A brief introduction to Water Garden Ltd's extensive range of pumps.
Ideal for: Pond Filter Systems | Streams | Water Cascades
OASE have designed a wide range of solids handling pumps dedicated to efficiently supplying water to filters systems on a fish pond or koi pond. The AquaMax range features the market-leading energy-efficient AquaMax Eco Classic, AquaMax Eco Premium & AquaMax Eco Twin which are ideal for continuous year-round operation. Filter systems fitted with bottom drains can benefit from the ultra efficient Aquamax Gravity Eco. If the pump needs to be mounted outside of the pond, the Aquamax Dry are ideal for the task, especially on a Koi pond or fish pond. For larger ponds or cascades which require substantial flow rates, the powerful Aquamax Expert are well suited.
The OASE AquaMax Eco Classic are a range of high quality, economically priced, entry level pond filter pumps from OASE. These are ideal for supplying flow to pond filters, waterfalls, cascades and streams. The OASE AquaMax Eco Classic feature ‘eco’ motors which consume little energy for the performance they offer. These are perfectly suitable for both submerged or gravity supply, dry mounted installation. The AquaMax Eco Classic is a great, reliable, budget friendly filter pump choice.
The OASE AquaMax Eco Classic C are a version of the original AquaMax Eco Classic pump, but with the addition of a plug in, quick disconnect controller to enable electronic flow regulation and switching. These models can also be app enabled for control via a mobile phone or tablet. The AquaMax Eco Classic C are suitable for all of the same filtration, waterfall, stream applications and installation scenarios as the standard AquaMax Eco Classic pumps. These pumps are an ideal, reasonably-priced option if controllability is required.
The OASE AquaMax Eco Premium are a super-reliable range of high-end pond filter pump with a large surface area and highly efficient ‘eco’ motors which consume very little power whilst delivering very high performance. The OASE AquaMax Eco Premium feature a special second point of inlet which allows the suction flow to be divided and regulated between the main pump and a separate suction unit, such as another strainer or surface skimmer situated within close proximity. Larger models also feature intelligent seasonal flow control which automatically reduces pump speed in colder temperatures. These superb filter pumps can be submerged or dry installed below water level and are ideal for supplying pond filters or watercourses.
The OASE AquaMax Eco Premium 12 Volt are a selection of the AquaMax Eco Premium pumps which operate at low voltage, being supplied via a weatherproof transformer, rather than being supplied directly from the main power supply. The low voltage operation ensures that these pumps can operate safely in swim ponds and accessible garden ponds, streams and water features. AquaMax Eco Premium 12 Volt pumps are perfectly suited to filter system supply, streams and watercourses. These pump are solids handling, come with all lots of the innovative features of the standard AquaMax Eco Premium pumps and are well suited to the same applications in wet or dry installations. The 12 Volt DC output also makes these pump compatible with solar panels and other solar circuit accessories if the transformer is not used.
The OASE AquaMax ECO Twin are large, high-flow filter pumps ideal for supplying larger pond filters and wider streams and waterfalls which require a high flow rate at a relatively low vertical lift. These feature ‘eco’ motors which delivery high flow rates for reasonably low running costs. The design consists of dual internal pumps channelled into a single large outlet, hence the name AquaMax ECO Twin. These high-end filtration pumps are supplied with a receiver and remote control which enables the user to switch the pumps on and off as well as regulating the speed of the motors and resultant flow rate. The AquaMax ECO Twin also feature a secondary inlet which allows the use of a second suction element such as a pond skimmer or satellite strainer.
The OASE AquaMax Eco Expert are a range of powerful, robust, heavy duty pond filter pumps which deliver high flow and are capable of good vertical lift, ideal for situations where a high rate flow is required to large pond filter, an elevated filteror a higher stream or wider waterfall. These well-built pumps feature a large stainless steel front strainer and can tolerate extremely cold temperatures to -20áµ’C. These high quality filtration pumps can be installed underwater or on dry land below water level. AquaMax Eco Expert pumps feature seasonal flow control (SFC) which is an optional, temperature-based, electronic flow reduction facility which comes into effect automatically in cold water. AquaMax Eco Expert pumps can also be controlled with OASE EGC technology, using a Wi-Fi signalling device to enable control of the pumps performance and information feedback via a phone or tablet on an app.
