Pond pumps for filters and streams

A pond pump moves water to the filter, the UV-C unit, the stream or the waterfall. Choose it according to the pond volume, the height to overcome and the power consumption: submersible, gravity-fed, variable flow or 12 V.

How to choose a pond pump?

The number after the model name (AquaMax Eco Classic 5500, PondECO Next 10000, O-6500…) usually indicates the maximum flow rate in litres per hour, measured with no head height. The real flow rate drops with the delivery height and the length of the hose: always check the pump curve on the product page.

• Pond volume: length × width × average depth gives the volume in m³; this is the basis for calculating the flow rate.
• Inhabitants: a planted pond is fine with its whole volume circulating every 2 hours; with koi, aim for at least the whole volume once per hour.
• Head height: count the level difference between the water surface and the filter inlet or the top of the waterfall.
• Installation: submersible for most ponds, gravity-fed (AquaMax Eco Gravity) behind a gravity-fed filter, dry-installed (AquaMax Dry) in a plant room.
• Power consumption: a pump runs day and night during the season: low-energy, variable-flow (Eco Classic C, O-Plus Vario, Eco Twin) or 12 V ranges (Eco Premium 12V, Eco Expert 12V) cut the bill and adapt to your needs.

Recommended real flow rate at the filter, by volume and fish:

These flow rates apply at the real height of your installation: choose a pump whose curve reaches this flow rate at that height, and a filter rated for this volume with fish.

Frequently asked questions

What pump flow rate for a 10 m³ pond?

Allow a real flow rate at the filter of about 5,000 l/h for a planted pond, 5,000 to 10,000 l/h with goldfish depending on their number, and at least 10,000 l/h with koi, at the real height of the installation.

Filtration pump or waterfall pump: what is the difference?

A filtration pump must run continuously with moderate consumption and handle suspended particles. For a waterfall or a stream, what matters most is the flow available at the height of the fall and the width of the spillway. The same pump can feed the filter and then the waterfall if its flow rate remains sufficient at that height.

Should a pond pump run 24 hours a day?

Yes, throughout the season when the filter is in use. The filter bacteria need a constant supply of water and oxygen; switching the pump off at night weakens biological filtration.

How do I maintain a pond pump?

Regularly clean the strainer and the rotor, then descale the pump with a cleaner designed for pond equipment, such as OASE PumpClean. Never use bleach, which damages the seals and parts of the pump.

What should I do with the pump in winter?

If the filter is shut down for winter, take the pump out, clean it and store it submerged in a bucket of water, protected from frost. If you keep water circulating, raise the pump so that it does not stir the deep zone where the fish rest.

Read: which pump and which filter for my pond (table), choosing your filtration pump and broken pump rotor: causes and prevention. See also our pond filters, our solar pumps and the replacement rotors.

Experts since 1998. Unsure about sizing? Write to support@foudebassin.com or call +32 10 86 03 54.