solar pump suggestions

[Keyboard]

I am setting up a 125 gallon pond and want to set up a bog for it:

• it will have a very light fish load, maybe 20 rosy red minnows, no goldfish, no koi
• electricity is totally out of the question, so its solar or nothing.
• im not planning a waterfall, so the lift height will be small.

does anybody have experience with a solar pump setup that they can recommend?

 

[jb510]

Currently looking into almost the exact same thing. 200gal pond and need to lift water 12” into a low bucket “bog filter” that drains back into the pond.

Some of the kits by Sunnydaze on Amazon look like a good fit, but the reviews of them are horrible. The ones by AEO look marginally better, but still pretty sketchy and I question the reliability.

I’m still researching, but think I may assemble my own kit as separate parts (panel, controller, battery, dc pump). i havent figured out the exact flow rate I want yet but thinking 50-300 gph total. I feel like at least then if a part fails i can easily just replace that part.

 

[mrsclem]

Is it not possible to use electricity?

 

[Keyboard]

Is it not possible to use electricity?

as stated in the post:

• electricity is totally out of the question, so its solar or nothing.

 

[Keyboard]

Currently looking into almost the exact same thing. 200gal pond and need to lift water 12” into a low bucket “bog filter” that drains back into the pond.

Some of the kits by Sunnydaze on Amazon look like a good fit, but the reviews of them are horrible. The ones by AEO look marginally better, but still pretty sketchy and I question the reliability.

I’m still researching, but think I may assemble my own kit as separate parts (panel, controller, battery, dc pump). i havent figured out the exact flow rate I want yet but thinking 50-300 gph total. I feel like at least then if a part fails i can easily just replace that part.

I abandoned the battery backup idea because the charging setup got too complicated, and daylight operation is sufficient for my needs. you will need to look into deep cycle batteries, and the charge/discharge requirements of such a battery. but, im still considering a diy pump and panel setup, sans battery. I just started surfing youtube for ideas.

amazon reviews are very frustrating! im hoping somebody can point us in the direction of a kit that worked for them.

 

[jb510]

The solar to battery charge controller is easy. My concern is how to not over discharge the battery.

And you can get a big enough panel to power the DC pump and charge the battery at the same tome. The trick is when the sun goes down the pump will draw down the battery until it dies, which is bad for the battery amd will wear it out prematurely.

I know there are cut offs that watch the battery voltage and when it starts to decrease (a sign the battery is mostly discharged) they’ll cut off the current (stop the pump).

I’m kind of hoping someone has a cutoff built into a charge controller, but I’m still researching and reading specs. I’ll let you know what I find.

 

[Keyboard]

... My concern is how to not over discharge the battery. ...

yes, this is where i gave up on it. i don’t need to run it at night, so maybe just a panel and pump, with no battery is a simple solution that will work for me.

 

[Doctor mcboy]

i bought a solar charge controller from amazon that also has a 10 amp controller for motors. wire your motor , solar panel and deep cycle battery to the controller. then you can set the battey level pump off in the controller. i have mine set to 11.7 volts. it will turn the motor off automaticly. it works good . the battery was the most expencive at 70 dollars. solar charger controller was 13 bucks. i already had the charger. i went with the battery because all the solar pump combos i saw were weak as hell. there is not a very good selection of 12 vdc pumps out there but there are some. for my pond they were 2 small but 4 yours i think it would be just right. rock on baby

 

[Keyboard]

i bought a solar charge controller from amazon that also has a 10 amp controller for motors. wire your motor , solar panel and deep cycle battery to the controller. then you can set the battey level pump off in the controller. i have mine set to 11.7 volts. it will turn the motor off automaticly. it works good . the battery was the most expencive at 70 dollars. solar charger controller was 13 bucks. i already had the charger. i went with the battery because all the solar pump combos i saw were weak as hell. there is not a very good selection of 12 vdc pumps out there but there are some. for my pond they were 2 small but 4 yours i think it would be just right.

did you use something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/SOLPERK-Maintainer-Waterproof-Controller-Adjustable/dp/B08GX2TLSF/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&keywords=30%2Bwatt%2Bsolar%2Bpanel&qid=1620633576&sr=8-19&th=1

 

[Keyboard]

im looking at the panel and controller above, and this pump:

Amazon.com: Mavel Star 12v dc Submersible Water Pump 163 GPH Water Circulating fountain Water Pump Brushless Magnetic Drive: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Mavel Star 12v dc Submersible Water Pump 163 GPH Water Circulating fountain Water Pump Brushless Magnetic Drive: Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[Doctor mcboy]

hold on i will look

 

