To minimize flow restriction, use the biggest pipe that you can - there are engineering calculations on the internet to allow you to plug in numbers to see how the size of the pipe affects flow.

Lift height is only applicable once the pipe is out of the water.

www.hoosierpondpros.com

[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).