POND PUMP
SOLAR or ELECTRIC POWERED
GENERAL INFORMATION:
It is actually impossible to operate a healthy garden pond without a pump, because stagnant water warms up, providing perfect conditions for algae growth and the water not only begins to turn green - it also begins to smell unpleasant.
For more information about pond pumps, read our guide:
"The right pump"
Should the electricity for pumping water come from the socket or from the solar module?
First things first:
We compare electric powered pumps and solar powered pumps powered from a set with a solar panel. Not via the solar panels that many have installed on the roof of their homes.
powered:
There is a huge selection of electric pond pumps on the market.
Here are a few examples: Filter pumps supply the pond filter with water, which this from
Free from dirt particles and algae.
Pumps that supply a water feature, waterfall or stream with the necessary amount of water are among the most frequently used.
They are available in a wide range of performance levels and variations. And now very energy-saving and inexpensive.
Where are electric pumps indispensable?
Especially with larger ponds and/or a larger fish stock, it is essential to circulate the water and thus supply the water with enough oxygen. Here, the use of a power-driven, powerful pond pump is indispensable.
What is needed?
A corresponding power connection near the pond is absolutely necessary for operation. This should be connected professionally and ideally also have an extra FI circuit breaker.
Why an RCD?
Water and electricity, as we all know, don't mix. In order to ensure the greatest possible safety factor, you should not do without this little helper!
Despite high EU standards and test seals, a defect due to a defect in the device or a pitted or destroyed power cable cannot be prevented.
Be careful - there is a risk of death for humans and animals.
Such a circuit breaker can significantly minimize this risk!
Underground cables and special outdoor sockets, among other things, help to route the electricity "invisibly" to the desired location.
(You can find the perfect cover with our plug brick).
benefits
:
Large and varied selection
Different power levels available
Inexpensive to buy
On request or permanent operation possible
disadvantage
:
- External power connection required
- Appropriate cable routing required
- Correspondingly high electricity costs for continuous operation
Solar operation:
Such pumps draw their energy from the power of the sun, to ensure this it should be noted that a solar module is always supplied.
So that causes this pump
no running costs
.
As a rule, the supplied solar module is attached to the ground near the garden pond/fountain with a ground spike.
Attention cables!
This is a solar-powered pond pump, but a cable is also involved here. This cable connects the pump to the solar panel.
(Important: As with the electricity version, the cable of the solar module must also be laid accordingly.)
If you want to do without any cables, you can choose a model where the pump contains the module and uses a floating ring to propel it to the surface. (Often known in the form of a lily pad)
How does a solar pump work?
If the pump is installed and the sun is shining, the solar energy is converted into electricity and the pump motor is operated.
Attention: There are different variants here!
1. Solar pumps with solar panel
Advantage:
When the sun is shining, the pump runs automatically and the water is then circulated accordingly. This also works on cloudy days (depending on the size and position of the module)
Disadvantage:
If you sit in the garden in the dark in the evening, your waterfall, etc. will NOT work!
This may sound logical - but it is often ignored and leads to disappointment afterwards.
2. Solar pumps with solar panel and battery
advantage:
The solar energy is stored and can be called up when required. In this way, the solar pump can also be used on dark or cloudy days.
Disadvantage:
Such sets come with a small remote control, so you always have to switch the solar pump on manually.
From my own experience with the remote control:
It is forgotten and accordingly the water is not circulated!
General:
The biggest advantage of a solar pump is of course the ongoing cost factor
Operation since no electricity is drawn.
Accordingly, there does not have to be a socket near the water.
Benefits:
No operating costs thanks to solar energy
No power connection required
Simple construction
The water is automatically circulated
Environmentally friendly
Disadvantage:
- Higher acquisition costs compared to the electricity variant
- No replacement for powerful filter pumps
- Space for solar modules near the pond (cables are usually only 3-5m long)
- A set with rechargeable battery is required for use at dusk
Which of the two pond pump variants is best suited?
Powered by electricity or with solar? To find the ideal pond pump, read our guide: "The right pump". Once you have determined the required pump power for your garden pond, you can choose between solar or electricity operation.
Summary:
If your water point is a small ornamental pond or natural pond with only plants, then a pond pump is not absolutely necessary.
The plants contained in it regulate the oxygen content of the water on their own and contribute to a balanced biological balance.
If the garden pond is larger or even stocked with fish, the use of a pump is absolutely necessary, as is the case for a stream/waterfall or a water feature.
The larger the garden pond, the more powerful the pond pump and pond filter must be.
Solar pumps that only enable the oxygen supply by generating a water fountain or running a stream are already reaching their limits here.
In order to create a clean and ecological habitat for fish, a powerful, electrically operated filter pump should be used for larger dimensions.
Conclusion:
Which pump you choose and whether it is suitable for your garden pond depends on your decision, the size and the use.
Electric pond pumps score points with their performance and usability in large pond systems with filters.
Solar-powered pond pumps can be individually positioned at any point in the garden pond, as they work completely independently of the power connection and do not incur any electricity costs.
In our exhibition we also work with both variants in a garden pond. On the one hand, the power-driven pump for the filter to guarantee our fish clean water at all times (summer to autumn 24/7). And a solar-powered pump to feed the “smaller” streams with water when the weather is nice. (Without battery, because we usually only stay in the garden as soon as the sun shines)
Even if there are good and inexpensive power-driven pond pumps, there are a few good reasons to rely on solar energy, especially in your own garden.
Once the decision to use "green energy" has been made, the question arises as to which device/manufacturer to choose.
We have been working with manufacturers such as Messner, Oase and Pontec for several years and are more than convinced of the quality and performance. This conviction is also underpinned by a complaint rate that is not worth mentioning and positive reviews!
See for yourself!
We hope you enjoy the selection and assembly!
Couldn't all your questions be answered?
Then contact us:
Phone: 05602 915435
Your Wasserkaskaden.de team
