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I am new to pond-making and wondering how to exclude tadpoles, frog
eggs and fry from being sucked into a submersible pump. If it matters,
the pond is about 700 gallons and I haven't bought a pump yet. I'd
also like to know how strong of a pump I need. Any advice will be
greatly appreciated.
0
How to keep tadpoles out of pump?
Started by Guest_Pat_*, Aug 08 2010 02:45 AM
12 replies to this topic
#2 Guest_Jim Elbrecht_*
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- Guests
Posted 08 August 2010 - 12:28 PM
Pat <patricia251@centurytel.net> wrote:
>I am new to pond-making and wondering how to exclude tadpoles, frog
>eggs and fry from being sucked into a submersible pump. If it matters,
>the pond is about 700 gallons and I haven't bought a pump yet. I'd
>also like to know how strong of a pump I need. Any advice will be
>greatly appreciated.
Eggs are usually fastened to something- plants, rocks, whatever.
Tadpoles and fry are another matter.
My Savio 'Water Master' is called a 'solids handling' pump. When it
dies I'll take it apart to see what the impeller looks like- but it
says it will handle up to 1 1/4" solids.
It is separated from the pond in a skimmer, behind a mesh net and a
fiber filter.
Yet the occasional tadpole or fish fry finds it way through and
through the pump, through 15' of pipe, through the filter on my
waterfall weir-- and into the top 'pond'.
In 2 years I've found dozens of survivors, and only one injured fish -
a 2" Rosy Red- in the upper pond. Unless these guys have salmon
blood, there is no way to get there except through the pump.
Jim
>I am new to pond-making and wondering how to exclude tadpoles, frog
>eggs and fry from being sucked into a submersible pump. If it matters,
>the pond is about 700 gallons and I haven't bought a pump yet. I'd
>also like to know how strong of a pump I need. Any advice will be
>greatly appreciated.
Eggs are usually fastened to something- plants, rocks, whatever.
Tadpoles and fry are another matter.
My Savio 'Water Master' is called a 'solids handling' pump. When it
dies I'll take it apart to see what the impeller looks like- but it
says it will handle up to 1 1/4" solids.
It is separated from the pond in a skimmer, behind a mesh net and a
fiber filter.
Yet the occasional tadpole or fish fry finds it way through and
through the pump, through 15' of pipe, through the filter on my
waterfall weir-- and into the top 'pond'.
In 2 years I've found dozens of survivors, and only one injured fish -
a 2" Rosy Red- in the upper pond. Unless these guys have salmon
blood, there is no way to get there except through the pump.
Jim
#3 Guest_Phyllis and Jim_*
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- Guests
Posted 08 August 2010 - 08:52 PM
We get the odd goldfish or mosquito fish through our 1/2" solids
pump. Don't know how many don't make it. Our intake is a 1 1/2" pipe
in a 5 gal bucket with as many 1/2" holes as I could drill. The pull
per hole is very little. We have vegie filters, so there is no
filter in the intake. Things have fit through the 1/2" hole to get
into the pump. The intake is close to the bottom of the pond.
Jim
pump. Don't know how many don't make it. Our intake is a 1 1/2" pipe
in a 5 gal bucket with as many 1/2" holes as I could drill. The pull
per hole is very little. We have vegie filters, so there is no
filter in the intake. Things have fit through the 1/2" hole to get
into the pump. The intake is close to the bottom of the pond.
Jim
#4 Guest_Pat_*
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Posted 09 August 2010 - 11:12 AM
On Aug 8, 3:52 pm, Phyllis and Jim <jimandphylli...@gmail.com> wrote:
> We get the odd goldfish or mosquito fish through our 1/2" solids
> pump. Don't know how many don't make it. Our intake is a 1 1/2" pip
e
> in a 5 gal bucket with as many 1/2" holes as I could drill. The pull
> per hole is very little. We have vegie filters, so there is no
> filter in the intake. Things have fit through the 1/2" hole to get
> into the pump. The intake is close to the bottom of the pond.
Jim, what size and model pump are you using?
> We get the odd goldfish or mosquito fish through our 1/2" solids
> pump. Don't know how many don't make it. Our intake is a 1 1/2" pip
e
> in a 5 gal bucket with as many 1/2" holes as I could drill. The pull
> per hole is very little. We have vegie filters, so there is no
> filter in the intake. Things have fit through the 1/2" hole to get
> into the pump. The intake is close to the bottom of the pond.
Jim, what size and model pump are you using?
#5 Guest_Phyllis and Jim_*
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- Guests
Posted 09 August 2010 - 09:30 PM
Pondmaster 2400gph. Seems to do well. I would have reached for the
3600, but they don't do it here any more as far as I can see. The
2400 is doing fine for us. I note that some versions seem to come
with a bladed entrance filter and a 'bag' to protect it. I would view
a mesh bag as an invitation to clog. The benefit of 1/2" holes in a 5
gal bucket is that they did not clog over a 10 yr period that I had
our old pump. The beauty of the pondmaster is that it can be used
submersed or not (We are doing 'not' so that we can replace it without
swimming!). The design also has just the impeller and so it is both
cheap and durable.
