Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Submersible pump or external drive?

Is there a consensus on the type of pumps one should use for waterfalls and streams? I may need a high capacity pump for a stream and waterfall feature and it looks like I'm right at the threshold of external pump instead of a submersible style pumps. Does one design use less electricity over another? If I'm going to be running the pump 24/7, what is the general recommendation? If I need high lift, say 37 feet including a long stream and need 7000 gph, does one design work better than another? I guess I don't see too many forum topics discussing the various types of pump products for varying results needed.

DL,

The suppliers that sell these should have efficiency ratings for each pump, power consumption, head loss etc. Two advertisers here have all of this stuff which includes Stoney Creek and AES. Both are happy to answer your questions too. Even if you don't call them their catalogs have quite a bit of information.

Obviously you want a pump that is rated for continuous use and will use the least amount of power.

DL, I'm running 2, 5000 gal submersibles to supply a stream 120 ft. long with about 15 ft. of head lift. I usually only run one at a time to reduce cost, but can run both for a strong flow when desired.This flexability is great to have and difficult to add later.At the very least,run a second supply flex-line for another pump so it's easy to add on.Suction lift is a whole different game.You can push water a long way, but suction lift is a huge drain on efficiency. Like Cecil said, your pump supplier can give you info on head/friction loss. My suggestion would be talk to the folks that actually INSTALL this type of feature,not just sell pumps.They can teach you alot if you want to do it yourself like I did.Even if you have to pay them to look at your site,and make suggestions,its well worth the money. Running costs are about 50.00 per mo. per pump. If it's installed properly is pretty much trouble free and you'll love it.Not installed properly, it will be an expensive pain in the #@%$. Mine runs 24/7.