Does anybody use sump pumps in their pond's. What are the pro's and con's???

[mrunlucky07]

The one I had did not contain any oil. If I treated it better it probably would have lasted a little longer.

Once again, they work, but if i had to do it over again I would not. A pond pump can be had for about the same price if you look around.

The 1000w ones pump around 3000gph, an decent submersible pump will do the same gph at under 200w.

At the average 10 cents a kwh a 1000w pump will cost about $70 a month to run, a 200w will cost about $14.

 

[doubledragon]

The one I had did not contain any oil. If I treated it better it probably would have lasted a little longer.

Once again, they work, but if i had to do it over again I would not. A pond pump can be had for about the same price if you look around.

The 1000w ones pump around 3000gph, an decent submersible pump will do the same gph at under 200w.

At the average 10 cents a kwh a 1000w pump will cost about $70 a month to run, a 200w will cost about $14.

Thank's again. Hoping to make it to home depo today or tommorrow just to check them out. I'll definatelly be looking for how many watt's they are.

 

[jprp]

if by sump pump you mean flood pumps such as for draining building foundations ect then the problem is toxic resins used to house the motor-if you look in the manual it will tell you not for aquatic use.
this is the case in uk anyway

 

[doubledragon]

if by sump pump you mean flood pumps such as for draining building foundations ect then the problem is toxic resins used to house the motor-if you look in the manual it will tell you not for aquatic use.
this is the case in uk anyway

Thank's. I'll check into that.

 

[AKlass]

for a pond I wouldn't recommend a sump because they take up alot of power and grind the waste into tiny pieces that can bypass filter floss. External pumps are the way to go

 

[doubledragon]

for a pond I wouldn't recommend a sump because they take up alot of power and grind the waste into tiny pieces that can bypass filter floss. External pumps are the way to go

Good info, thx

 

[kaylward]

Sump pumps are what's known as an "Intermitant" pump. That means that it is meant to run for very short periods. They are normally high head pumps, as they are meant to move water up a significant numer of feet. This normally means a lot of wasted enrgy for creating pressure, rather than flow. Add to this the fact that they are a type of "trash" pump, and leak lubricants, rust and other contaminants into your water. Therefore, this would likely be the LAST choice for a pond pump.
Mag drive pumps are normally the best choice for ponds. Designed for continuous use, they'll need little or no lubication maintenance. They are typically far more energy efficient. They're manufactured with chemically inert materials to avoid unnecesary contaminants (as opposed to rusty iron impellers etc.), Extremely quiet in most cases, and provide the added benefit of being tolerant of "dry" pump operation in most cases. A lot of them can even be submerged and/or external use pumps. About the only real drawback is overall capacity. And even that is being addressed by the companies now making larger and larger varieties.
As inexpensive as these pumps are, you can always elect to use multiple pumps, there are two stage/speed pumps out there now, and you can use large ones for pumping the filter water, and separate smaller ones for waterfalls, fountains and other effects.
Whatever you do, don't fall for the thought that a cheap sump pump is going to be ideal for a purpose it just wasn't designed for. Your utility bill, your ears and your fish will thank you for the extra time in selecting the right pump for your pond.

 

[doubledragon]

Sump pumps are what's known as an "Intermitant" pump. That means that it is meant to run for very short periods. They are normally high head pumps, as they are meant to move water up a significant numer of feet. This normally means a lot of wasted enrgy for creating pressure, rather than flow. Add to this the fact that they are a type of "trash" pump, and leak lubricants, rust and other contaminants into your water. Therefore, this would likely be the LAST choice for a pond pump.
Mag drive pumps are normally the best choice for ponds. Designed for continuous use, they'll need little or no lubication maintenance. They are typically far more energy efficient. They're manufactured with chemically inert materials to avoid unnecesary contaminants (as opposed to rusty iron impellers etc.), Extremely quiet in most cases, and provide the added benefit of being tolerant of "dry" pump operation in most cases. A lot of them can even be submerged and/or external use pumps. About the only real drawback is overall capacity. And even that is being addressed by the companies now making larger and larger varieties.
As inexpensive as these pumps are, you can always elect to use multiple pumps, there are two stage/speed pumps out there now, and you can use large ones for pumping the filter water, and separate smaller ones for waterfalls, fountains and other effects.
Whatever you do, don't fall for the thought that a cheap sump pump is going to be ideal for a purpose it just wasn't designed for. Your utility bill, your ears and your fish will thank you for the extra time in selecting the right pump for your pond.

Very informative info. Thank's a lot, and welcome to MFK.