Great video, it will help a lot of people. When I installed my skimmer, I had the choice between a 10 000 litre pump and run it at 50% (34 watts) and a 5000 litres pump to run at 100% (82 watts). When I read the min flow/max flow and the wattage at the back of the boxes, it made totally sense to get the bigger pump.
Hi Lau, thank you, it's always appreciated. I'm hoping it will help some people thinking of buying a new vari flow pond pump. Thanks again Lau, and you take care, Terry.
Your dedication impresses me as does your set up. It looks more like a high tech laboratory rather than a pond filter system. I've copied many details from you though not to your level. Should begin to run my pond by the end of the month. Thank for all your help.
Hi James, and thank you for your kind comments, it's very much appreciated. Good luck and I hope all goes well for you getting it up and running. I do have build plans for all my filters on my website if it's any help at all: diypondfilters.com All the best mate, Terry.
Great update mate. I noticed similar recently when I wanted more flow over my shower, upgraded 10k to 20k and at the same wattage there's noticeably more flow. Seems like its always worth oversizing on varipumps. Push more water for less and not stress the pump as much, win win. Cheers!
Hi Jay, thanks mate, that's right, we had to up-grade, but for someone just buying a pump, it should be a good bit of info for them, hopefully. Thanks again, and take care, Terry.
Great video, always enjoy your inquisitive approach on pond keeping as it saves me a lot of time and money. I really look forward to your updates and was surprised to see a new one out already. 👌 It makes anticipation for pond season here in Canada easier to look forward to, as we are having a cold spring with overnight temperatures still dipping down below -10 C. Take care
Hi K C, and thanks mate, really appreciated. Wow! it's been down to around 5c at night here, and I thought that was cold, so you have my sympathy mate. Pond season's just around the corner 👍👍 so not long now. Have a great season mate. Take care, Terry.
Thanks mate, hopefully it will help someone. It's too late for me as I had to buy the 20,000 and now have bought the 30,000, but that's life lol. Take care mate, Terry.
Loved that one, great 'mod' and of course any electric you can save, as things are, will be great. UA-cam failed to notify me of the update once again so late seeing this one. Thanks for sharing.
Hi mate, and thank you. Like you, I'm still having all sorts of problems with UA-cam. When I looked, my last video had over 3700 hit's, 2 days later, it was showing 2300. it's driving me crazy. Thanks again mate and take care, Terry.
That’s made me feel so much better, I’m just building a new pond and have fitted 2no 20000 litres vari pumps hopefully to run them at 50%, great video again 👍🏻👍🏻
Did the same Terry and I saved 50W between my 3 pumps which as you say is a good saving over the year and less stress on the pumps. Great update as per usual Sir 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hello Terry👍😊. The lack of plugs really winds me up too😡. Guess we’ll all be reassessing what pumps we are currently using after watching your video👍. Great video as always😊. Stay safe👍🐟🈲😊
Hi Phil, and thanks mate. It's not much good for people like us, who already have pumps, but if someone's thinking of getting one, it might be helpful. Have a great season mate,👍👍 and take care, Terry.
You are just bloody brilliant at everything you do I find it amazing Haha cant wait to keep watching your videos over the summer months I really do think your pond looks fantastic. I'm literally a novice at pond keeping I just hope one day I can build something as good as what yours looks. Keep the videos coming wish I'd subscribed along time ago Haha
Hi Ryan, stop it, you've got me blushing lol. Thanks mate, it's really appreciated, and glad to hear you enjoy the channel 👍👍I hope you get your new pond soon, I love a new pond build. Just make sure you video it all, so we can go along with you in your build. You take care mate, Terry.
@@Wrighty 🤣🤣no way terry that's along way off yet and I ain't good enough to record things I do Haha what you should do is make all them bakki showers n that n sell them hahaha looking forward to seeing your pond once the nice weather is here you take care and happy ponding Haha
Thanks Andy, I was going to put the 10,000 lph on my shower, but the 20,000 is working out cheaper to run. If you work it out, you can get the extra cost of the 30,000 pump back in a year, plus it's not working as hard. Take care mate, Terry.
That's brilliant Terry that's a huge saving in the long run. The plug thing really P's me off too. Just bought a new gas cooker, came without a plug and gas pipe, 750 quid and you have to get a gas fitter to connect it up now. Cheers Terry.
Hi Tony, Thanks mate. I think I'm going to start messaging them before I buy, and say if it doesn't come with a plug, you can keep it lol. Take care mate, Terry.
Hi mate, your very welcome 👍👍 it only applies to the variflow pumps though. It doesn't apply to normal pond pumps, but I would think you'll know that. Take care mate, Terry.
Hi Mate, I have lowered the pump intake in the sieve, which has cured the problem. I don't get any air through now at all, but thanks for the thought 👍👍 much appreciated, Terry.
I have a DM vario 10000 and I am very pleased with it. The price is very affordable, especially compared to other variable pumps, and the capacity is very good. I have it for 5 or 6 years or so and it never failed on me. The power consumption is low compared to other pumps, that was an important issue for me. When I bought it they didn't specify the diameter pipe that is best for the capacity of my pump, so I installed a pipe that is a bit too large. When I put it in the lowest setting the pump will stop and signal an error. But when you use the right diameter pipe everything is just fine. For me it is not an issue because I never use the lowest setting. What I also like a lot is that you can pause the pump without unplugging the plug, and when you restart the pump it will go to the last setting that you used.
Another great video Terry, I have just bought a Baki shower and pump, I oversized the pump to a 20k for the same reason, You will have to do a video to explain your pond setup, Still not sure how it all goes together and I have been watching your videos for quite a while 🙂
Hi Ross, well done mate, you won't regret it. I will explain my setup for you in my next video mate 👍👍 no problem. And a big thank you for your support mate, you take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty yeah definitely!! . I guess it makes sense when you think about it , if the pump has a bigger motor it doesn’t have to work as hard to push the same amount of water the smaller the pump the harder it works !! 👍🏻
Hi Terri. What you are saying doesn't make sense to me that the larger more powerful pump would use less power to deliver the same flow but you have proven that it does. Must be something to do with the design of the pump motor itself and maybe the impeller too. On fixed flow pumps (not variflow) the larger pumps always use significantly more wattage to run. I'm definitely going to have to check out the variflow pumps for my pond. Cheers. 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻
Hi Ken, and thanks mate. You are right, the bigger pumps are built to handle more flow with more power, but when turned down, they seem to handle the flow better and cheaper than the next size down. It was just something I've come across since I've been using vari flow pumps. Thanks mate, and take care, 👍Terry.
You get a better head pressure with the bigger pumps as well. That's why I had to change mine. I needed the better head pressure to run my upflows which sit at 2 meters (6foot something) at the top.
