The correct dimensioning of pond filters and pond pumps is one of the most difficult tasks in pond planning. You can find out how to correctly calculate the necessary pumping capacity of the pond pump and what factors need to be taken into account in our article.
How do you calculate the performance of a pond pump?
To calculate the required power of a pond pump, determine the pond volume and the desired circulation cycle. For fish ponds, the circulation cycle is at least once every three hours. Then divide the pond volume by the circulation time in hours to get the required pump performance in liters per hour.
Sizing the pond pump and pond filter
In our special article we have already talked about the correct dimensions of the pond filter. It depends much more on the amount of pollution that is introduced than on the actual pond volume. The type of pond is more important here than 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 and the amount of food that is introduced) also play a role here.
Circulation Cycle
The most important criterion when calculating the pump is theCirculation cycle.
This means nothing other than the frequency with which all the water in the pond is sent through the filter by the pump. In addition, thehead of the pump is also an important criterion for selection. It is reduced by long cables and is directly influenced by the cross section of the cables.
The correct circulation cycle can only be determined based on several factors:
- Fish stock
- Quantity and type of aquatic plants
- Solar radiation
- Water clarity to be achieved
Guidelines
The circulation rates in fish ponds are relatively high - which means high pump performance is also required.
It is usually assumed that there will be at least one upheaval within three hours. In individual cases, much higher circulation rates can also be recommended - up to half-hourly circulation. Circulation rates are only higher in aquariums.
For swimming ponds, the circulation rates can be significantly lower - once every three hours is the maximum value, 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 pond's self-cleaning function is disabled.
Calculation
You can easily calculate the pump performance based on the circulation rate:
With a circulation in two hours and a pond volume of 10,000 liters, the pump simply has to be able to achieve 5,000 liters/h.
Tip
Be sure to get detailed advice on fish ponds if you are not familiar with them. Without an expert, mistakes will inevitably happen and can hardly be avoided.