[Doctor mcboy]

this is what i bought. it has a 10 amp output and can be set up to protect your battery from overcharging and draining it down too much. the pump you buy for this can not exceed the amp rating for this controller.

https://www.amazon.com/KKmoon-Monocrystalline-Water-Resistant-Controller-Regulator/dp/B07ZKTP4JS/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=solar+charger+controller+with+10+amp+output&qid=1620647309&sr=8-4

 

[Doctor mcboy]

im looking at the panel and controller above, and this pump:

Amazon.com: Mavel Star 12v dc Submersible Water Pump 163 GPH Water Circulating fountain Water Pump Brushless Magnetic Drive: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Mavel Star 12v dc Submersible Water Pump 163 GPH Water Circulating fountain Water Pump Brushless Magnetic Drive: Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

yeah it will work

 

[Doctor mcboy]

did you use something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/SOLPERK-Maintainer-Waterproof-Controller-Adjustable/dp/B08GX2TLSF/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&keywords=30%2Bwatt%2Bsolar%2Bpanel&qid=1620633576&sr=8-19&th=1

yes this will work

 

[Keyboard]

i bought a solar charge controller from amazon that also has a 10 amp controller for motors. wire your motor , solar panel and deep cycle battery to the controller. then you can set the battey level pump off in the controller. i have mine set to 11.7 volts. it will turn the motor off automaticly. it works good . the battery was the most expencive at 70 dollars. solar charger controller was 13 bucks. i already had the charger. i went with the battery because all the solar pump combos i saw were weak as hell. there is not a very good selection of 12 vdc pumps out there but there are some. for my pond they were 2 small but 4 yours i think it would be just right. rock on baby

this sounds really good. after the controller cuts off power to the pump, does it turn it back on once thenvoltage builds back up over 11.7 Volts?

also, will the solar panel and controller power the pump if the battery is dead or disconnected (during daylight hours, of course.)

 

[poconojoe]

Is it not possible to use electricity?

Yeah,
Idk...
Unless your house doesn't have electricity, I can't see how supplying power to your pond could be out of the question.

I don't care if its 10 feet or 200 feet from the house, it's not impossible.

If you don't have the knowledge to do it correctly or safely, hire someone.

Spending $500 or more on a solar system that may or may not be adequate or work at all, why play a guessing game?
How long before you need to replace the batteries?
How many batteries would you need to keep things running on cloudy days or short winter days?
Just add the electricity and be done with it.

Plus, you'll have the option of using just about any line voltage device out there. Powerful pumps, lights, etc.

 

[Doctor mcboy]

also the controller you were looking at will be ok

this sounds really good. after the controller cuts off power to the pump, does it turn it back on once thenvoltage builds back up over 11.7 Volts?

also, will the solar panel and controller power the pump if the battery is dead or disconnected (during daylight hours, of course.)

the model charger i bought would start after the battery voltage gets t 12.5 v. i have it set that way. but not all are the same. the battery has to be connected for the solar regulator to work the output so leave your battery connected . when you buy your battery for it make sure the battery is compatible with the controller. my controller is for lead acid batteries. the controller paperwork will tell you witch.

 

[Keyboard]

Yeah,
Idk...
Unless your house doesn't have electricity, I can't see how supplying power to your pond could be out of the question.

I don't care if its 10 feet or 200 feet from the house, it's not impossible.

If you don't have the knowledge to do it correctly or safely, hire someone.

Spending $500 or more on a solar system that may or may not be adequate or work at all, why play a guessing game?
How long before you need to replace the batteries?
How many batteries would you need to keep things running on cloudy days or short winter days?
Just add the electricity and be done with it.

Plus, you'll have the option of using just about any line voltage device out there. Powerful pumps, lights, etc.

let me clarify - I am looking for input on setting up a solar based system from those with knowledge and experience doing it. I am not looking for a debate of solar vs. conventional electric. i have a backhoe, and I can run underground wiring to an outlet. However, I have personal reasons for looking into a solar solution.

please refrain from off topic replies if you cannot contribute.

 

[poconojoe]

Just trying to help and understand why you don't want to use line voltage.
Hope it all works out for you.
Sorry, I will shut up now....

 

[Keyboard]

Just trying to help and understand why you don't want to use line voltage.
Hope it all works out for you.
Sorry, I will shut up now....

no offense intended, and yes, i realize that you are trying to help. stay tuned in case I abandon the solar chase!