The AquaMax Eco Expert 12 Volt is an AquaMax Eco Expert pump which operates at low voltage. This pump has all of the main features of the other standardised AquaMax Eco Expert pumps, except for the fact that this model runs via a transformer which steps the voltage down, making this unit safe for applications where leisure activities take place. The AquaMax Eco Expert 12V pump would primarily be used for supply of water to larger filtration systems or waterfall features in swim ponds or garden pond with regular access or activity. All with the other pumps within the AquaMax Eco Expert bracket, the 12 Volt pump features automated ‘seasonal flow control’, and is compatible with the OASE EGC range of control components for Wi-Fi switching and control.
The OASE AquaMax Eco Titanium are solid, high delivery pumps designed specifically around high flow, low head pumping for the return side of large, gravity fed pond filtration systems. The low height pumping limit of these pumps means that a high flow rate can be delivered at low lift, and the energy used to achieve these pumping rates is kept to a minimum. The AquaMax Eco Titanium are built with large inlet and outlet ports for minimal restriction of flow. The AquaMax Eco Titanium pumps can be submerged underwater or dry-installed with a gravity water supply to the inlet. These pumps are electronically controllable for reduced flow rate and power consumption if used with a suitable OASE EGC device. EGC devices are required to enable Wi-Fi connection and app based control on a smart device if power regulation is a user requirement.
The Oase AquaMax Gravity ECO pumps are ideally suited to filtration applications where a good flow rate is required at little to no vertical lift. This low energy filter pump lends itself perfectly to filtration systems that operate in a gravity inlet, pump outlet scenario where the pump is generally mounted below water level on a closed loop circulation with no vertical lift requirement. The low vertical lift combined with ‘eco’ motors and high flow impellers enable these to deliver high flow rates with exceptionally low power consumption, making the OASE AquaMax Gravity ECO pumps perfect for this type of ground level pond filtration.
The OASE AquaMax Dry are a range of robust filter pumps designed to be installed in dry mounted scenarios, below water level and supplied under gravity for flooded suction operation. These filter pumps are ideal for applications where the filter, water feature or circulation pump must be installed outside of the pond. The OASE AquaMax Dry pump is mounted on solid feet for stable operation and can also be fixed to a hard surface. These versatile filter pumps deliver good flow rates with flow optimised impellers, can pass particles up to 8mm and can achieve moderate vertical lift making this range perfectly suitable for supplying pond filters, streams and water falls in dry mounted pumping situations.
Ideal for: Water Features | Streams | Water Blades
OASE Aquarius Universal are specifically designed for Water Features. The compact footprint and can be used in shallow water areas. From the tiny, palm-sized Aquarius Universal 440 to the powerful Aquarius Universal 40000, these single phase 230 Volt pumps can also deliver water to streams and to our cascading Water Blades. The larger Aquarius Universal 21000, 27000 & 40000 are also ideal for creating large ornamental fountain displays when combined with our Fountain Nozzles or Fountain Spray Rings.
The OASE Aquarius Universal Classic are the smaller, less powerful models in the Aquarius Universal pump bracket. These pumps are compact in design and are perfectly suited to supplying small to medium-sized water features such as table top indoor water features, drilled spheres, stone columns or slate stacks. Aquarius Universal Classic pumps feature a removable front guard for easy access to the rotor for cleaning and maintenance and come supplied with connections for attaching hose pipes. Some models are suitable for flooded suction dry installation, as well as the standard submersible application. These pumps are best used in clean water applications.