That’s incorrect, they make externally rated sockets specifically for plugging in external equipment. The reason they don’t put a plug top on, is because you could connect your pump via a double pole isolator. The most important thing is to make sure all your sockets are protected via an 30mA RCD or RCBO. There is also a requirement now for protection of domestic socket circuits via a Arc Fault Detection Device fitted in your consumer unit, not a requirement for an existing consumer unit/ circuit.
Hi Terry, I work it out that you're saving about £85.90 a year on the current average price of electricity from April 2022 @ 28p per KWh, your payback time for the pump @ £300 is 3.49 years or 41.90 months & your annual running cost with the pump running @ 65W is £159.54 a year or £13.29 per month or 44p per day just sayin :) excellent content (as usual) I haven't got a pond but I've watched all of your videos & learnt a lot, who knows maybe one day I'll have a pond too. Cheers
Hi Tim, and thank you for the costing, thats great mate. It's not really for people like me, as I had a pump in the first place, but for someone just buying a pump, paying the bit extra for the bigger pump, will be worth it in the long run. They'll get the extra they pay back in just over a year, and have a pump that's not working as hard. Thanks for the comment mate, very much appreciated. Take care, Terry.
Manufacturers skimping on a 30p plug, so frustrating isn't it 😤 Very interesting and informative video yet again Terry, always look forward to seeing what you're upto. Well done 👍
I went on a training course for commercial dishwashers which i had already worked on and i asked about a panel that was daft and not have a small panel on which would make getting in to where i needed to be easier, The guy agreed with me and had also mentioned it to the company. He said yes its not a lot at what it would cost and they had worked it out at about 4p loss per machine. I laughed and he said it would of amounted to about a loss of 50k a year or something ridiculous.
Hi Dave, and thanks mate, the not having a plug just makes me see red lol.I got a new charger for my drill battery and it came with no plug. I sent them a complaint lol. Take care mate, Terry.
They've got me all mixed up lol. Sorry mate, I know it's Bob, it was that they was calling you Bob/Dave in the comments and it stook in my head for some reason. My apologies mate.
Hi Terry, thanks for the videos and information, so interesting and always puts a smile on my face. I was just wondering what happened to the protein skimmer? Did you just decommission it over the winter due to lack of protein or was there a problem/ lack of performance with it? Thanks and happy ponding! Paul.
Hi Paul, and thank you for your kind comments. I just shut the up-flow and protein skimmer down mate, to save a bit on electric. They're back up and running again now 👍👍 Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
Very informative video, thanks as always. But can I just point out the elephant in the room, at today's rates roughly, and providing the pump stays just as efficient, it will take around 6 years to recover the cost of the pump (and the 30p plug of course!) At 35w saving. So useful when buying a pump for the first time, but not so much if you have a pump already bought and payed for. If saving money is the main aim. Keep up the good work, look forward to the next video
That's absolutely right mate. Its too late for me, but hopefully someone will gain. I had to get a new pump anyway, as the 20,000 was struggling keeping up, and I was running it flat out. I worked it out as, you'll pay for the extra cost of the bigger pump in just over a year. Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
Not according to my calculations. 35W x 24 hours x 365 days = 306600 Watts 306600 / 1000 = 306.6 kW 306.6kW x 28.1p (British Gas Variable Elect Rate) = £86.15 year cheaper So just over 3 years to recoup cost.
@@TheGoalMachine Sorry, yes your right, I used my current rates (£52.40 a year saving), not todays average rates. But even still 3 and a half years just to break even is still something to consider when thinking about a change, I have had pumps (albeit cheaper ones) not even last that long before breaking, or having seriously reduced flow. If there is good reason to change it out anyway then fair enough, but I was talking about it just with the view of saving money. This also makes me cry about thinking what happens when my fixed term ends!
Very good video i have been doing this for about 3 years with superfish pumps and it's right lower wattage but 1 of the pumps has stopped working so possibly looking for a different make replacement , what's the make up are using
Hi Wayne, I use the Jebao TSP Variflow, They are very popular as they're usually that bit cheaper and do the same job. I've run 3 for a couple of years now, and not had a problem. Take care mate, Terry.
Hi Sam, and thank you. I've had my thermometer a few years now and the link has expired, but you can get them on eBay. Just search for "in out thermometer" or if you want one the same as mine, you can find them here: www.koi-zone.co.uk/ETI-Digital-In-Out-Thermometer Hope this helps mate, take care, Terry.
Did the same Terry, replaced Badu top 8, 20k pump with a vari flow 30k only run it at 70% to get 20k, the bigger pumps dont have to work so hard as the small ones to move the water because of the greater head value, should last longer too hopefully not running flat out.
That's absolutely right Martin. I think a 30,000 pond pump frighten a lot of people, but the main thing is you can turn them down. But I have noticed they're becoming hard to get hold of now with what's going on in the world at the moment. take care mate, Terry.
Hi Terry Another great video thanks. I would imagine the plug thing is because they are sold in. any different countries with different plug requirements although I agree it is annoying. What gets me is the translation of the instructions from Chinese to English often totally incomprehensible! One word of advice....take those slippers off before you go back in the house...it could save you some grief 😄 All the best!
Hi Peter, and thanks mate, much appreciated. Lol, I do get in trouble from time to time 😅😅 with the all-terrain slippers 🤣🤣. I've found out, the reason for no plug with pond pumps is, the UK Health and Safety Law, all pond pumps and any outdoor equipment are now supposed to be hardwired. So I had to forgive them 🤣🤣 take care mate, Terry.
Something I noticed the other day on my 100w model was that after cleaning the impeller and housing the wattage dropped by 5w. So at the minimum 3000 lph it was reading 10w
reason why they dont include a plug is because its sold internationally, they would have to open the box up of EACH unit for EACH international destination and place in a 240v plug. its designed to be a DC pump and youve saved money already on such a powerful pump at much less wattage used.
Hi Nathan, you're quite right mate, but I also found out, anything that can be fitted outside, can not have a plug as the UK law says, it has to be hardwired. Thanks for the info though mate, much appreciated, Terry.
Hi Terry , great video mate and what a great saving !! I’ve done something similar on my skimmer line. 4000lt pump changed for 10,000 varipump and I’m making a huge saving. On the plug issue I think it’s law about pond pumps from what I remember from working in the industry.
Hi Paul, good to hear you found it out mate. You are also correct about the plug, as I've found out. Pond pumps are supposed to be hardwired, so they can't fit a plug. But I have to say, this doesn't apply to the new charger I just bought for my drill battery, which came with no plug 😠😠 Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
New subscriber and slowly working way through viewing your videos and learning along the way I'm planning to build a barrel filter system is there any advantage in using more than 3 barrels is it possible to add an uplift and or settlement barrels before a sieve to barrels like you built ?
