Pump - Sunterra vs. Pondscape

[CountryEscape]

Does anyone have knowledge of either of these brands? On E-Bay the Sunterra 4300 is $162 and the Pondscape 4000 GPH is $105, both including shipping.
I just finished digging my pond, and it will have approximately 4,000 gallons of water. It's 19' long and average of 8.5' wide, average of 44" deep. I plan to have a waterfall, with pump sucking from the deepest part, in the middle. I will also need a separate pump (I assume, that is) to run a skimmer which will send the "skimmed" water through a pipe to the bog plant area which is approx. 12' away, running up through the pea gravel and plants, and then overflowing back into the pond. This second pump will also tee off to run a fountain, if that can work. I'm learning as I go, and asking lots of questions is the plan for me.
Thanks for your help!

 

[fishin4cars]

Sorry, I'm not familar with those two pumps. Wish I could help on that but from what I have heard and read a lot of folks believe in, Laquna pumps. They make a really good pump that has one of the longest warranties and can handle some solids and has a cover basket that will help protect the pump better for your application, worth considering. I am also a fan of running at least 1 -1 1/2 total capacity turn over rate of the pond, (4000 gallon pond I like having between 4000-8000 gph of water turn over rate, even if only half of that is through the primary filter. Using two pumps and two different filtering methods has one great benefit, if one goes down you have a back up running until you can get it fixed, Believe me, I'm glad I run two seperate pumps and filters.!

 

[addy1]

We have one for the bog, one on a timer for the stream and little ponds, and a back up pump for both systems.

evolution series 3500 and either 4200 or 4500 can't recall. Very low electric use.

 

[koiguy1969]

i have only heard bad things on sunterra pumps (submersables anyways)...never heard of pondscapes.

 

[Pondmaster]

Fishin4cars is right on, the Laguna pumps are very good and efficient, the 4200 uses only 160 watts. I have run mine 24/7 for over two years without a even a hiccup. You can purchase the 4200 for $169. If you can't find it at that price pm me. I believe Laguna has a mail in rebate going on right now of $35.

 

[Pondmaster]

Link to Laguna rebate form.

http://www.webbsonline.com/PDF/LagunaRebateForm.pdf

 

[j.w]

Fishin4cars is right on, the Laguna pumps are very good and efficient, the 4200 uses only 160 watts. I have run mine 24/7 for over two years without a even a hiccup. You can purchase the 4200 for $169. If you can't find it at that price pm me. I believe Laguna has a mail in rebate going on right now of $35.

Wow Laguna has much better rating for energy use compared to this pump that I have and mine at this time is costing $178.99. Is there anything here w/ mine that is better than the Laguna in comparison?

Pondmaster Model 24 Pump 2400GPH
Pondmaster Model 24 magnetic drive pumps are specifically designed to meet the demands of a pond. Unlike most other pumps on the market, magnetic drive pumps are made to run continuously, without seals to wear out. Pondmaster Model 24 Magnetic drive pumps are highly energy efficient using less energy than direct driven pumps. Filled with epoxy, rather than oil, the Pondmaster Model 24 pump cannot leak oil into the pond, which can be harmful or fatal to fish and plants. Pondmaster’s Model 24 magnetic drive pumps are low-maintenance with only one moving part, a ceramic shaft and impeller. The Pondmaster Model 24 pumps also feature an ABS case, corrosion-proof fasteners, and heavy duty copper windings, resulting in a durable, energy-efficient, and long lasting pump. The Pondmaster Model 24 Pump is ideally suited for small to medium garden fountains, piped statuary, waterfalls, and ponds. Its unique design gives this pump unmatched versatility. Use the Pondmaster Model 24 pump as a submersible pump or use it as an in-line pump. The included washable foam pre-filter keeps the Pondmaster Model 24 pump running smoothly. This submersible pump will run quietly and faithfully while operating your water feature. The Pondmaster Model 24 pump is equipped to accept 1" NPT threaded fittings. Made in the USA. Three year limited warranty.
Dimensions: 7.25"L x 6.25"W x 4"H, 18' cord
Pump Fittings: accepts 1" NPT threaded fittings
Maximum Head: 20' shut-off
Maximum Flow: 2400 gph
Power: 265 Watts
Voltage: single-phase, 120V
Mfg. Warranty: 3 year limited warranty

 

[scooter7728]

pondmaster if u do your shopping you can get them pretty cheap check amazon

 

[Pondmaster]

Yes J.W., 2' longer cord and greater head. The Laguna Maxflo 2400 is also a sealed magnetic drive pump.
Specifications:
Max Flow 2400 gph
Cord 16’
Power Consumption 100 watts
Max Head 12’ 2"
Solids Handling 5/16"
Warranty 3 Years
1" to 1 1/2" quick click outlet.