The OASE Aquarius Universal Premium is a quality, multi-purpose range of pumps designed for clean water pumping. Perfect for supplying water features, fountains, streams and cascades such as water falls or water blade features. The OASE Aquarius Universal Premium are compact in build and can be submerged or dry installed below water level. The Premium pumps are the mid-sized pumps in the range, ideal for medium to large features and fountains, All feature front flow regulators within stainless steel front strainers. All models feature thermal protection and some models can be regulated electronically.
The OASE Aquarius Eco Expert pumps are the models at the top end of the Aquarius range. These pump deliver high flow rates and have a higher vertical lifting capability. An Aquarius Eco Expert pump is better suited to a large water feature, a high fountain or a high flow cascade or wide waterfall. These pumps can also be used to run multiple fountain nozzles, spray bars or spray rings. Aquarius Eco Expert pumps are solid and stable, making these ideal for larger and more industrial applications. The pump can be allowed to run at a fixed output, or set to dynamic for a more variable, changing flow rate. Aquarius Eco Expert are EGC compatible, and use with the associated EGC equipment, these pumps can be controlled on a smart device or computer with a range of different flow rate sequences available to create more dynamic water displays.
Ideal for: Decorative Fountain Displays
Specifically designed for creating decorative fountain displays, the OASE Aquarius Fountain Sets feature large spongeless strainers to minimise debris passing up and blocking the fountain nozzle (which is a very common occurrence on pumps fitted with filter sponges). A fountain will also help to add vital oxygen and circulate the water which is important in a Koi pond or fish pond, particularly in the warmer summer months.
The OASE Aquarius Fountain Set Classic is a complete pump fountain set for small to medium garden ponds. The Fountain Set Classic consists of a reliable fountain pump, an adjustable telescopic riser to set the nozzle at the correct height above the water surface, a flow diverter to regulate the fountain height and 3 fountain nozzle patterns. The flow diverter can also be used to split the flow and attach a hose pipe to supply a small waterfall, as well the main fountain display. The supplied fountain patterns include the Vulkan, which is a classic single tier, multi-jet pattern, the Lava, a water bell which films gently on the water surface, and the Magma, which throws 5 jets of water outward across the pond.
The OASE Aquarius Fountain Set Eco is a complete pump and fountain set for medium and larger ponds. These pump fountain sets are supplied with an adjustable telescopic fountain pipe riser and 2 interchangeable fountain nozzle patterns. The Lava fountain nozzle will produce a large water bell on the pond surface. The Vulkan pattern produces a triple-tiered, 37 jet classic fountain display with good height and spread. The pumps feature a 2 way flow diverter which can be used to regulate the fountain height. The second outlet can also be used to connect a hose pipe and operate a second water feature such as a stream or waterfall, alongside the fountain. The Aquarius Fountain Set Eco pumps use little energy for the considerable water displays they produce.
The Dancing Fountain Pump Kit is a unique product created by Water Garden, incorporating the OASE PondJet Eco Fountain Pump. The pump has 2 functions, operating either as a static pump at 100% output, or as a dynamic flow pump with a variable flow rate, which causes the fountain to rise and fall randomly. The Dancing Fountain Pump Kit comes supplied with the dancing fountain pump, a flow regulator valve, a telescopic riser pipe and a Vulkan 37 jet fountain nozzle. The dancing functionality can be turned on and off with a simple slider switch on the body of the pump. This fountain operates best in clean water. The pump can be electronically regulated with an appropriate power regulator and the fountain nozzle can be exchanged for alternative patterns (not supplied) if required.
The OASE USP are commercial pumps from the OASE Fountain Technology range. USP pumps are robust units designed to service large fountains and water features commercially, but can also be used on private projects. These pumps are able to deliver high flow rates with a fair pressure delivery, for high water jet fountains. USP pumps are built in both single-phase 230V/50Hz and three-phase 400V/50Hz power specifications, so there is always an option regardless of power supply. ‘W’ models are single phase, with ‘D’ models being three-phase. USP pumps are best used in clean water, such as water features and fountains with water cleaning systems, and are not designed for operation in ponds or lakes where the water is turbid.