Hi Micheal, and welcome to the channel. Some do add a swirl barrel to the front of the 3 barrel system, to remove some of the larger dirt. If you want to fit a sieve filter, it will need to be gravity fed from the pond, and you have your pump in there which then pumps to the filters. I use a sieve filter to remove the algae before it gets to my RDF. If you mean an up-flow filter, it will go after the main filter and need a pump of it's own to run. I hope this helps mate, take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty thanks for your reply and advice I'm waiting for the 200litre barrels to be delivered I got a good deal off supplier 6 incase of a mistake with the screw on lids and clamps for £100 . A plumber friend is giving me 3 inch pipe and fittings for between barrels and 2 inch piping and ball valves for drainage . As he's having my old filters for his pond . What levels of K media do you recommend I use in 3 barrels . I will be using my alfagrog in a 4 box container river shower I'm currently finishing off .
I would look to start with 50 ltr of K1 or K+ media in each tub, more can be added later if you find you need it. I ran mine on 50 ltr per tub for 3 years with no problems. Terry.
Hi Terry . Great video . We all need to save a bit where we can , right now ,and these Vario pumps certainly help . I have the same as your old one and it uses far less wattage than my old "ECO" pump . Are you keeping the old one as a spare or would you consider selling it? Would make a good back up for mine ?
Hi Mate, and thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍👍 sorry mate, but I am keeping the 20,000 pump as a backup, but thank you for the offer. Much appreciated. Take care, Terry.
hi i have a question i have a 6000l koi pond thats has a 6000l pump running at 65watts and pumps up 3 meters to the filter through 1" 1/2 pipe would the pondxpert variflow pump 10000 be a good replacement ?
I can only give my opinion. Variflow pumps are very good as they are controllable and can be turned down in the winter to save money. What I've found out up to now is, they do seem cheaper to run. Terry.
@@Wrighty update i did go for the pondxpert variflow pump 10000 and boy its a really nice pump it is more then enough for my pond and can use half the 65 watts i was using before but im running it at 40 watts and i getting more flow then i did with my old pump so thank you for the heads up on these pumps
Thanks for the video Terry. When I looked into pumps, a few of the similar 30k pumps run a peak of 400w and the 20k run 200 Watts, which may put people off, but as you have demonstrated, the bigger ones can be more efficient at lower speeds. Have you ever checked the wattage displayed on the pump controller with the actual wattage with a smart plug? Just wondered how accurate they are. Thanks Garry
Hi Gary, that's right mate, when people see the 400w it does put them off buying one, so I thought I'd let people know. It is only for the variflow pumps, that can be adjusted. I have had a smart plug on the 10,000 and 20,000 and they're about right. I forgot to put one on the 40,000 but I will check it mate. Thanks and take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty Thanks Terry, I just wondered if the pump controller was actually reading wattage used or it was pre programmed to display a number at the factory.
Hi Gary, and that's a good question mate. It is actually a wattage being used, I have had a watt meter on one, and they are quite accurate as well. Terry.
hi terry im in the process of designing my koi pond it is going to be. 3.05m x 2.13m x 1.22m. 2,093.98 uk gallons. gravity fed. this is the first time ive done a gravity fed pond. so its new to me. this is not my first pond tho. im thinking of getting your midi bio filter system. but not sure its the right one to have for gravity fed. can you advise me witch one of your 3 barrel systems would be best for my pond. and witch pump size would you recommend for it. maybe the pump you tested in this vid ?
Hi mate, Good luck with the new pond build 👍👍 The 30,000 variflow would be too much for you water volume mate. as you're looking at just under 10,000 ltr, I would run the 10,000 to 20,000 lph variflow. This will be plenty for your pond size. If you're looking for a gravity fed filter, you would need the Pro Midi filter, where all the tubs are on one level, and the pond water level is equal to the water level in the tubs. If I can help further, you can contact me on pondfilters@gmail.com I glad to help. Take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty thanks for advice mate. i was thinking that one would not work as its staggered. you have just comfirmed my thinking on it. just needed a second opinion. i will be going for your pro midi filtter system then to start. then at a later date having a go at building your RDF system. you have comfirmed my thinking on the pumps too witch is good. thanks again terry :)
Hi Steve, I've just contacted a friend of mine who sells pond equipment, and apparently they can't get them and their getting difficult to get. I've just had a quick look and found some, but it's more money than mine was. I paid £320.00 for mine, but these are the ones I found mate: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175176539177?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/403437187586?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050 www.amazon.co.uk/Aquaforest-Evolution-Aqua-Varipump-30000/dp/B07PW2JC89/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Pondxpert+Variflow+pump+30%2C000&linkCode=osi&psc=1&qid=1651175049&sr=8-3&th=1 I would copy the links quick as UA-cam delete most posts with links in them as spam.
Hi Terry, a little off topic but i wonder if you could let me know the dimensions of your filter shed? Its just that I am about to install a drum filter and I'm sure one day i'll want to add some of the extras that you have in your set up too, so just thinking ahead :-)
Hi mate, someone worked it out at 28p per kwh and it's around £85.00 a year. So if you were going to buy the smaller size 10,000 to 20.000 pump, you'd get the extra cost of the 30,000 pump back in one year, and have a pump that's not working as hard. Thanks mate and take care, Terry.
Wrighty I’ve contemplated this theory but is self explanatory as I’m using flat out 12.000 at 110w but I’m waiting on my 30.000 pondxpert which from description states 12.000 is 45w 🤔 which is minimal flow rate
Hi Simon, I don't think the pumps quite deliver the flow they state, but you should find you get the same flow for lower wattage and the pump won't be working as hard as your old one. Thanks mate, Terry.
Hi Spencer, I don't think it works like that mate. It's the controlling of the power going into it where the gain is made. There's no control on air pumps, up to now. That's a thought lol.🤔🤔🤔 you take care mate, Terry.
Great video Terry Mark at Japan Koi Imports has done many a test like you've done which is why I've also gone for a much bigger pump than I need in regards to the plugs 🔌 I agree it's very annoying but I'm pretty sure it's to do with English law as all out door electrics should be fitted by a professional so they sell them based on that but who ever listens to that rule 🤣🤣
Hi Jamie, You are correct about the plug mate, as I've found out. Pond pumps are supposed to be hardwired, so they can't fit a plug. But I have to say, this doesn't apply to the new charger I just bought for my drill battery, which came with no plug 😠😠but I do stand corrected on the pump. Thanks mate 👍👍, and take care, Terry.
