100. Not having the experience I dont know,
but there is a very discernable 'leak' through the diverter so if I really
tried to 'fix' it I you may well your 1200 gph. I dont need the gph. It
does have a coarse prefilter which does clog very regular. I now have mine
sitting in a milk crate lined with coarse boars hair filter material, have
removed the pre filter material, but left the filter cage in place, just in
case. For 45 days now (and the algae starts early here) I have not noticed
any discernable loss in gph. www.azponds.com used to have these for a song,
but havent checked lately. If you absolutely positively need that 1200 gph
I suspect this is not for you. I think it is only rate at 1650 or so at 0
or 1'.
This might help.
Bill Brister - Austin, Texas
"Pat" > wrote in message
news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> Hi all,
>
> I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my pond
> (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs only
list
> a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or head)
> that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow (or
> head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my particular
> conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically pump
specs?
> Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering Oase
and
> Cyprio models.
>
> Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
>
>
>
>

[Newbie Bill]

I indeed have read numerous references to filling a 5 gal bucket or milk
crate with pea gravel or lava rock. I tried the milk crate with pea gravel
for a while and found even that very difficult pull out of the pond. In
that I am pretty sure most of you lift 12 oz much more often than what 50-70
lbs dead weight, how do you manage this?
Weakling in Austin
Bill Brister


"D Kat" > wrote in message
...
> I hesitate to post this again after just being made fun of for my
repeating
> it continuously but it really does work for me. I had the same issue with
> not being able to deal with the cleaning of the prefilter all of the time
(I
> was about to just fill in the pond because of the twice a week clean that
> this system needed). Someone else posted in here about putting a pump in
a
> bucket filled with lava rock. This acts both as a bio filter and as a
> prefilter to the pump. I only clean mine out about once a year and I have
> been using this method for some time now. I had been using a waterfall
pump
> which is not picky about being prefiltered but when the cord was damaged I
> fell back on my old pump that had needed prefiltering and it has been
> working fine.
>
>
> "Pat" > wrote in message
> news:DWFBc.86339$HG.80536@attbi_s53...
> > "grubber" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > "Pat" > wrote in message
> > > news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> > > > Hi all,
> > > >
> > > > I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my
> pond
> > > > (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs
> only
> > > list
> > > > a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or
> > head)
> > > > that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow
> (or
> > > > head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my
particular
> > > > conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically
pump
> > > specs?
> > > > Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering
> Oase
> > > and
> > > > Cyprio models.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those
are
> > > external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the
flow
> > you
> > > need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I
found
> > > when I looked.
> > >
> > > If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more efficient
> than
> > > the submersibles.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the reply.
> >
> > I considered a Sequence but all their models are designed for larger
> > applications. The smallest I found (3200SEQ20) was rated for 2800gph.
> The
> > Laguna 5000 looks good, but would probably need a prefilter. Our last
> pump
> > required a prefilter, which constantly clogged and was a real pain.
Also,
> > given how much lower it's advertised power consumption is than other
> > comparable mag drive products, I wonder how real it really is (either
> that,
> > or else the flowrate is not what they claim).
> >
> > The appeal of either the Oase AquaMax/Powermax or Cyprio Titan is their
> > ability to pass solids, which (I think) should make them more maintenace
> > free. And they both look (on paper at least) to be pretty effiicient.
> >
> > I'm surprised the manufacturers don't include more information on the
> power
> > use of their products since (in my opinion) this an important aspect to
> > consider when making a selection, given how much it can cost to operate
> > these things 24/7.
> >
> > Thanks again, -Pat
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Barbara2245]

"Pat" > wrote in message news:<DWFBc.86339$HG.80536@attbi_s53>...
> "grubber" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Pat" > wrote in message
> > news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my pond
> > > (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs only
> list
> > > a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or
> head)
> > > that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow (or
> > > head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my particular
> > > conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically pump
> specs?
> > > Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering Oase
> and
> > > Cyprio models.

