Josh, pumps are really designed to push water, not suck it. Try getting the pump as close to the water level as possible, and see about digging a deeper hole where the pick-up is to prevent it from sucking air. Make double sure that all your suction lines are air tight - they will suck air a lot easier than water.

Or is it a "pump not running" problem? It isn't fun screwing around in this heat when the equipment is giving you fits.

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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).