I've got a blagdon iq 3000-6000l vari pump, on high it uses 35w and moves allegedly 6000l. I've just upgraded it to a blagdon amphibious iq vari 6000-12000 pump as need slightly more flow than the smaller pump can give and it's already maxed out. On low it uses 40w and says it moves 6000l, on high speed it uses 85w and says it moves 12000l. However even on the lowest setting it's draining the water out of my drum quicker and then causing it to clean every minute than the previous smaller blagdon IQ did at 35w and 6000l setting. The impeller on the bigger pump is physically larger so I can only assume it's able to cope with the pressure losses and drop in the system better and that the smaller IQ pump isn't actually moving 6000l at 35w setting. This newer pump is probably closer to if not bang on 6000l a minute at its lowest setting which is clearly too much for my drum. I now need to send the pump back to Amazon as it's not suitable... I will need to go for the 4500-9000l vari pump which should then allow me to dial down closer to what the 3000-6000l vari IQ pump is doing but without running it flat out. The issue is, the largest incorrectly sized pump is cheaper than the one I actually need. Of course I can restrict the flow of this pump that is too big by closing valves down but then it's always going to be run on minimum and then being restricted on flow also isn't great. So lesson learned here, get the next size up than the one you think you need but don't go too oversized or it might not reduce down far enough.
Hi Richard, If your gravity fed to your RDF, I would look into your drum filter, it should take more flow than that. It sounds like it's lacking flow from the pond. Just a thought mate, Terry.
@@Wrighty yep, the pond is the issue. The guy who built it put only 2 inch drain pipe in.. there's bends etc so don't get the required flow on gravity.
@@Wrighty possibly but I'm not clued up enough to do it. Had someone rebuild it, worked fine wehn was pump fed filter system but then I put the drum in
Fitting new piping and solvent welding is really easy to do. You'll find a lot of videos here on UA-cam to help. You need at least a 3" I/D pipework for gravity flow. Or you could (like I say) fit a second 2" pipe. Terry.
Hi Dan, I know where you're coming from mate. Trouble is, I've got a bit of egg on my face with this one lol. Apparently they're not allowed to put a plug on pond pumps by law, as they're supposed to be hardwired, oopps! 🤭🤭 thanks, and take care mate, Terry.
You think your making a saving by replacing an expensive pump with another expensive pump lol Simply reduce the flow amount if you want to save money. Now it will take 5 years for you to get 300 pounds back plus you can´t sell the old pump. You don´t need a big flow for a skimmer anyway. You seem to have bought an incredible amount of equipment. I use one pump from my skimmer and it feeds my waterfall and a bog filter that was virtually free to build.
You seem to have totally missed the point. I'm not telling everybody to go out and buy a new pump. The point I'm making is, if your thinking of buying a pond pump, the bigger pumps can work out cheaper to run, and the extra difference in cost, can be got back in around a year, with less stress put on the pump. Everything in my filter house is made by myself. Terry.
Great video as always, there's an interesting table here comparing the flow, height and power of 10k, 20k and 30k pumps. The interesting observation from my point is that the height (so pressure I guess) the pump can lift is much less for the same flow/power level with a bigger pump so if you need to lift the water then you may not realise the flow level you would expect. Variflow Flow Chart.pdf
Hi Huw, and thank you. That's right mate, the bigger pumps just make lighter work of it, resulting in using less power. But this is only on the vari pumps where the flow can be adjusted. Thanks mate and take care, Terry.
Great video, it will help a lot of people. When I installed my skimmer, I had the choice between a 10 000 litre pump and run it at 50% (34 watts) and a 5000 litres pump to run at 100% (82 watts). When I read the min flow/max flow and the wattage at the back of the boxes, it made totally sense to get the bigger pump.
Hi Lau, thank you, it's always appreciated. I'm hoping it will help some people thinking of buying a new vari flow pond pump. Thanks again Lau, and you take care, Terry.
Your dedication impresses me as does your set up. It looks more like a high tech laboratory rather than a pond filter system. I've copied many details from you though not to your level. Should begin to run my pond by the end of the month. Thank for all your help.
Hi James, and thank you for your kind comments, it's very much appreciated. Good luck and I hope all goes well for you getting it up and running. I do have build plans for all my filters on my website if it's any help at all: diypondfilters.com All the best mate, Terry.
Food for thought. Excellent update Terry!
Hi Alex, hope your well, and thanks mate, you take care, Terry.
Every day is a learning day, this is good to know., thanks Terry
Hi Marty, and thanks mate, I hope it helps one or two. take care, Terry.
Great update mate. I noticed similar recently when I wanted more flow over my shower, upgraded 10k to 20k and at the same wattage there's noticeably more flow. Seems like its always worth oversizing on varipumps. Push more water for less and not stress the pump as much, win win. Cheers!
Hi Jay, thanks mate, that's right, we had to up-grade, but for someone just buying a pump, it should be a good bit of info for them, hopefully. Thanks again, and take care, Terry.
Great to see this experiment, I do like vari pumps
All the best Mike 👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Mike, and thank you. I've run 3 of the Jebao Variflow pumps for 3 years now and not had a problem. Take care mate, Terry.
Everyday is a school day i learn something new everytime i watch this channel cheers
Thank you, very much appreciated, take care, Terry.
Great video, always enjoy your inquisitive approach on pond keeping as it saves me a lot of time and money. I really look forward to your updates and was surprised to see a new one out already. 👌 It makes anticipation for pond season here in Canada easier to look forward to, as we are having a cold spring with overnight temperatures still dipping down below -10 C. Take care
Hi K C, and thanks mate, really appreciated. Wow! it's been down to around 5c at night here, and I thought that was cold, so you have my sympathy mate. Pond season's just around the corner 👍👍 so not long now. Have a great season mate. Take care, Terry.
Great update Terry hope it helps the pond keepers
Thanks Carol, hope all's well with you. I hope it will help one or two that's looking for a pond pump. Thanks again and take care, Terry.
Great video Terry and proves the point exactly. I shall definitely bear this in mind when purchasing my next pump and opt for a bigger version 👍
Thanks mate, hopefully it will help someone. It's too late for me as I had to buy the 20,000 and now have bought the 30,000, but that's life lol. Take care mate, Terry.
Great update Terry was looking into getting a vary flow as an upgrade so food for thought to save a bit cheers Andy 👍👏
Hi Andy, if you buy the bigger pump, you just about get the extra cost back in 1 year. Take care mate, Terry.
Loved that one, great 'mod' and of course any electric you can save, as things are, will be great. UA-cam failed to notify me of the update once again so late seeing this one. Thanks for sharing.
Hi mate, and thank you. Like you, I'm still having all sorts of problems with UA-cam. When I looked, my last video had over 3700 hit's, 2 days later, it was showing 2300. it's driving me crazy. Thanks again mate and take care, Terry.
