How long should I run my outdoor pond pump?

F

fkts99

AC Members
Jul 7, 2006
6
0
0
Miami, Florida
Please help... I have a +/- 200 gallon pond in South Florida and have been running my pump/waterfall and UV light 24hrs a day for the past year or so. My pond has large goldfish, night time frogs and beautiful flowering water lilies during the day. Unfortunately, I am always fighting the battle with green water, specially during the hot summer months.

I would like to place the pump on a timer in order to cut back on electric usage and wear. How many hours a day can I run it? Should it run during the day or night? Or do I need to leave it running all the time.

Thanks in advance
 
It should be run constantly, to prevent the pond from going stagnant (mosquitos prefer stagnant water and it will also result in a deteriation of water quality).

A possible (and probably a good one) soloution to your green water probalem is to use a good covering of floating plants, to such up nutrients and block out light.
 
24/7 on the pump. You might want to look for a more efficient running pump if your are noticing the usage on your bill. Shutting your pump off at night could actually endanger your fish as oxygen levels drop at night.

Filtration is going to be the key to your green water issues. The green means you have nutrient rich water. This can be due to fish load, over feeding, over fertilizing plants, etc.
If you build yourself a small skippy type filter (biological filtration) I think you will see a difference in your water. I built one this spring for my 500 gallon pool out of a whiskey barrel liner with the fall spout on it, used layers of lava rock and blue air conditioner pads for media and I have not had any algae problems this year.

http://www.skippysstuff.com/biofiltr.htm
 
ah i've been looking at this solar powered pond/fountain pump as an alternative to the common electric pumps. http://www.siliconsolar.com/shop/catalog/Medium-Output-Solar-Fountain-Kit-p-8.html
there's the one i'm considering investisting in (well my mom also hehe :) ), replacement pumps and a nighttime upgrade are optional. all of that for a grand total of 129.95 without all the optional stuff. it may be a bit costly compared to other pumps but can't beat solar power :clap: :clap:
 
runing pump

I am owner/operator of a new backyard pond with fish and live in Michigan. I was told by 'expert' that I must run pump and filter 24/7. Haven't received latest electric bill to see what it will cost. I have also been concerned about electirc usage. Guess I never thought this 'pond' thing through ahead of time. But, I love it and it is worth the cost as long as I have a job. teehee
I am constantly battling with green water and still not sure if UV is working. I was told it takes 6 weeks to establish proper bacteria in pond. Now going on that time. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom