Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

I don’t know anything about pumps. How do I measure the power/pressure of pump?

Horse Power (HP) ratings designate the amount of energy consumed in a given application. It is NEVER a fair analysis to flow and output.

Amps                     Watts  ÷ Volts

Watts                     Volts × Amps

1PS                         2.31′ Head

PSI                         Total head divided 2.31

Max Head               Maximum lift that pump moves water through tubing.

What is an in-line pump? 

In-line pump (non self-priming): This type of pump is often used because it is very energy efficient. Its limitation is that it must be placed below water level. When placed higher than water level a check valve must be installed at the end of the suction line to keep pump in prime.

Self-priming In-line Pump: Does not have this limitation and can more easily placed above water level.

How do I know what size tubing I need for my size pump?

FLOW CHART
Pipe/Hose Size  Max flow(GPH)
 1/2″  300
 3/4″  600
 1″  1000
 1 1/4″  1800
 1 1/2″  2500
 2″  4000
 3″  9000
 4″  12000

Why is it important to know a pond’s volume?

Gallons of water in a pond will tell you the following:

  1. Size of pump for your pond.
  2. Size of filter for your pond.
  3. Approximate number of fish for your pond.

How to calculate approximate number of gallons in an existing pond:

  1. Volume for Rectangular Ponds:
    Avg. WIDTH x Avg. LENGTH X Avg. DEPTH = POND VOLUME (cubic ft.)
    Example: 10ft x 12ft x 2ft = 240 (cubic ft)
    240 (cubic ft) x 7.5* gal = 1800 gallons
  2. Volume for Circular Ponds:
    RADIUS X RADIUS X 3.14 X DEPTH = POND VOLUME (cubic ft)
  3. Volume of pond can be most accurately calculated by using a water meter that is connected to a garden hose while initially filling pond. (Best method.)

* There are 7.49 US Gallons in a cubic foot of water.

How do I measure the size of pond liner I need?

Take measurement of pond opening and use the following formula:

LENGTH:

Maximum length + Twice depth + 3′ = dimension #1

WIDTH:

Maximum width + depth + 3′ + dimension #2
This allows for 1 1/2′ of overlap around the pond perimeter.
Example: For 8′ x 10′ Opening that is 2 feet deep:
LENGTH: 10′ + 4′ + 3′ = 17′
WIDTH: 8′ + 4′ + 3′ = 15′

Why add beneficial bacteria to a pond?

Beneficial bacteria provide many benefits to a pond. The THREE MOST IMPORTANT are:

  1. Helps break down sludge at pond bottom.
  2. Breaks down ammonia and nitrites (nitrogen cycle)
  3. Helps green water problems by starving off single cell algae