Apr 11
8

I need advice for solar pond pump for waterfall

4 Comments

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I am considering adding a waterfall powered by a solar pond pump to our small pond.  The pond is about seven feet by three feet by two feet deep.  What good products should I consider?  I know very little about so I appreciate any constructive advice.  Since there is no sunlight at night I assume the pump will not work 24/7 unless it has batteries.  Should I be concerned about that.  Will it cause any problem for the pond?  Are fountain pumps okay to use for a waterfall or are they different?

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Posted in Pond Pump by Pond Manager 4 Comments

4 Responses to "I need advice for solar pond pump for waterfall"

  • b says:
    August 28, 2010 at 3:59 pm
    Reply

    As said, solar pumps are a fantastic idea, the bad point is, its only the idea that is good.

    For a waterfall to work you need a lot of water, solar pumps are not up to it yet, and as said they need a lot of sunlight to work.

    There is also a lot of difference between a pond pump and a waterfall pump. but again, the truth is solar pumps are not up to it for the average garden pond.

    Mains pumps are fine, but you dont want a sump pump as they use a lot of energy to pump water in comparison to a dedicated fountain pump.

    http://www.mywatergarden.co.uk/which-pump.htm

  • thewmas says:
    August 28, 2010 at 3:59 pm
    Reply

    If you can have both would be better, If not- Just solar, you would need battery bank, with solar panel. If water can freeze in winter. It’s good to have warmer. Fish are most vulnerable for diseases at this time.and keep water moving, My friend uses a $30 sump pump from Northern Tool,I think Harbor Freight has some too. It depends on the output of the pump (amps.Hp.watts.) that will determine the flow factor. For a small system I’m sure solar wold work.There are plenty of sites for water garden solar. hope this helps..

  • Cat says:
    August 28, 2010 at 3:59 pm
    Reply

    Actually, most solar pumps have no battery. They pump when the sun shines on them, and they don’t when it’s dark or dim.

    If you’d be happy with a very small fountain, it could work well for you. It’s hard to get a lot of power, so for some pond owners, the results is really disappointing when compared to what traditional electric pumps can do. But with a pond as small as you describe, it could work for you. Waterfalls, as long as the elevation above the water intake is less than, say 1 and a half foot rise (maybe two feet with the right pump), it could work. Especially if you have a fair number of obsticles and things for the water to hit, and increase the overall sound, you can get by with a pretty small flow of water and still have a pleasant effect.

  • grannygrunt28391 says:
    August 28, 2010 at 3:59 pm
    Reply

    Solar is nice but not totally efficient. You would be wise to buy a pump suitable for running 24/7 low maintenance oil free and low use of electric. That would be a Pondmaster Pump. Rarely if ever break down if it quits and needs repair just insert a new impeller. I’ve been running the last one I purchased since 2002 24/7 just clean it a couple of times a year and keep spare impeller on hand.
    As you can see solar pumps don’t come cheap
    OASE Solar Series Solar Sets
    …As… low… as… $799.99
    http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?p=Q&srid=S10%2d3&lbc=drsfostersmith&ts=results&w=solar%20waterfall%20pump&uid=68386966&method=or&af=cat1%3aponds%20type%3aproduct&isort=score&srt=0
    HOME PAGE/below
    http://www.azponds.com/
    AZPonds/browse these
    Pondmaster pumps
    http://www.azponds.com/subpumps.htm#littleGiantk

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