The Laguna Power Jet 5000 I bought a few years ago cost about $5/month
to run. I replaced the pre-filter with an plastic net onion bag. Any
pump will clog fast if you don't clam-shell it in two small baskets
lined with a blue Walmart trimable furnace filter amd enclosed in a
bag made from fiberglass window screen. Set this on a cement block in
the pond and use a hoe or something to fish it out when cleaning is needed. This pump
runs my 4" waterfall and a fountain. To figure the cost to run a
pump---watts[amps x volts] divided by 1000x KWH cost x 24 hours x 30
days= cost. Good luck.[i]
> > >
> > > Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> > I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those are
> > external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the flow
> you
> > need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I found
> > when I looked.
> >
> > If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more efficient than
> > the submersibles.
> >
> >
>
>
> Thanks for the reply.
>
> I considered a Sequence but all their models are designed for larger
> applications. The smallest I found (3200SEQ20) was rated for 2800gph. The
> Laguna 5000 looks good, but would probably need a prefilter. Our last pump
> required a prefilter, which constantly clogged and was a real pain. Also,
> given how much lower it's advertised power consumption is than other
> comparable mag drive products, I wonder how real it really is (either that,
> or else the flowrate is not what they claim).
>
> The appeal of either the Oase AquaMax/Powermax or Cyprio Titan is their
> ability to pass solids, which (I think) should make them more maintenace
> free. And they both look (on paper at least) to be pretty effiicient.
>
> I'm surprised the manufacturers don't include more information on the power
> use of their products since (in my opinion) this an important aspect to
> consider when making a selection, given how much it can cost to operate
> these things 24/7.
>
> Thanks again, -Pat

[bluegill phil]

My strainer is a 4in frenchdrain grill glued into a 4in elbow which is
reduced to my pump inlet. The frenchdrain part which points down is in
a cheap small clothshamper with filter media packed around and under
the frenchdrain and the whole thing is wraped with the media. The
media I use is in the fabric section at walmart. Its something like
nylon black fine perforated kids costume material. It was very cheap
is a little to fine for my volume 6600gh but I still only have to
clean everyother week.My pump is below water level connected by
bulkhead to a foot or 2 straight pipe all joints glued but I didnt
glue the elbow to the straight pipe. I remove it to clean.

[RainLover]

On Mon, 21 Jun 2004 18:38:27 GMT, "Pat" >
wrote:

>> I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those are
>> external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the flow
>you
>> need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I found
>> when I looked.
>>
>> If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more efficient than
>> the submersibles.
>>
>>
>
>
>Thanks for the reply.
>
>I considered a Sequence but all their models are designed for larger
>applications. The smallest I found (3200SEQ20) was rated for 2800gph. The
>Laguna 5000 looks good, but would probably need a prefilter. Our last pump
>required a prefilter, which constantly clogged and was a real pain.

My only comment here is why would you consider a prefilter a 'pain' since
without the prefilter the PUMP would get gummed up internally and either run
very inefficiently (ie: use much more power) or just DIE from to much strain
on it.


If it clogs to quickly, put a larger prefilter on it or find a way to get to
the prefilter that isn't as much a pain to access.

james, seattle

[Pat]

Thanks for the info on the filter. Our old system had two large filter
baskets with pretty dense material. In retrospect, I should have replaced
this stuff with something much less dense. I think the pump could have
handled it.

$5/mo seems about right for 85W consumption, depending on what you pay for
electricity. How did you determine this (if you don't mind me asking) -
based on changes in your electric bill?

-Pat



"Barbara2245" > wrote in message
om...
> "Pat" > wrote in message
news:<DWFBc.86339$HG.80536@attbi_s53>...
> > "grubber" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > "Pat" > wrote in message
> > > news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> > > > Hi all,
> > > >
> > > > I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for my
pond
> > > > (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs
only
> > list
> > > > a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow (or
> > head)
> > > > that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs. flow
(or
> > > > head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my
particular
> > > > conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically
pump
> > specs?
> > > > Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering
Oase
> > and
> > > > Cyprio models.
>
> The Laguna Power Jet 5000 I bought a few years ago cost about $5/month
> to run. I replaced the pre-filter with an plastic net onion bag. Any
> pump will clog fast if you don't clam-shell it in two small baskets
> lined with a blue Walmart trimable furnace filter amd enclosed in a
> bag made from fiberglass window screen. Set this on a cement block in
> the pond and use a hoe or something to fish it out when cleaning is needed. This pump
> runs my 4" waterfall and a fountain. To figure the cost to run a
> pump---watts[amps x volts] divided by 1000x KWH cost x 24 hours x 30
> days= cost. Good luck.[i]
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those
are
> > > external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the
flow
> > you
> > > need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I
found
> > > when I looked.
> > >
> > > If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more efficient
than
> > > the submersibles.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the reply.
> >
> > I considered a Sequence but all their models are designed for larger
> > applications. The smallest I found (3200SEQ20) was rated for 2800gph.
The
> > Laguna 5000 looks good, but would probably need a prefilter. Our last
pump
> > required a prefilter, which constantly clogged and was a real pain.
Also,
> > given how much lower it's advertised power consumption is than other
> > comparable mag drive products, I wonder how real it really is (either
that,
> > or else the flowrate is not what they claim).
> >
> > The appeal of either the Oase AquaMax/Powermax or Cyprio Titan is their
> > ability to pass solids, which (I think) should make them more maintenace
> > free. And they both look (on paper at least) to be pretty effiicient.
> >
> > I'm surprised the manufacturers don't include more information on the
power
> > use of their products since (in my opinion) this an important aspect to
> > consider when making a selection, given how much it can cost to operate
> > these things 24/7.
> >
> > Thanks again, -Pat