That’s made me feel so much better, I’m just building a new pond and have fitted 2no 20000 litres vari pumps hopefully to run them at 50%, great video again 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Steve, glad to help mate, Terry.
Did the same Terry and I saved 50W between my 3 pumps which as you say is a good saving over the year and less stress on the pumps. Great update as per usual Sir 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Stu, it's always appreciated mate. It's really surprising, just how much you can save 👍👍👍 take care mate, Terry.
Great vid that very handy to know the bigger pumps are cheaper to run, im upgrading this year so this vids answered 1 question i had👍🐟⛩
Glad to help mate 👍👍 and good luck with the upgrade. Hope all goes well for you 👍 Take care, Terry.
Great video terry really interesting glad worked well for you takecare mate 👍
Thanks Dave, much appreciated mate, take care, Terry.
Good save on that Terry as you say 40w over a year counts up in money saved have a good weekend
Thanks Martyn, it might just help someone who's thinking of getting a new pump. You have a great season mate, and take care, Terry.
Great video and makes a lot of sense 👍
Thanks Anthony, the bigger pump is not working as hard either. Take care mate, Terry.
Hello Terry👍😊. The lack of plugs really winds me up too😡. Guess we’ll all be reassessing what pumps we are currently using after watching your video👍. Great video as always😊. Stay safe👍🐟🈲😊
Hi Phil, and thanks mate. It's not much good for people like us, who already have pumps, but if someone's thinking of getting one, it might be helpful. Have a great season mate,👍👍 and take care, Terry.
Brilliant work mate
Thanks Tom, always appreciated mate, take care, Terry.
Good work Terry 👍
Thanks Paul, much appreciated mate, take care, Terry.
great video. thanks for sharing
Thanks Zak, very much appreciated, Terry.
You are just bloody brilliant at everything you do I find it amazing Haha cant wait to keep watching your videos over the summer months I really do think your pond looks fantastic. I'm literally a novice at pond keeping I just hope one day I can build something as good as what yours looks. Keep the videos coming wish I'd subscribed along time ago Haha
Hi Ryan, stop it, you've got me blushing lol. Thanks mate, it's really appreciated, and glad to hear you enjoy the channel 👍👍I hope you get your new pond soon, I love a new pond build. Just make sure you video it all, so we can go along with you in your build. You take care mate, Terry.
@@Wrighty 🤣🤣no way terry that's along way off yet and I ain't good enough to record things I do Haha what you should do is make all them bakki showers n that n sell them hahaha looking forward to seeing your pond once the nice weather is here you take care and happy ponding Haha
Really good video Terry. Have a great weekend.
Hi mate, and thank you, very much appreciated, take care mate, and roll on summer, Terry.
Great experiment and good results, I have 2 10000L pumps from different manufacturers and one definitely uses more power for the same flow rate 👍🏻
Thanks Andy, I was going to put the 10,000 lph on my shower, but the 20,000 is working out cheaper to run. If you work it out, you can get the extra cost of the 30,000 pump back in a year, plus it's not working as hard. Take care mate, Terry.
Very interesting I’m looking to buy a couple of varipumps with the cost of electric this is very relevant thanks for the info bud
You're very welcome Darren, Terry.
That's brilliant Terry that's a huge saving in the long run. The plug thing really P's me off too. Just bought a new gas cooker, came without a plug and gas pipe, 750 quid and you have to get a gas fitter to connect it up now. Cheers Terry.
Hi Tony, Thanks mate. I think I'm going to start messaging them before I buy, and say if it doesn't come with a plug, you can keep it lol. Take care mate, Terry.
@@Wrighty 😄👍
Thanks for that Terry, now need to adjust my shopping list ! Take care buddy.
Hi mate, your very welcome 👍👍 it only applies to the variflow pumps though. It doesn't apply to normal pond pumps, but I would think you'll know that. Take care mate, Terry.
Interesting again mate 🐟👍🏻🐟
Hi mate, and thank you. Always appreciated. 👍👍 Terry.
Sounds like you got a perfect result. Great stuff Terry. Stay safe mate
Thanks Steve, I think it's seeing the 400w that put's people off buying one. Take care mate, Terry.
Hello mate after seeing the video would this not be the problem with your pump blowing bubbles may be it’s not low enough 🐟👍🏻🐟
Hi Mate, I have lowered the pump intake in the sieve, which has cured the problem. I don't get any air through now at all, but thanks for the thought 👍👍 much appreciated, Terry.
I was thinking more about Steve’s pump as it’s blowing air in his pond 👍🏻🐟👍🏻
Sorry mate, I got the notification as it was on my comment. Not to worry, Steve won't mind. Terry.
I have a DM vario 10000 and I am very pleased with it. The price is very affordable, especially compared to other variable pumps, and the capacity is very good. I have it for 5 or 6 years or so and it never failed on me. The power consumption is low compared to other pumps, that was an important issue for me. When I bought it they didn't specify the diameter pipe that is best for the capacity of my pump, so I installed a pipe that is a bit too large. When I put it in the lowest setting the pump will stop and signal an error. But when you use the right diameter pipe everything is just fine. For me it is not an issue because I never use the lowest setting. What I also like a lot is that you can pause the pump without unplugging the plug, and when you restart the pump it will go to the last setting that you used.
They are very good pumps, I run 3 of them, and they work really well. Thanks, Terry.
Another great video Terry, I have just bought a Baki shower and pump, I oversized the pump to a 20k for the same reason, You will have to do a video to explain your pond setup, Still not sure how it all goes together and I have been watching your videos for quite a while 🙂
Hi Ross, well done mate, you won't regret it. I will explain my setup for you in my next video mate 👍👍 no problem. And a big thank you for your support mate, you take care, Terry.
Wished I’d seen this before I bought my pump 😩great video 👍🏻
Hi Matt, I'm sorry to hear that. Not to worry mate, next time the big one 👍👍 Thanks and you take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty yeah definitely!! . I guess it makes sense when you think about it , if the pump has a bigger motor it doesn’t have to work as hard to push the same amount of water the smaller the pump the harder it works !! 👍🏻
Impressive results, bigger pump is not always so expensive :)
Hi Artemka, and thank you. If you run the bigger pump, you get the extra cost back in one year. Thanks, Terry.
Hi Terri. What you are saying doesn't make sense to me that the larger more powerful pump would use less power to deliver the same flow but you have proven that it does. Must be something to do with the design of the pump motor itself and maybe the impeller too. On fixed flow pumps (not variflow) the larger pumps always use significantly more wattage to run. I'm definitely going to have to check out the variflow pumps for my pond. Cheers. 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻
Hi Ken, and thanks mate. You are right, the bigger pumps are built to handle more flow with more power, but when turned down, they seem to handle the flow better and cheaper than the next size down. It was just something I've come across since I've been using vari flow pumps. Thanks mate, and take care, 👍Terry.
