Koi Pond Pump - Size Matters

A Koi pond pump is an important purchase and should be giving considerable thought when making a decision to buy one. There are two main categories of pond pumps, external and submersible. Both have their strengths in terms of use, aesthetics and over all power. Though external pumps used to be superior in handling large volumes of water, there are many submersible Koi pond pumps that are able to do the job just as well today. External pumps are not as aesthetically pleasing and will most likely be hidden away behind garden plants or in a purpose built ventilated box, where as submersible pumps are simply paced in the pond itself and, for the most part, hidden away under the water. Both types of pump will require a low voltage outlet to supply power to the unit.

The biggest point to cover is getting the information together that you will need to make the right choice in a Koi pond pump. Because size matters, knowing your pond dimensions, along with the volume of water in the pond, is necessary in choosing the right pump. Having this information on hand will make things much easier when deciding on which pumps will work best in your pond environment.

Pond pumps are measured in capacity of gph (Gallons Per Hour). With this in mind, it is recommended that you purchase a one that will pump half of the volume of water every hour. One option to consider for large ponds would be either a gas or solar powered Koi pond pump. Matters of cost and energy conservation need to be thought out when deciding on one of these types of pumps. Another option is to install a magnetic pump, as these contain no oil, which could ever leak and poison your Koi. Magnetic pumps usually have tighter seals anyway and they are also less noisy and more energy efficient, thus not diminishing the tranquillity of your garden and saving you money in the long run.

A Koi pond pump is different to standard pond pumps in that the water conditions for the Koi are of prime importance. Fresh clean water is essential to Koi survival, and the water needs to be circulated at a much faster rate then in ponds without fish. Also, maintenance of a Koi pond pump is higher as it needs to be cleaned at least twice every week. The pump itself should be serviced regularly to insure proper functioning. Remember, the most important parts of the pond are the Koi within it. If the water is not being circulated, cleaned and aerated properly, the Koi will suffer.

Including a fountain or a waterfall in your pond will also have a major influence on which Koi pond pump you will need, as the pump will need to be powerful enough to circulate the water in the pond and supply water to these units as well. Having a combination pump/filter works wonders, especially in large ponds in conjunction with a biological filter, as the biological filter is often not adequate for handling all of the solid waste in the pond.

Online shopping of a Koi pond pump saves time and also gives the buyer a much wider selection of pond pumps to choose from. When purchasing online it is always a good idea to work with a reputable retailer who also has a registered address and phone number in case you need questions answered on installation, use or service on your Koi pond pump. And always be sure to check the warranty and/or guarantee of all products.