The correct dimensioning of the pond filter and pond pump is one of the most difficult tasks when planning a pond. In our article you can find out how to correctly calculate the necessary pumping capacity of the pond pump and which factors must be taken into account.
How much power a pond pump has to provide depends, among other things, on the size of the fish population
Dimension the pond pump and pond filter
In our special article we have already talked about the correct dimensioning of the pond filter. It is much more dependent on the amount of dirt that is brought in than on the actual pond volume. The type of pond is therefore above all decisive here, and less so the size.
Other criteria apply to the dimensioning of the pump - some of the factors that were already important for the filter (such as the type and amount of fish stock and the amount of feed that is brought in) also play a role here.
recirculation cycle
The most important criterion when calculating the pump is the recirculation cycle.
This is nothing more than the frequency with which all the water in the pond is sent through the filter by the pump. Next to it is also the head of the pump an important criterion for selection. It is reduced by long lines and also directly influenced by the cross-section of the lines.
The correct circulation cycle can only be determined based on several factors:
- fish stock
- Amount and type of aquatic plants
- sun exposure
- Water clarity to be achieved
benchmarks
In fish ponds, the circulation rates are relatively high - which means that high pump capacities are also required.
At least one upheaval within three hours is usually assumed here. In individual cases, much higher circulation rates can also be recommended - up to half-hourly circulations. Even higher are circulation rates only in aquaria.
In swimming ponds, the circulation rates can be significantly lower - once every three hours is the maximum value here, but in most cases the realistic value will be significantly lower.
Garden ponds do not need any circulation at all, in many cases this is rather counterproductive because the self-cleaning of the pond is disabled here.
calculation
Using the circulation rate, you can easily calculate the pump power:
With a circulation in two hours and a pond volume of 10,000 liters, the pump simply has to be able to deliver 5,000 liters/h.
tips
In any case, get detailed advice on fish ponds if you are not familiar with them. Without an expert, mistakes will inevitably happen here and can hardly be avoided.