You get a better head pressure with the bigger pumps as well. That's why I had to change mine. I needed the better head pressure to run my upflows which sit at 2 meters (6foot something) at the top.
That's right Jim, The bigger pumps just handle it much better. Thanks and take care, Terry.
UK Law and building regs Terry. Anything outside or in a pond should be hard wired and not plugged in, so they cant supply a plug top with pumps etc.
Ah! that's why we don't get one. Thanks for that Gary, I feel better now mate. Take care, Terry.
That’s incorrect, they make externally rated sockets specifically for plugging in external equipment. The reason they don’t put a plug top on, is because you could connect your pump via a double pole isolator. The most important thing is to make sure all your sockets are protected via an 30mA RCD or RCBO. There is also a requirement now for protection of domestic socket circuits via a Arc Fault Detection Device fitted in your consumer unit, not a requirement for an existing consumer unit/ circuit.
@@Chequr_Prostate check part P of the electrical Regulations and building regs
Hi Terry, I work it out that you're saving about £85.90 a year on the current average price of electricity from April 2022 @ 28p per KWh, your payback time for the pump @ £300 is 3.49 years or 41.90 months & your annual running cost with the pump running @ 65W is £159.54 a year or £13.29 per month or 44p per day just sayin :) excellent content (as usual) I haven't got a pond but I've watched all of your videos & learnt a lot, who knows maybe one day I'll have a pond too. Cheers
Hi Tim, and thank you for the costing, thats great mate. It's not really for people like me, as I had a pump in the first place, but for someone just buying a pump, paying the bit extra for the bigger pump, will be worth it in the long run. They'll get the extra they pay back in just over a year, and have a pump that's not working as hard. Thanks for the comment mate, very much appreciated. Take care, Terry.
Manufacturers skimping on a 30p plug, so frustrating isn't it 😤 Very interesting and informative video yet again Terry, always look forward to seeing what you're upto. Well done 👍
I went on a training course for commercial dishwashers which i had already worked on and i asked about a panel that was daft and not have a small panel on which would make getting in to where i needed to be easier, The guy agreed with me and had also mentioned it to the company. He said yes its not a lot at what it would cost and they had worked it out at about 4p loss per machine. I laughed and he said it would of amounted to about a loss of 50k a year or something ridiculous.
Hi Dave, and thanks mate, the not having a plug just makes me see red lol.I got a new charger for my drill battery and it came with no plug. I sent them a complaint lol. Take care mate, Terry.
@@Wrighty Terry I don't know where you've got Dave from but my names Bob 🤣
They've got me all mixed up lol. Sorry mate, I know it's Bob, it was that they was calling you Bob/Dave in the comments and it stook in my head for some reason. My apologies mate.
@@Wrighty That's because Marek got mixed up and called me Dave all day at the queni koi event. 🤣👍
Hi Terry, thanks for the videos and information, so interesting and always puts a smile on my face. I was just wondering what happened to the protein skimmer? Did you just decommission it over the winter due to lack of protein or was there a problem/ lack of performance with it? Thanks and happy ponding! Paul.
Hi Paul, and thank you for your kind comments. I just shut the up-flow and protein skimmer down mate, to save a bit on electric. They're back up and running again now 👍👍 Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
Very informative video, thanks as always.
But can I just point out the elephant in the room, at today's rates roughly, and providing the pump stays just as efficient, it will take around 6 years to recover the cost of the pump (and the 30p plug of course!) At 35w saving. So useful when buying a pump for the first time, but not so much if you have a pump already bought and payed for. If saving money is the main aim.
Keep up the good work, look forward to the next video
That's absolutely right mate. Its too late for me, but hopefully someone will gain. I had to get a new pump anyway, as the 20,000 was struggling keeping up, and I was running it flat out. I worked it out as, you'll pay for the extra cost of the bigger pump in just over a year. Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
Not according to my calculations.
35W x 24 hours x 365 days = 306600 Watts
306600 / 1000 = 306.6 kW
306.6kW x 28.1p (British Gas Variable Elect Rate) = £86.15 year cheaper
So just over 3 years to recoup cost.
@@TheGoalMachine Sorry, yes your right, I used my current rates (£52.40 a year saving), not todays average rates. But even still 3 and a half years just to break even is still something to consider when thinking about a change, I have had pumps (albeit cheaper ones) not even last that long before breaking, or having seriously reduced flow. If there is good reason to change it out anyway then fair enough, but I was talking about it just with the view of saving money.
This also makes me cry about thinking what happens when my fixed term ends!
👌👍
Thanks mate 👍👍, Terry
bang on Terry more flow less power 👌👍
Hi Leon, you can't beat it mate 👍👍😆😆😆 take care, Terry.
Very good video i have been doing this for about 3 years with superfish pumps and it's right lower wattage but 1 of the pumps has stopped working so possibly looking for a different make replacement , what's the make up are using
Hi Wayne, I use the Jebao TSP Variflow, They are very popular as they're usually that bit cheaper and do the same job. I've run 3 for a couple of years now, and not had a problem. Take care mate, Terry.
Great update can I ask what make your green and white temperature thermometer is on the wall in your filter house 👍
Hi Sam, and thank you. I've had my thermometer a few years now and the link has expired, but you can get them on eBay. Just search for "in out thermometer" or if you want one the same as mine, you can find them here: www.koi-zone.co.uk/ETI-Digital-In-Out-Thermometer
Hope this helps mate, take care, Terry.
Did the same Terry, replaced Badu top 8, 20k pump with a vari flow 30k only run it at 70% to get 20k, the bigger pumps dont have to work so hard as the small ones to move the water because of the greater head value, should last longer too hopefully not running flat out.
That's absolutely right Martin. I think a 30,000 pond pump frighten a lot of people, but the main thing is you can turn them down. But I have noticed they're becoming hard to get hold of now with what's going on in the world at the moment. take care mate, Terry.
Hi Terry
Another great video thanks.
I would imagine the plug thing is because they are sold in. any different countries with different plug requirements although I agree it is annoying. What gets me is the translation of the instructions from Chinese to English often totally incomprehensible!
One word of advice....take those slippers off before you go back in the house...it could save you some grief 😄
All the best!
Hi Peter, and thanks mate, much appreciated. Lol, I do get in trouble from time to time 😅😅 with the all-terrain slippers 🤣🤣. I've found out, the reason for no plug with pond pumps is, the UK Health and Safety Law, all pond pumps and any outdoor equipment are now supposed to be hardwired. So I had to forgive them 🤣🤣 take care mate, Terry.