The OASE SPA are high pressure commercial fountain pumps from the OASE Fountain Technology range. SPA pumps are multi-staged pumping units, built with multiple impellers in series, for high pressure delivery and vertical delivery height potential. SPA pump are constructed entirely from Stainless Steel, with a compact, cylindrical motor body and stainless steel fine mesh gauze encasing the suction inlet. These pumps are self-cooling, using the water being circulated to regulate the temperature of the motor. SPA pumps are submersible units and are best used in clean water applications with minimal detritus in the water. These pumps are ideal for high jet fountains and tall water features in commercial and high-end private water projects. SPA pump are built with 400V/50Hz motor specifications for use on three-phase power supplies.
Ideal for: Garden/Outdoor Irrigation Using Stored Water
OASE Irrigation pumps are high pressure pumps for using stored water and harvested rain water to irrigate vegetation. Irrigation pumps suck water from a water storage container and deliver this at high pressure to irrigation components such as hose fittings and sprinkler systems. Irrigation pumps can move water over a long distance and can be positioned above or below the tank of water that is supplying water. These pumps are ideal for gardens and allotments where a mains water supply cannot be accessed.
The OASE ProMax Garden Classic is an outdoor irrigation pump designed for plant watering using a hose pipe or irrigation fittings such as sprinklers. ProMax Garden Classic pumps are designed to use water from water butts or other rainwater harvesting tanks, in situations where a mains water supply is not available. The pump is dry installed outside of the water containment area and. Once primed, can draw water up and out of the tank. The pump can be installed up to 8 metres above the tank water level. The outflow is delivered at high pressure, ensuring a good spray of water from hose or sprinkler fittings. The pump is controlled via an on/off switch on the top of the pump.
The OASE ProMax Garden AutoMatic are a range of garden irrigation pumps designed to use water from storage where mains water is not available. The ProMax Garden AutoMatic pumps feature a special pressure-based shut down facility, whereby the pump can be left switched on, but will only begin to operate when the end irrigation component is open (hose sprinkler head or irrigation sprinkler). When the irrigation valve is closed, the pump will recognise this and cease to operate, remaining in standby until the next time the valve is opened. This feature makes these pumps ideal for timer-operated sprinkler systems. This pump is for dry-installation only, can be set up to 8 metres above tank water level and features inbuilt dry run protection.
The OASE ProMax Pressure Well is a niche pump designed exclusively to draw water up from the depths of a well. The ProMax Pressure Well pump is streamlined in design with the suction inlet with pre-filter situated at the bottom end of the pump. A supplied mounting foot can also be attached to the pump for stability on the well floor, or the pump can operated from a suspended position using the supplied lowering ropes attached to fixing points on the top of the pump. The ProMax Pressure Well pump features dry run protection to stop harm coming to the pump if it is inadvertently operated above water level. The ProMax Pressure Well pump is capable of high level discharge capability and can draw water up from very deep wells.
The OASE ProMax MudDrain is primarily used for pumping dirty water. These pumps have a multitude of uses, including pond and lake drainage, construction/excavation site draining and cellar and flood water pumping. The ProMax MudDrain can be used in very arduous situations and can handle and pass large solid waste items such as mud, grit, stones and clay. These pumps operate via a float switch which will switch the pump on when water level rises, and switches the pump off once the level has reduced. The level of the float switch can be adjusted to dictate at what point the pump switches on/off. ProMax MudDrain pumps have a good pressure delivery capability and can therefore move water over considerable distances using either round or lay-flat hoses.
The OASE ProMax ClearDrain are primarily used for clean water drainage. These pumps are ideal for draining water features, water butts and cellar and basement flood relief. The ProMax ClearDrain suction inlet is on the underside of the pump, enabling these models to completely evacuate water down to the last millimetre. ProMax ClearDrain pumps operate with water level sensors which detect rising water and switch on, remaining in action until such time that the water has been removed. These can therefore be left to operate automatically without the need for switching. The water level sensors can be adjusted to change and set the high water operating point. ProMax Clear Drain pumps have a good discharge pressure for moving water at considerable height and distance. Round or lay-flat hose pipes can be used.
