HOW TO CHOOSE A HYDROPONIC, AQUAPONIC, ALGAPONIC, AQUARIUM, POND OR FOUNTAIN PUMP

First remember:
 – “Maximum Flow Rate” is meaningless because it is at ZERO lift.
 – “Maximum Head/Lift” is meaningless because the flow at that height is only a trickle.

You need to choose an affordable quality pump that produces the “desired flow at your required lift” at the lowest wattage.

Step 1: Determining Desired Flow Rate
Hydroponic Systems – typically flow through a single loop allowing a single pump and need a flow rate near 100 GPH for each grow bed loop up to 120 feet. Flood/drain beds – need 2 to 4 cycles per hour. Fish tanks – need a least one exchange per hour or extra oxygenation. Waterfalls – need 100 GPH for each inch of width.

Step 2: Calculating System Lift
Measure the “vertical distance” from the “top” of the water in the pump tank to the pump discharge point.

Step 3: Pump Selection Considerations
 – Continuous instead of intermittent pump duty cycle greatly increases pump life, plus no need for a timer or level control.<br  – Low cost (<$60) pumps in the 3 to 60 watt pump range are typically submersible.
 – A rule of thumb is that an average pump will last 2-4 times the stated warranty period.
 – Best to buy a backup pump if fish or plants depend on the pump.

Step 4: Is A Foam Filter Needed?
A foam filter is not usually needed to protect the pump and the screen cover is enough. If your model has a foam filter and it clogs too fast, best to remove the filter.
 – If the screen clogs too fast… get a separate pre-filter, vortex filter or settling tank.
 – Micro-algae will not hurt a pump unless it stops water flow.
 – Most people buy our filter pumps for the longer 16 foot cord and discard the foam filter.

Product Features

  • PonicsPumps Sells 8 pump sizes. Click on “PonicPumps” below the main page title to see them all.
  • FLOW RATES: 120 Gallons Per Hour (GPH) @ 0′ Lift; 95 GPH @ 1′ Lift; 66 GPH @ 2′ Lift; 20 GPH @ 3′ Lift; Max Lift – 3′ 3″.
  • PEAK EFFICIENCY SWEET SPOT: 66 GPH @ 2′ Lift”.
  • DIMENSIONS: 1.97″ x 1.73″ x 1.26″.
  • 5 FOOT QUALITY CORD: Many pump manufacturers use an inferior quality cord, our highest quality (SJTW) Electric Cord is waterproof, 18# gauge copper wire, molded plug with ground, heavy duty flexible vinyl jacket, resists oil/grease/moisture, abrasion resistant and very good flexibility at all temperatures.
  • EPOXY RESIN ENCASEMENT of key internal motor components prevents unwanted conductivity and corrosion of metal parts.
  • NEODYMIUM IRON BORON (NdFeB) MAGNETS are used in all our electric motors because they are the most powerful permanent magnetic materials commercially available and increase energy efficiency.
  • EASY CLEAN: No tools required to disassemble and clean filter/impeller.
  • 6 WATTS – 120VAC – 60Hz
  • TWO OUTLET ADAPTORS : For 5/16″ and 1/2″ tubing.
  • WATER TYPE: Fresh
  • ADJUSTABLE INPUT FLOW RATE
  • OIL FREE, NO EXPOSED COPPER Safe for fish!
  • POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL 205 IMPELLER SHAFT to insure long life of the pump.
  • NO SEAL TO FAIL! Uses wet-rotor design, so no seal to fail that would damage the pump motor.
  • LIMITED WARRANTY: 1 Year, only when sold by NicheNOVA.

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