Something I noticed the other day on my 100w model was that after cleaning the impeller and housing the wattage dropped by 5w. So at the minimum 3000 lph it was reading 10w
Hi Simon, that's right mate. It always pays to clean and maintain your pond and air pumps, to keep them working efficiently, Thanks Terry.
reason why they dont include a plug is because its sold internationally, they would have to open the box up of EACH unit for EACH international destination and place in a 240v plug. its designed to be a DC pump and youve saved money already on such a powerful pump at much less wattage used.
Hi Nathan, you're quite right mate, but I also found out, anything that can be fitted outside, can not have a plug as the UK law says, it has to be hardwired. Thanks for the info though mate, much appreciated, Terry.
Hi Terry , great video mate and what a great saving !! I’ve done something similar on my skimmer line. 4000lt pump changed for 10,000 varipump and I’m making a huge saving.
On the plug issue I think it’s law about pond pumps from what I remember from working in the industry.
Hi Paul, good to hear you found it out mate. You are also correct about the plug, as I've found out. Pond pumps are supposed to be hardwired, so they can't fit a plug. But I have to say, this doesn't apply to the new charger I just bought for my drill battery, which came with no plug 😠😠 Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
New subscriber and slowly working way through viewing your videos and learning along the way I'm planning to build a barrel filter system is there any advantage in using more than 3 barrels is it possible to add an uplift and or settlement barrels before a sieve to barrels like you built ?
Hi Micheal, and welcome to the channel. Some do add a swirl barrel to the front of the 3 barrel system, to remove some of the larger dirt. If you want to fit a sieve filter, it will need to be gravity fed from the pond, and you have your pump in there which then pumps to the filters. I use a sieve filter to remove the algae before it gets to my RDF. If you mean an up-flow filter, it will go after the main filter and need a pump of it's own to run. I hope this helps mate, take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty thanks for your reply and advice I'm waiting for the 200litre barrels to be delivered I got a good deal off supplier 6 incase of a mistake with the screw on lids and clamps for £100 . A plumber friend is giving me 3 inch pipe and fittings for between barrels and 2 inch piping and ball valves for drainage . As he's having my old filters for his pond . What levels of K media do you recommend I use in 3 barrels . I will be using my alfagrog in a 4 box container river shower I'm currently finishing off .
I would look to start with 50 ltr of K1 or K+ media in each tub, more can be added later if you find you need it. I ran mine on 50 ltr per tub for 3 years with no problems. Terry.
Hi Terry . Great video . We all need to save a bit where we can , right now ,and these Vario pumps certainly help . I have the same as your old one and it uses far less wattage than my old "ECO" pump . Are you keeping the old one as a spare or would you consider selling it? Would make a good back up for mine ?
Hi Mate, and thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍👍 sorry mate, but I am keeping the 20,000 pump as a backup, but thank you for the offer. Much appreciated. Take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty No problem . Take care 👍
hi i have a question i have a 6000l koi pond thats has a 6000l pump running at 65watts and pumps up 3 meters to the filter through 1" 1/2 pipe would the pondxpert variflow pump 10000 be a good replacement ?
I can only give my opinion. Variflow pumps are very good as they are controllable and can be turned down in the winter to save money. What I've found out up to now is, they do seem cheaper to run. Terry.
@@Wrighty update i did go for the pondxpert variflow pump 10000 and boy its a really nice pump it is more then enough for my pond and can use half the 65 watts i was using before but im running it at 40 watts and i getting more flow then i did with my old pump so thank you for the heads up on these pumps
Hi Mate, it's good to hear you like the variflow pump. I must admit I love them. Thanks mate, Terry.
Hi interesting video, did you fit a correctly sized fuse in the plug it looked like a 13amp?🤓
Hi Steve, and thank you, and yes mate, I bought a bag of 10, 13a plugs and fuses. Take care, Terry.
Thanks for the video Terry. When I looked into pumps, a few of the similar 30k pumps run a peak of 400w and the 20k run 200 Watts, which may put people off, but as you have demonstrated, the bigger ones can be more efficient at lower speeds. Have you ever checked the wattage displayed on the pump controller with the actual wattage with a smart plug? Just wondered how accurate they are. Thanks Garry
Hi Gary, that's right mate, when people see the 400w it does put them off buying one, so I thought I'd let people know. It is only for the variflow pumps, that can be adjusted. I have had a smart plug on the 10,000 and 20,000 and they're about right. I forgot to put one on the 40,000 but I will check it mate. Thanks and take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty Thanks Terry, I just wondered if the pump controller was actually reading wattage used or it was pre programmed to display a number at the factory.
Hi Gary, and that's a good question mate. It is actually a wattage being used, I have had a watt meter on one, and they are quite accurate as well. Terry.
hi terry im in the process of designing my koi pond it is going to be. 3.05m x 2.13m x 1.22m. 2,093.98 uk gallons. gravity fed. this is the first time ive done a gravity fed pond. so its new to me. this is not my first pond tho. im thinking of getting your midi bio filter system. but not sure its the right one to have for gravity fed. can you advise me witch one of your 3 barrel systems would be best for my pond. and witch pump size would you recommend for it. maybe the pump you tested in this vid ?
Hi mate, Good luck with the new pond build 👍👍 The 30,000 variflow would be too much for you water volume mate. as you're looking at just under 10,000 ltr, I would run the 10,000 to 20,000 lph variflow. This will be plenty for your pond size. If you're looking for a gravity fed filter, you would need the Pro Midi filter, where all the tubs are on one level, and the pond water level is equal to the water level in the tubs. If I can help further, you can contact me on pondfilters@gmail.com I glad to help. Take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty thanks for advice mate. i was thinking that one would not work as its staggered. you have just comfirmed my thinking on it. just needed a second opinion. i will be going for your pro midi filtter system then to start. then at a later date having a go at building your RDF system. you have comfirmed my thinking on the pumps too witch is good. thanks again terry :)
You're very welcome mate, Terry.
Hi Terry. Informative video as usual. Can you please tell me what make the pump is and where you purchased it. Thanks
Hi Steve, the pump is a Jebao TSP 30,000 Variflow Pond Pump Submersible or Dry Mount. I got it on eBay. Hope this helps mate, take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty Thanks for reply. I thought so. Although I have been looking for one and they don’t seem to be available anymore 😞
Hi Steve, I've just contacted a friend of mine who sells pond equipment, and apparently they can't get them and their getting difficult to get. I've just had a quick look and found some, but it's more money than mine was. I paid £320.00 for mine, but these are the ones I found mate:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175176539177?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/403437187586?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050
www.amazon.co.uk/Aquaforest-Evolution-Aqua-Varipump-30000/dp/B07PW2JC89/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Pondxpert+Variflow+pump+30%2C000&linkCode=osi&psc=1&qid=1651175049&sr=8-3&th=1
I would copy the links quick as UA-cam delete most posts with links in them as spam.