DC circulation pumps are high flow, low pressure pumps with a large outlet designed to fit 100mm rigid drain pipes and elbow bends. These pumps are ideal for turning over large volumes of water and circulating water through stagnating zones in lakes. DC pump can also be used to empty large bodies of water. DC pumps can only be used in submersed installations, ideally with little vertical lift requirement. The suction inlet is situated on the foot of the pump and this is designed to pick up and move organic waste particles up to 8mm, as well as water. DC circulation pumps are energy efficient for the high volumes of water they are able to circulate.
The Trencher is a solids-handling, submersible drainage pump with a silt agitator mechanism, designed for pumping, draining and de-siltation in very soiled water. The agitator burrows into the detritus as the pump pulls flow through, semi-liquidising the biomass of silt and particulate matter, allowing it to be processed through the abrasion resistant rotor and pumped away. Trencher pumps are supplied with hose fittings to accommodate large hose sizes to match the considerable flow output and pressure they are capable of delivering. Round hoses or lay-flat hoses can be used with these pumps. Trencher pumps are water-cooled by nature of the operation, which protects the pump from overheating in arduous operating conditions.
Ideal for: Cascading Water Blades | Streams | Water Courses
The ST range is a versatile selection of pumps suitable for fish pond filtration, streams, waterfalls and fountains. ST pump are a more cost effective solution for those who do not wish to invest significant sums of money for a pump of superior brand quality, but still require a reliable workhorse pump. ST pumps can deliver good flow rates at reasonable lift heights and are supplied with staged hose tails for connecting different sizes of hose pipe. Also supplied with these pumps are ball swivel joints which allow full direction and angle direction of the hose connector. ST pumps can be used in clean or dirty water and feature a clip on front strainer which can be easily removed for cleaning.
Ideal for: Self-Contained Water Features | Sphere Features | Column Features
Compact pumps are ideal for supply to standing water features and small fountains. Compact pumps, as the name suggests, are compact in design and are perfect for installation where space is limited, such as self-contained water features and water feature reservoirs where space to accommodate a pump is limited. All Compact pumps feature a top outlet and are supplied with connectors for hose pipes to be attached. All pump models in this range feature integral flow regulators which enable the flow rate to be set at the required speed. Compact pump achieve good vertical lift for their size and are therefore well suited to stone fountain, column and sphere water features. Compact pumps are best used in clean water scenarios.
Ideal for: Fish Pond Filtration | Streams | Water Courses
The PondoMax Eco are a range of cheap to buy, submersible, solids-handling pumps primarily designed for pond filter pumping, but also well-suited to stream and waterfall supply. PondoMax pumps are reliable and energy efficient, making these ideal for continuous operation applications such as fish pond filtering. PondoMax pumps feature thermal cut out to prevent the pump from overheating due to blockage or operation out of water. PondoMax Eco pumps are only suitable for underwater installation and are supplied with a single hose tail connector that will fit a number of different hose diameters.
Ideal for: Small Pond Filtration | Streams | Water Courses
The FP Filter pump is a cheaper, OASE manufactured pump for primarily for low flow rate pond filtration requirements and small streams. The FP pumps are compact in size, very quiet running and are perfectly suited to small ponds, either passing water to the filter system, or running a small water course to keep the water circulating. FP pumps can pass particles up to 4mm in size and come supplied with a hose tail suited to hose sizes ranging from ¾” up to 1 ½” inside diameter. FP pump feature thermal cut out protection against dry running and can be used in clean or turbid water. FP pump are for submersible, underwater installation only.
Ideal for: Deep or Silted Ponds & Lakes | Fountain Displays
Decorative Floating Fountains are perfect for creating water displays in ponds or lakes where the water depth would otherwise be too deep or too difficult to install a static submersed pump. If the pond is clay lined or has a silt layer, floating fountains can be easily installed. Floating Fountains are well suited to lakes which suffer water level fluctuations as the float will automatically adjust with the water level changes. From small solar powered fountains to larger commercial floating displays and powerful floating Lake Aerators. Fountain display heights for 0.35m to 16.5 metres.
Ideal for: Fountains | Small Streams
If getting power near to the pond is difficult, Solar Powered Pumps are an excellent means of providing a decorative fountain or stream without mains electricity. The smaller versions come complete with solar panel, making these ideal for small garden ponds or water features. The OASE Aquarius Solar 700 & 1500 pumps require connection to a separate Solar Panel and can be used to provide more substantial fountain displays or for powering a small cascade or stream. Flow rates up to 6000 Litres/Hour. OASE Guarantees up to 5 years.
As with mains powered versions, solar fountains will aid circulation and aerate the water which is important in a fish pond or Koi pond. Solar fountains operate effectively year round, irrespective of the outdoor temperature, as long as there is sufficient sunlight.
PondoSolar Fountain pumps are complete solar-powered fountain sets for small-medium ponds. PondoSolar sets come supplied with a fountain pump, a solar panel, fountain risers and fountain nozzle head attachments to produce different water patterns. Some sets are direct-solar, operating only during sunny weather, whilst other sets have a battery power storage facility and a remote control to operate at the user’s leisure, with on/off, timer functions and fountain height adjustment. Battery units also come supplied with an LED light ring which sits beneath the nozzle head to illuminate the fountain. PondoSolar pumps are small and with limited power output and are therefore best used in smaller garden ponds where mains power is not available. The supplied solar panels come with mounting fixtures for soft ground staking.
The OASE Aquarius Solar are pumps built especially for use on a 12 volt DC electrical supply using solar power. The Aquarius Solar pumps require connection a separate solar panel to provide power and can be installed on more complex solar circuits with batteries and charge controllers for more controlled operation. Aquarius Solar pumps are primarily used to create pond fountains and are supplied with a riser pipe and fountain nozzle attachments for this. These pumps can also be used to supply a small stream or waterfall by connecting a hose pipe to the second outlet. The pumps are well-designed, with additional filter ‘wings’ which can be elevated to increase the external surface area which prevents the pump strainer from becoming blocked up. The suction strainer can alse be removed and relocated at the pond edge for more convenient flow adjustment.
Ideal for: Emergency Pumping | Flood Relief | Pond & Lake Drainage
Robust, high quality Submersible Drainage Pumps are well suited for evacuating water in situations such as flood relief, emergency drainage, water table reduction and drainage of lakes or ponds. Contractor Pumps are designed for more arduous tasks such as extracting grit and sand and are capable of continuous operation. Many of the drainage range feature an Float Switch for automatic onre /off control of the water level, which makes these ideal for cellars or basements. Flow rates up to 57,600 Litres/Hour.
Sta-Rite self-priming pumps are well suited to supply of water to swimming pool filtration systems, but can also be used for circulation of natural swimming ponds, or powering larger watercourses and cascades with a high vertical head. Suction lift (self-priming) makes the Sta-Rite pump ideal for use on ponds where it is not possible to submerse a pump underwater, or dry mount a pump below water level, as the pump will sit externally mounted and are designed to draw water up from the pool to an installation location above the water surface level. Sta-Rite pumps are of solid, stable build, quiet running and are fitted with a large removable strainer basket with an easy lock mechanism and inspection window to capture incoming waste. Maintenance requirement is minimal with these pumps.
SACI Optima are a range of self-priming pumps. SACI Optima pumps can self-prime, which essentially allows the pump to be installed up to 3 metres above the pool water level and suck water up to the elevated installation position. SACI pump are primarily intended for swimming pool circulation, but are also perfectly suitable for water features where a flooded-suction or submersible pump is not practical. SACI Optima are external pumps, only suitable for dry-installation out of water. These pumps feature a large pre-filter basket, which intercepts incoming debris before the water is passed on. The pre-filter is removable for easy cleaning. SACI pump are of a good quality pumps, manufactured in Spain, are chlorine-tolerant and require minimal maintenance other than periodic cleaning of the pre-filter.
