1. What Is Pump Flow Rate?

Pump flow rate is the volume of water that a pump can move per unit of time, typically measured in litres per hour (L/h). It determines how quickly water circulates through a pond or water feature system.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump flow rate formula:

Where:

• Pump Flow Rate — Water movement capacity (litres per hour)
• Pond Volume — Total water volume in the pond (litres)
• Turnover Time — Desired time to circulate entire pond volume (hours)

Explanation: This calculation ensures proper water circulation for filtration, aeration, and maintaining water quality in ponds and water features.

3. Importance Of Proper Pump Sizing

Details: Correct pump sizing is essential for efficient filtration, adequate oxygenation, and preventing stagnant water. Undersized pumps lead to poor water quality, while oversized pumps waste energy and can cause excessive turbulence.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter pond volume in litres and desired turnover time in hours. Typical turnover rates range from 1-4 hours for koi ponds and 2-6 hours for garden ponds. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the ideal turnover time for a pond?
A: For fish ponds, 1-2 hour turnover is recommended. For plant-only ponds, 2-4 hours is sufficient. Adjust based on fish load and plant density.

Q2: How do I calculate pond volume?
A: Measure length × width × average depth (in meters) × 1000 for litres. For irregular shapes, use multiple measurements and average them.

Q3: Should I consider head height when selecting a pump?
A: Yes, pump performance decreases with elevation. Always check the pump's flow rate at your specific head height requirements.

Q4: What factors affect pump sizing besides flow rate?
A: Consider pipe diameter, filter resistance, waterfall height, and number of water features when selecting the final pump size.

Q5: Can I use multiple smaller pumps instead of one large pump?
A: Yes, multiple pumps can provide redundancy and flexibility, but may be less energy-efficient than a single properly sized pump.