Others may have their favorites as well. I am less an advocate that a
pleased user.
Jim
3600, but they don't do it here any more as far as I can see. The
2400 is doing fine for us. I note that some versions seem to come
with a bladed entrance filter and a 'bag' to protect it. I would view
a mesh bag as an invitation to clog. The benefit of 1/2" holes in a 5
gal bucket is that they did not clog over a 10 yr period that I had
our old pump. The beauty of the pondmaster is that it can be used
submersed or not (We are doing 'not' so that we can replace it without
swimming!). The design also has just the impeller and so it is both
cheap and durable.
Others may have their favorites as well. I am less an advocate that a
pleased user.
Jim
#6 Guest_Phyllis and Jim_*
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- Guests
Posted 10 August 2010 - 06:32 AM
I just reviewed your post and note that you have a 700 gal pond. If
your pump turned it over every 2 hours, you would need only 350 gph
flow (plus some for pushing the water up to a fall or something for
the return. My guess is that you would do fine with a pump that
pushes 5-600 gph. If you are running a veggie filter (i.e. small pond
with plants) as a filter, you would want to take that additional
volume into account).
Again, others may have other wisdom for you.
Jim
your pump turned it over every 2 hours, you would need only 350 gph
flow (plus some for pushing the water up to a fall or something for
the return. My guess is that you would do fine with a pump that
pushes 5-600 gph. If you are running a veggie filter (i.e. small pond
with plants) as a filter, you would want to take that additional
volume into account).
Again, others may have other wisdom for you.
Jim
#7 Guest_~ jan_*
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- Guests
Posted 10 August 2010 - 11:32 AM
On Sat, 7 Aug 2010 22:45:14 EDT, Pat <patricia251@centurytel.net> wrote:
>I am new to pond-making and wondering how to exclude tadpoles, frog
>eggs and fry from being sucked into a submersible pump. If it matters,
>the pond is about 700 gallons and I haven't bought a pump yet. I'd
>also like to know how strong of a pump I need. Any advice will be
>greatly appreciated.
Hi Pat,
You'll need at least a 700 gph usually. Depends on where the output is
going, a fountain or waterfall, how high up does it have to pump and how
wide across is the waterfall and/or stream?
If the pump is in the pond you can enclose it in mesh baskets:
http://users.owt.com...os/set1/09s.jpg remove any foam in
front of impeller as it will quickly clog and you'll be pulling the pump
out constantly to clean it. Mesh baskets will usually keep out small fish
that are several days old, the rest and eggs will go thru, but they're not
usually hanging around the pump at that age.
My lily pond has a bottom drain and I had to put a big mesh basket over it
to keep even some of the larger fish from being sucked down and into my
filter. Most make the ride, but I would prefer they stay in the pond, thus
the mesh basket. I do find baby fish in the pre-filter, but I think that is
from eggs making the ride and not the little fry. HTHs and welcome to
ponding. ~ jan :-)
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us
>I am new to pond-making and wondering how to exclude tadpoles, frog
>eggs and fry from being sucked into a submersible pump. If it matters,
>the pond is about 700 gallons and I haven't bought a pump yet. I'd
>also like to know how strong of a pump I need. Any advice will be
>greatly appreciated.
Hi Pat,
You'll need at least a 700 gph usually. Depends on where the output is
going, a fountain or waterfall, how high up does it have to pump and how
wide across is the waterfall and/or stream?
If the pump is in the pond you can enclose it in mesh baskets:
http://users.owt.com...os/set1/09s.jpg remove any foam in
front of impeller as it will quickly clog and you'll be pulling the pump
out constantly to clean it. Mesh baskets will usually keep out small fish
that are several days old, the rest and eggs will go thru, but they're not
usually hanging around the pump at that age.
My lily pond has a bottom drain and I had to put a big mesh basket over it
to keep even some of the larger fish from being sucked down and into my
filter. Most make the ride, but I would prefer they stay in the pond, thus
the mesh basket. I do find baby fish in the pre-filter, but I think that is
from eggs making the ride and not the little fry. HTHs and welcome to
ponding. ~ jan :-)
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us
#8 Guest_Pat_*
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- Guests
Posted 11 August 2010 - 04:54 AM
On Aug 10, 6:32 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
> If the pump is in the pond you can enclose it in mesh baskets:
http://users.owt.com...os/set1/09s.jpg
Thanks Jan. By any chance is there a larger version of that pic? I can
scarcely see what it is.
> If the pump is in the pond you can enclose it in mesh baskets:
http://users.owt.com...os/set1/09s.jpg
Thanks Jan. By any chance is there a larger version of that pic? I can
scarcely see what it is.
#9 Guest_~ jan_*
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- Guests
Posted 11 August 2010 - 11:38 AM
On Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:54:10 EDT, Pat <patricia251@centurytel.net> wrote:
>On Aug 10, 6:32 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
>
>> If the pump is in the pond you can enclose it in mesh baskets:
>http://users.owt.com...os/set1/09s.jpg
>
>Thanks Jan. By any chance is there a larger version of that pic? I can
>scarcely see what it is.