Hayward RS II are high quality, German-built self-priming pumps. These pumps are for external/dry installation only and can draw suction to an elevated position above water level. Hayward RS II are capable of good vertical discharge and considerable circulation rates. These units can be used for swimming pool and swim pond circulation/filtration, circulating water through pool/pond heating systems and supply to water features and fountains from an external location. Hayward RS II pumps are also suitable for use in saltwater at a maximum level of 99.6% water, 0.4% salt. The pumps feature a large pre-filter basket for debris interception and are built with large inlet and outlet ports for pipe fitting. These pumps are suitable for continuous operation.
A. Most pumps are specifically designed to perform a certain task. For example, a filter pump is designed to move solid waste to a pond filter, so this type of pond pump has large holes in the outer casing to allow the particles to pass through. A filter pump is therefore no good for using as a fountain, as any large particles would end up blocking the fountain nozzle attachment.
In the same way, fountain pumps shouldn't be connected to a pond filter, as the muck on the pond floor will simply get trapped around the fountain pump casing (which has much smaller holes on the strainer casing), rather than passing up to the pond filter - we receive a number of calls from people with clean filters, but dirty ponds - the wrong pump is usually the reason why!
Step 1. Measure the pond or the water reservoir length, width and depth. A fountain shouldn't go higher than half the narrowest point (for example, if your pond measures 5m x 3m, the fountain display shouldn't go any higher than 1.5 metres (half of 3m). The reason is to prevent water splashing outside of the pond on a reasonably windy day, if left unattended.
Step 2. Decide on the type of fountain display pattern. You can view a wide variety of Fountain Nozzles here.
Step 3. Click on the Fountain Nozzle picture and you will notice that we have already calculated the right fountain pump to suit the required display height. Simply click on the fountain pumps listed to the right of the nozzle picture, for more details and pricing of the fountain pump in question.
We do offer a cost effective range of pumps which can be used with our fountain nozzles. These can be viewed on the Watercourse and Cascade Pumps page. We tend to offer OASE pump equipment wherever possible, as this is the very best brand on the market, carrying long guarantees and offer the most reliable, consistant performance.
Filter Pumps, also referred to as 'Solids-handling' pumps, are purpose-build to force muck and debris from the pond, up to the filter. Debris is allowed to pass through the shell of the pump and the rotating impeller then forces this to the filter.
1. First, measure the pond Length, Width and Depth in metres. For this example, let's assume the pond measures L5m x W3m x D1m.
2. Convert the pond size into water volume by using the following calculation:
Length (in Metres) x Width (in Metres) x Depth (in Metres) x 1000 = Water Volume (in Litres).
In this example, the pond volume is: 5m x 3m x 1m x 1000 = 15,000 Litres. If you prefer to work in Gallons, divide the Litres by 4.5 (i.e. 15000/4.5 = 3,333 Gallons).
3. As a rough guide, you should aim to circulate the entire pond volume once every 2 hours. This really depends on the type of pond filter used and also if the pond is purely ornamental or being used to stock fish or Koi Carp. In our pond example, the pump will therefore need to turn over around 7500 Litres of pond water per hour.
4. If you have already purchased a pond filter, then the manufacturer may state the maximum flow rate that the filter can handle. If this is the case, then it is important not to exceed this flow rate stated, as it may cause the filter box to flood over.
5. If you also need a filter, we recommend viewing our Pressurised and Gravity Pond Filters. Our Filter 'Sets' include the water pump, filter box and UV Clarifier. We have already calculated which filter kit is required for specific pond sizes and we also account for fish stocking levels, so hopefully this will help in selecting the right choice of pump and filter for your pond.
6. Pump hose selection. Always try to use the largest diameter flexible hose to connect between the pond pump and filter. This is very important as when water is forced through a hose or pipe, it will generate friction. This friction, or resistance to water flow, will reduce the amount of water finally exiting the hose. The smaller the hose diameter and the greater the flow rate, the more friction created. This is a very important consideration and is often overlooked by many suppliers or is simply not understood.