 

[CountryEscape]

Wow, thanks for all your info, everyone! I think I'm going to go with popular demand and purchase a Laguna for one of the pumps, the main pump that will siphon gunk off the bottom, and run the waterfall. I'm assuming at least that it will be the heaviest load. The skimmer/bog plant area pump can wait for now. I will plumb for it, though.
Thanks, Pondmaster, for giving me the rebate form for the Laguna as well. However, I'm not finding it for less than $199 .... not sure how to private message you ... And, the rebate form is still trying to download ... my computer is being very slowwww tonight .... must be past it's bedtime.

 

[Pondmaster]

It's $168.25 right now at http://www.webbsonline.com/pond-pumps.html.

 

[koiguy1969]

Laguna Max flo 2400 gph ....$141.00 on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/Laguna-Max-Flo-...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item9503853680

 

[CountryEscape]

Well, I finally got the rebate form to print (stupid printer LOL). Koiguy, my pond will be about 4,000 gal, but I see that the 2400 is rated up to 4800 gal! So .... now I decide on whether I want more powerful, or less expensive. I'm leaning toward the larger pump, since it's only about $25 more, although I did not see it at the price you indicated, Pondmaster. I saw $186 less the 5%, and then the $35 rebate. Hmm ....

 

[Pondmaster]

Well, I finally got the rebate form to print (stupid printer LOL). Koiguy, my pond will be about 4,000 gal, but I see that the 2400 is rated up to 4800 gal! So .... now I decide on whether I want more powerful, or less expensive. I'm leaning toward the larger pump, since it's only about $25 more, although I did not see it at the price you indicated, Pondmaster. I saw $186 less the 5%, and then the $35 rebate. Hmm ....

The price went up, you're right the Maxflo 4200 is $186. Last week it was #168, $186 is still a good price.

 

[noobfisher]

I have a sun terra rated at 4300 gph. Has not missed a beat this year got it for 140 dollars at menards. It uses 400 watts I believe but that is less than the external pumps I have seen. It is a direct drive pump will shoot a water colum taller than my house from 3 ft below ground level. Works great and has a 5 year warranty!!

 

[CountryEscape]

Thanks for the info, Noobfisher. I see that the Sunterra's have the 5 year warranty, so they should be pretty good I would think. But, seems the Laguna is cheaper to run so still deciding. I think my pond is going to be filled with no pump purchased yet. LOL Maybe I'll let my Golden Retriever swim in it to stir it up til I get a pump.

 

[noobfisher]

No problem. Laguna makes wonderful products.

 

[fishin4cars]

Thanks for the info, Noobfisher. I see that the Sunterra's have the 5 year warranty, so they should be pretty good I would think. But, seems the Laguna is cheaper to run so still deciding. I think my pond is going to be filled with no pump purchased yet. LOL Maybe I'll let my Golden Retriever swim in it to stir it up til I get a pump.

Hope your joking, Dogs and ponds should be avoided, Their nails will rip a filled liner in a heartbeat! Walmart pool for the dog, liner pond for the fish, I know My lab has his on pool and not allowed in the fish pond. I had a keeshound that took out a liner! Had a customer that their Neighbors golden retiever got a pond and a above ground swimming pool out in the same day. They didn't know the dog had ripped the liner in the pond until a few days later because when the pool burst it flooded the whole backyard including the pond and all the fish got killed because of the chlorine. When all the water dried in the yard it dried in the pond too, a very large cut down the whole side. Not what you want to see,

 

[CountryEscape]

Yep, Fishin, I was joking. But, thanks for the warning. I think that's why I have taken extra time to make sure that UNDER the liner is as safe as can be for the liner as well. I do have steps for getting out, but I got to thinking that if my little Bostons fall in, they will not reach the first ledge, once the level of the pond is filled higher than ground level. I'm hoping none of them go near it once it's done. If the Golden tries, I'll put up a fence to keep him out! He has the farm pond to swim in, and I usually have the Wal-Mart kiddie pool filled for them to play in when it gets hot, so no excuse for him!

 

[fishin4cars]

Cool! I like happy dogs and glad you are thinking ahead. I talk with a guy in Calif. that has a blind dog, she fell in his pond last year and it was a real scare. They got a collar that you put on and a underground cable that if the dog gets to close it gives some type of warning. He was so scared she would fall in and drown and then we heard it happened to a fellow site member. But their dog fell through the ice. He got one and believes in it, something to think about if you get to worried. I can find out the name of what it was if anybody wants.