Koi pond pumps - What to know before you buy

Some folks might think a Koi pond is just a water garden with big fish swimming around, but it is actually very different from a water garden because of the different requirements that Koi have. Koi eat plants and the limited plant life that can be put in a Koi pond would also limit the oxygen supply for the fish. Koi can also grow quite large, much larger than your common goldfish, and would thus require great amounts of water for them to move around and to thrive. For these reasons a Koi pond pump is needed - an item specifically designed for raising this interesting kind of fish.

There are many ways to arrange the plumbing of a Koi pond, but you need to be sure that the method and materials used are appropriate for raising Koi. You need a reliable water circulation system strong enough to supply the fish with the circulation and oxygen they need - but not so strong for the ponds capacity.

Since a Koi pond is different from a swimming pool, it would be detrimental and wasteful to use swimming pool pumps for a fish pond. Koi need a low but steady pressure that will circulate the water without being too harsh for them to swim. While you can achieve this with other types of pumps it is best to get one that is specifically designed for Koi.

Koi ponds require pumping 24 hours a day, and it is the important to get a pump that could do this job without noticeably affecting the electrical bill. A good pump would be one that satisfies the flow requirement for the size of the pond and the number of fish in it with the smallest amp draw possible.

The installation and proper maintenance of a Koi pond pump is also key to the relyability, longevity, and energy efficiency of the system. Here are some useful tips for the setting up and operation of Koi pond pumps:

1. The pump should be situated as near as possible to the source of water. It is also important to create a flooded suction by placing the pump just outside the pond but below its the surface level. If this is not possible, then just install the pump as low as possible and a close to the source as possible.

2. On the pump’s inlet you should have a priming pot and a check, or a foot valve which is located below the water surface. It is important to prime the pump’s inlet line and the priming pot before starting the pump.

3. The discharge line should be just as big, or smaller than the diameter of the inlet pipe. The pipe should be big enough to keep friction loss at a minimum, otherwise the pump would fight the friction and waste energy.

4. A good filtration system is essential to a Koi pond. Use one that does not need much pressure such as the biological filters.

5. The pump should never run dry. The impeller and the seal can be damaged if they are pumping air instead of water. This is the reason for priming as stated above.

6. The pump and the motor should be protected from the elements otherwise rust damage can occur. It should have a covering that still allows some ventilation while protecting the unit from rain and moisture.

7. If you have a larger pond that would require more flow, you could benefit from two pumps working in parallel. This saves more money than getting a single high-capacity pump depending on cost - just keep this in mind as an option.

Koi ponds can add a lot to the aesthetics of your home, but it is important to know what is needed for maintenance to ensure a properly working pond and the life of your Koi fish. If you want to know more about Koi pond pumps and the best ones for your needs, please consult your local Koi pond supplies retailer.