Again, we receive numerous enquiries from people who have been poorly informed of correct hose selection, leading to wildly overspecified pumps (meaning high running costs) or poor pond pump and filter performance, simply because of the hose being too small for the task. For more details on calculating friction loss, please see the next section below.
We also strongly recommend using good quality pond hose. Most suppliers sell 'Aquatic Hose' which ironically isn't particularly suited to pond use! Although this is cheap, the external diameter is ribbed, as is the internal diameter. This creates unnecessary water turbulence in the hose which will affect the final output flow. Also, this has a very thin wall section which is liable to crack or leak, which can drain a pond dry if leaking outside of the pond. We only stock high quality, Smooth Bore Flexible Hose - it's really not worth saving a little money initially, to find frustrating problems with leaks later on.
Confused? Call or email us and we'll do our best to help!
The calculations used for pump flow rates on Streams (Watercourses) and Cascades (waterfalls) are virtually the same.
1. Firstly, measure the width of the stream at its widest point (i.e. how wide the water channel will be). For this example, let's assume this is 0.6 metres wide.
2. Measure how high the top of the stream is, above the pond or reservoir water surface level (not the bottom of the pond). Let's assume this is 1.5 metres.
3. Next, measure how long the flexible hose will be, from the submersed pump to where the water will exit at the top of the stream (the 'point of discharge'). It is better to over-estimate the hose length. Let's assume the hose measures 10 metres in length.
4. As a guide, you will need approximately 1000 Litres/Hour for every 10cm of stream width. In our example, the stream measures 60cm wide, so we need 6000 Litres per hour at the point of discharge (the top of the stream). This will produce a gentle flow of water down the stream - if you require a more dramatic display, we suggest doubling or trebling this figure.
5. Next, we need to calculate the friction losses through the hose. Let's stick with 6000 Litres/Hour (100 Litres/Minute) down the stream.
Take a look at the chart below. Let's compare the difference between using a 25mm (1") Internal diameter flexible hose and a 40mm (1 1/2") hose.
On the '25mm - 1 inch' section of the chart, we need to look at the '100 Litres/Min' line. You will notice that the chart reads '0.34MWC'. This essentially means that for every metre of flexible hose used, it is the equivalent of pumping uphill by 0.34m. As we have 10 metres of hose, this equates to a 'loss' of water flow of 3.4m. Now, let's compare by using 40mm - 1 1/2" Hose at 100L/minute.
0.03MWC x 10 metres of hose = 0.3m loss. Using this larger hose has reduced friction losses by more than 11 times that of the smaller 1" hose.
6. Based on the friction losses, we can now look at selecting the most suitable pump. In this instance, let's use the 'performance curve' from the Oase Aquamax ECO Premium pond pumps.
If we choose the 40mm - 1 1/2" Hose, we simply add the actual vertical lift to the top of the stream (1.5m) to the Friction Loss (0.3m) = 1.8m total vertical lift. We need therefore need 100L/Min @ 1.8m Height, so follow the vertical line at the bottom of the chart upwards until you reach 1.8m. You will notice that this falls between the Aquamax ECO 8000 & Aquamax ECO 10000 pumps.
Based on this, we would recommend the more powerful Aquamax ECO 10000 Pump, giving you a little more (rather than too little) flow, matched with 10 metres of 40mm (1 1/2") flexible hose.
NOTE: If you now compare the 1" hose (1.5m actual lift + 3.4m Friction Loss = 4.9 metres total lift), NONE of the Aquamax ECO pumps are powerful enough!
This highlights the importance of selecting the biggest hose that the pump connection will allow, to get the very best performance from the pump. If 1" hose had been selected, the pump would need to be far more powerful initially, to combat the massive frictional resistance in the hose.
Confused? Call on 02392 373735 and we'll do the head-scratching for you!.