Click on my website below, click on "my pond pics" and go to page 7. Click
on pic and you should see a bigger version. ~ jan
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us
>On Aug 10, 6:32 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
>
>> If the pump is in the pond you can enclose it in mesh baskets:
>http://users.owt.com...os/set1/09s.jpg
>
>Thanks Jan. By any chance is there a larger version of that pic? I can
>scarcely see what it is.
Click on my website below, click on "my pond pics" and go to page 7. Click
on pic and you should see a bigger version. ~ jan
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us
#10 Guest_Pat_*
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- Guests
Posted 12 August 2010 - 03:57 PM
On Aug 11, 6:38 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
> On Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:54:10 EDT, Pat <patricia...@centurytel.net> wrote:
> >On Aug 10, 6:32 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
>
> >> If the pump is in the pond you can enclose it in mesh baskets:
> >http://users.owt.com...os/set1/09s.jpg
>
> >Thanks Jan. By any chance is there a larger version of that pic? I can
> >scarcely see what it is.
>
> Click on my website below, click on "my pond pics" and go to page 7. Clic
k
> on pic and you should see a bigger version. ~ jan
> ------------
> Zone 7a, SE Washington State
> Ponds:www.jjspond.us
Ok I found the pic but still can't make out what it is. Where do you
get this "mesh basket clamshell" and how do you fasten it to/over the
pump?
> On Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:54:10 EDT, Pat <patricia...@centurytel.net> wrote:
> >On Aug 10, 6:32 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
>
> >> If the pump is in the pond you can enclose it in mesh baskets:
> >http://users.owt.com...os/set1/09s.jpg
>
> >Thanks Jan. By any chance is there a larger version of that pic? I can
> >scarcely see what it is.
>
> Click on my website below, click on "my pond pics" and go to page 7. Clic
k
> on pic and you should see a bigger version. ~ jan
> ------------
> Zone 7a, SE Washington State
> Ponds:www.jjspond.us
Ok I found the pic but still can't make out what it is. Where do you
get this "mesh basket clamshell" and how do you fasten it to/over the
pump?
#11 Guest_~ jan_*
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- Guests
Posted 13 August 2010 - 11:53 AM
On Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EDT, Pat <patricia251@centurytel.net> wrote:
>
>Ok I found the pic but still can't make out what it is. Where do you
>get this "mesh basket clamshell" and how do you fasten it to/over the
>pump?
The mesh basket are what nurseries sell as aquatic baskets for plants. You
buy 2 the same size that when hooked together at the open ends (with zip
ties) it forms a big clam, with pump inside. All you have to do is make
holes big enough for piping and cord. HTHs
http://users.owt.com...tos/set1/09.jpg hexagons
Or this type of square basket:
http://i973.photobuc.../P7150001-1.jpg ~ jan
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us
>
>Ok I found the pic but still can't make out what it is. Where do you
>get this "mesh basket clamshell" and how do you fasten it to/over the
>pump?
The mesh basket are what nurseries sell as aquatic baskets for plants. You
buy 2 the same size that when hooked together at the open ends (with zip
ties) it forms a big clam, with pump inside. All you have to do is make
holes big enough for piping and cord. HTHs
http://users.owt.com...tos/set1/09.jpg hexagons
Or this type of square basket:
http://i973.photobuc.../P7150001-1.jpg ~ jan
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us
#12 Guest_Pat_*
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- Guests
Posted 14 August 2010 - 10:06 PM
On Aug 13, 6:53 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
> http://users.owt.com...tos/set1/09.jpg hexagons
> Or this type of square basket:http://i973.photobuc...albums/ae212/jj
spond/P7150001-1.jpg
Thanks, Jan, that is very helpful!
What are the foam tubes for in the second pic?
> http://users.owt.com...tos/set1/09.jpg hexagons
> Or this type of square basket:http://i973.photobuc...albums/ae212/jj
spond/P7150001-1.jpg
Thanks, Jan, that is very helpful!
What are the foam tubes for in the second pic?
#13 Guest_~ jan_*
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- Guests
Posted 15 August 2010 - 01:10 AM
On Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:06:19 EDT, Pat <patricia251@centurytel.net> wrote:
>On Aug 13, 6:53 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
>> http://users.owt.com...tos/set1/09.jpg hexagons
>> Or this type of square basket:http://i973.photobuc...albums/ae212/jj
>spond/P7150001-1.jpg
>
>Thanks, Jan, that is very helpful!
>
>What are the foam tubes for in the second pic?
>
I was demonstrating how to make a plant island, see the whole set of pics
here: http://Photobucket.com/jjspond
Bottom of page 6 & top of page 7. ~ jan :-)
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us
>On Aug 13, 6:53 am, ~ jan <Seewebs...@jjspond.us> wrote:
>> http://users.owt.com...tos/set1/09.jpg hexagons
>> Or this type of square basket:http://i973.photobuc...albums/ae212/jj
>spond/P7150001-1.jpg
>
>Thanks, Jan, that is very helpful!
>
>What are the foam tubes for in the second pic?
>
I was demonstrating how to make a plant island, see the whole set of pics
here: http://Photobucket.com/jjspond
Bottom of page 6 & top of page 7. ~ jan :-)
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us
