Pond Pump died. Suggestions for new one?
I don’t see much mention of efficiency in the pond pump discussions. The topic originator had to replace an existing pond pump, and couldn’t wait very long to get a replacement in place.
We’re using a Laguna Max Flo 2400 (submersible pump which can handle small solids, enclosed in a cage) which is rated at 100 watts for 2400 GPH. According to a Kill-a-Watt power measurement device, the Laguna pump iss drawing 79 watts in its current configuration: head of approximately 4.5 feet and 20 feet of 1.5″ ID hose, probably pushing about 1800 GPH. In the final configuration, there will be additional pipe and about 3 feet more of head so I expect a final flow rate in the 1300 - 1400 GPH range, and probably use even less power. The pump cost about $145, including shipping, from ebay. A sump pump might be a cheaper purchase but I think it would cost a LOT more to run - maybe 3-4 times as much. Also, most sump pumps are not engineered to run continuously. On the plus side, they probably handle muddy water and solid material better than most pumps engineered for ponds.
We did have one clog up when the pump was put in about 14 inches of water. The pump pulled down some dried up grass clippings, that had blown onto the pond surface, and got wrapped in the impeller. There was also some suspended clay silt in the water that hardened into a glaze in the impeller well and on the impeller - possibly because of the heat of the stalled motor. Called Laguna Tech Support and they suggested soaking the glazed areas in vinegar and using Q tips and pipe brushes to get the glaze off. I added dishwashing detergent, and heated the vinegar-detergent mix in the microwave every 20 minutes, and soaked the pump parts for a couple hours. It was a messy and unfun and perhaps overly complicated process, but it worked well in getting the glaze out. So far so good now that the pump resides in about 4 feet of water.
Frank
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