[Pat]

> My only comment here is why would you consider a prefilter a 'pain' since
> without the prefilter the PUMP would get gummed up internally and either
run
> very inefficiently (ie: use much more power) or just DIE from to much
strain
> on it.
>
Our system had two fairly large filter baskets with (what seemed to me)
pretty density filter material. It worked fine at first, but soon started
cloggling. It was a bit of a chore to pull out and clean, and after that
would only work for a couple of weeks before needing it again. That got old
really quick!

When we purchased those we were told that once things were in "balance,"
organisms in the filtered material would break it down and keep the water
flowing (without much maintenance on our part) but for some reason we never
were able to reach that magical balance point. Being new to this, I'm sure
we were doing a lot of things wrong.

Based on the responses here, it sounds like we could have just replaced the
filter material with something less dense. Unfortanatly, the pump died also
(Danner mag drive). So since we having to replace this, we were thinking of
trying one like the Oase Aquamax or Cyprio Titan which can pump fairly
largle particulates (6 to 8 mm) and don't really require any filtering other
than their screened housings. Presumably this means less maintenance - at
least that's what we've heard. I was hoping someone who's used one or the
other could confirm this.

Thanks for the reply. -Pat

>
> If it clogs to quickly, put a larger prefilter on it or find a way to get
to
> the prefilter that isn't as much a pain to access.
>
> james, seattle
>

[Pat]

Thanks Bill and Phill for the feedback.

1200gph is a conservative guess, so I think the Laguna would work. I'm just
a little wary of the filtering needs. We would really like something
reasonably low maintenance since, with three kids to chase after, we keep
pretty busy! :^)

Our original thought was that a "solids pump" like the Aquamax or Titan
would best fit the "low maintenance" bill, but based on responses here its
sounds like a conventional pump with the right home-made filter could be
reasonably easy as well. If our original pump were still working, we would
definitely go this route, but since we're having to replace the pump, its a
little harder to decide. Even with a solids pumps, we'll still likely have
a filter "sock" or such at the outlet. But that should be easy to empty
every so often, assuming that's all we really need to keep the pond clean.

Thanks again for help. -Pat


<bluegill phil> wrote in message
...
> My strainer is a 4in frenchdrain grill glued into a 4in elbow which is
> reduced to my pump inlet. The frenchdrain part which points down is in
> a cheap small clothshamper with filter media packed around and under
> the frenchdrain and the whole thing is wraped with the media. The
> media I use is in the fabric section at walmart. Its something like
> nylon black fine perforated kids costume material. It was very cheap
> is a little to fine for my volume 6600gh but I still only have to
> clean everyother week.My pump is below water level connected by
> bulkhead to a foot or 2 straight pipe all joints glued but I didnt
> glue the elbow to the straight pipe. I remove it to clean.
>
>

[bluegill phil]

mine came with a leafbasket which has holes of about 4to6mm but im
afraid ill whip up the solids with just that
On Tue, 22 Jun 2004 16:33:35 GMT, "Pat"
> wrote:

>Thanks Bill and Phill for the feedback.
>
>1200gph is a conservative guess, so I think the Laguna would work. I'm just
>a little wary of the filtering needs. We would really like something
>reasonably low maintenance since, with three kids to chase after, we keep
>pretty busy! :^)
>
>Our original thought was that a "solids pump" like the Aquamax or Titan
>would best fit the "low maintenance" bill, but based on responses here its
>sounds like a conventional pump with the right home-made filter could be
>reasonably easy as well. If our original pump were still working, we would
>definitely go this route, but since we're having to replace the pump, its a
>little harder to decide. Even with a solids pumps, we'll still likely have
>a filter "sock" or such at the outlet. But that should be easy to empty
>every so often, assuming that's all we really need to keep the pond clean.
>
>Thanks again for help. -Pat
>
>
><bluegill phil> wrote in message
...
>> My strainer is a 4in frenchdrain grill glued into a 4in elbow which is
>> reduced to my pump inlet. The frenchdrain part which points down is in
>> a cheap small clothshamper with filter media packed around and under
>> the frenchdrain and the whole thing is wraped with the media. The
>> media I use is in the fabric section at walmart. Its something like
>> nylon black fine perforated kids costume material. It was very cheap
>> is a little to fine for my volume 6600gh but I still only have to
>> clean everyother week.My pump is below water level connected by
>> bulkhead to a foot or 2 straight pipe all joints glued but I didnt
>> glue the elbow to the straight pipe. I remove it to clean.
>>
>>
>

[D Kat]

Lava rock is extremely (I really mean EXTREMELY LIGHT - it floats). It also
has a great deal more surface area than just about anything. I'm 56, 5'2",
1__ - well never mind the weight - and have no problem dealing with pulling
the bucket and all out of the pond. The only weight to the bucket is really
the water and the pump. The water can be poured out as it is lifted out. I
never thought to use a crate but that would be even easier to pull out given
that the water is displaced by air as you lift it out of the pond. The
bucket works because the draw is from the bottom of the bucket and this
pulls the water through the lava rock making for a nice bio filter...


"Newbie Bill" > wrote in message
m...
> I indeed have read numerous references to filling a 5 gal bucket or milk
> crate with pea gravel or lava rock. I tried the milk crate with pea
gravel
> for a while and found even that very difficult pull out of the pond. In
> that I am pretty sure most of you lift 12 oz much more often than what
50-70
> lbs dead weight, how do you manage this?
> Weakling in Austin
> Bill Brister
>
>
> "D Kat" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I hesitate to post this again after just being made fun of for my
> repeating
> > it continuously but it really does work for me. I had the same issue
with
> > not being able to deal with the cleaning of the prefilter all of the
time
> (I
> > was about to just fill in the pond because of the twice a week clean
that
> > this system needed). Someone else posted in here about putting a pump
in
> a
> > bucket filled with lava rock. This acts both as a bio filter and as a
> > prefilter to the pump. I only clean mine out about once a year and I
have
> > been using this method for some time now. I had been using a waterfall
> pump
> > which is not picky about being prefiltered but when the cord was damaged
I
> > fell back on my old pump that had needed prefiltering and it has been
> > working fine.
> >
> >
> > "Pat" > wrote in message
> > news:DWFBc.86339$HG.80536@attbi_s53...
> > > "grubber" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > "Pat" > wrote in message
> > > > news:spEBc.90019$Sw.26836@attbi_s51...
> > > > > Hi all,
> > > > >
> > > > > I would like to select an efficient (submersible) pond pump for
my
> > pond
> > > > > (capable of 1200 gph at 4ft head). Unfortunately, most pump specs
> > only
> > > > list
> > > > > a single "power consumption" value without specifying what flow
(or
> > > head)
> > > > > that occurs at. What I really need is a power consumption vs.
flow
> > (or
> > > > > head) curve so I can determine the power consumption at my
> particular
> > > > > conditions. Is there any way to extrapolate this from typically
> pump
> > > > specs?
> > > > > Any other sources for this information? I'm currently considering
> > Oase
> > > > and
> > > > > Cyprio models.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks for any help. I appreciate it. -Pat
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > I know Sequence pumps have power v flow curves available, but those
> are
> > > > external pumps. For submersibles, the Laguna 5000 should give the
> flow
> > > you
> > > > need at around 85 watts, which is the most efficient submersible I
> found
> > > > when I looked.
> > > >
> > > > If you can make an external pump work, they tend to be more
efficient
> > than
> > > > the submersibles.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks for the reply.
> > >
> > > I considered a Sequence but all their models are designed for larger
> > > applications. The smallest I found (3200SEQ20) was rated for 2800gph.
> > The
> > > Laguna 5000 looks good, but would probably need a prefilter. Our last
> > pump
> > > required a prefilter, which constantly clogged and was a real pain.
> Also,
> > > given how much lower it's advertised power consumption is than other
> > > comparable mag drive products, I wonder how real it really is (either
> > that,
> > > or else the flowrate is not what they claim).
> > >
> > > The appeal of either the Oase AquaMax/Powermax or Cyprio Titan is
their
> > > ability to pass solids, which (I think) should make them more
maintenace
> > > free. And they both look (on paper at least) to be pretty effiicient.
> > >
> > > I'm surprised the manufacturers don't include more information on the
> > power
> > > use of their products since (in my opinion) this an important aspect
to
> > > consider when making a selection, given how much it can cost to
operate
> > > these things 24/7.
> > >
> > > Thanks again, -Pat
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>