I've also found one at Burtons:
burtonsaquatics.com/pondxpert-variflow-pump-30-000.html
What reason made you put those huge covers on your pond?
To stop big temperature changes in the winter, plus I now heat my pond, Terry.
Hi Terry, a little off topic but i wonder if you could let me know the dimensions of your filter shed? Its just that I am about to install a drum filter and I'm sure one day i'll want to add some of the extras that you have in your set up too, so just thinking ahead :-)
Hi Ray, no problem mate, it's an 8ft x 6ft. Hope this helps, take care mate, Terry.
@@Wrighty Many thanks Terry
Your not the only one mate it is so frustrating a simple plug even if they just put one in the box 35watts over 365 days is a big saving 12.775 Watts
Hi mate, someone worked it out at 28p per kwh and it's around £85.00 a year. So if you were going to buy the smaller size 10,000 to 20.000 pump, you'd get the extra cost of the 30,000 pump back in one year, and have a pump that's not working as hard. Thanks mate and take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty you forgot the standing daily charge rate Terry
Yes, but we have to pay that any way lol. 👍👍
Wrighty I’ve contemplated this theory but is self explanatory as I’m using flat out 12.000 at 110w but I’m waiting on my 30.000 pondxpert which from description states 12.000 is 45w 🤔 which is minimal flow rate
Hi Simon, I don't think the pumps quite deliver the flow they state, but you should find you get the same flow for lower wattage and the pump won't be working as hard as your old one. Thanks mate, Terry.
Do you think air pumps would have the same power saving by scaling up? Just a thought I had while watching this.
Hi Spencer, I don't think it works like that mate. It's the controlling of the power going into it where the gain is made. There's no control on air pumps, up to now. That's a thought lol.🤔🤔🤔 you take care mate, Terry.
Thanks Terry very interesting was it a 30k or 40k pump 🤔
Hi mate, and thank you. it was the Jebao 30,000 lph. If your looking for one, don't hang about mate, as they're getting hard to get. Take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty yeah I’ve got the Jebao 10k Great pumps I’ll have to look into a upgrade next year when I’ve finished my upgrade pond 👍
👍👍👍 Hope all's going well with the upgrade mate. Terry.
Great video Terry Mark at Japan Koi Imports has done many a test like you've done which is why I've also gone for a much bigger pump than I need in regards to the plugs 🔌 I agree it's very annoying but I'm pretty sure it's to do with English law as all out door electrics should be fitted by a professional so they sell them based on that but who ever listens to that rule 🤣🤣
Hi Jamie, You are correct about the plug mate, as I've found out. Pond pumps are supposed to be hardwired, so they can't fit a plug. But I have to say, this doesn't apply to the new charger I just bought for my drill battery, which came with no plug 😠😠but I do stand corrected on the pump. Thanks mate 👍👍, and take care, Terry.
What is the make of the vary pump?
Hi Neil, it's a Jebao TSP Variflow Pond Pump Submersible or Dry Mount. Terry.
@@Wrighty thanks Terry
I've got a blagdon iq 3000-6000l vari pump, on high it uses 35w and moves allegedly 6000l. I've just upgraded it to a blagdon amphibious iq vari 6000-12000 pump as need slightly more flow than the smaller pump can give and it's already maxed out. On low it uses 40w and says it moves 6000l, on high speed it uses 85w and says it moves 12000l. However even on the lowest setting it's draining the water out of my drum quicker and then causing it to clean every minute than the previous smaller blagdon IQ did at 35w and 6000l setting. The impeller on the bigger pump is physically larger so I can only assume it's able to cope with the pressure losses and drop in the system better and that the smaller IQ pump isn't actually moving 6000l at 35w setting. This newer pump is probably closer to if not bang on 6000l a minute at its lowest setting which is clearly too much for my drum.
I now need to send the pump back to Amazon as it's not suitable... I will need to go for the 4500-9000l vari pump which should then allow me to dial down closer to what the 3000-6000l vari IQ pump is doing but without running it flat out.
The issue is, the largest incorrectly sized pump is cheaper than the one I actually need.
Of course I can restrict the flow of this pump that is too big by closing valves down but then it's always going to be run on minimum and then being restricted on flow also isn't great. So lesson learned here, get the next size up than the one you think you need but don't go too oversized or it might not reduce down far enough.
Hi Richard, If your gravity fed to your RDF, I would look into your drum filter, it should take more flow than that. It sounds like it's lacking flow from the pond. Just a thought mate, Terry.
@@Wrighty yep, the pond is the issue. The guy who built it put only 2 inch drain pipe in.. there's bends etc so don't get the required flow on gravity.
Is it possible to add a second pipe into the pond wall or even over the top and create a siphon to the RDF? it would double your flow.
@@Wrighty possibly but I'm not clued up enough to do it. Had someone rebuild it, worked fine wehn was pump fed filter system but then I put the drum in
Fitting new piping and solvent welding is really easy to do. You'll find a lot of videos here on UA-cam to help. You need at least a 3" I/D pipework for gravity flow. Or you could (like I say) fit a second 2" pipe. Terry.
I thought the 10,000 varipump would go down to 1000lpm at its lowest... according to a video I watched
Hi Neil, the 10,000 variflow pump has a maximum flow rate of 10,000 lph when running at 100%. Terry.
@@Wrighty yes that is the max but the minimum I watched an evolution aqua in USA they had it minimum 22% or below maybe 0%
Yes mate, the most my Jebao goes down to is 30% I've no idea how much water it's moving.
its the law they are not allowed to send a plug with it.
Hi mate, that's right, so I found out. I'll forgive them this time 😆😆 Terry.
Your not on your own with the plug thing,it really really gets on my pips not many things annoy me but this boils my blood
Hi Dan, I know where you're coming from mate. Trouble is, I've got a bit of egg on my face with this one lol. Apparently they're not allowed to put a plug on pond pumps by law, as they're supposed to be hardwired, oopps! 🤭🤭 thanks, and take care mate, Terry.
You think your making a saving by replacing an expensive pump with another expensive pump lol Simply reduce the flow amount if you want to save money. Now it will take 5 years for you to get 300 pounds back plus you can´t sell the old pump. You don´t need a big flow for a skimmer anyway.
You seem to have bought an incredible amount of equipment.
I use one pump from my skimmer and it feeds my waterfall and a bog filter that was virtually free to build.
You seem to have totally missed the point. I'm not telling everybody to go out and buy a new pump. The point I'm making is, if your thinking of buying a pond pump, the bigger pumps can work out cheaper to run, and the extra difference in cost, can be got back in around a year, with less stress put on the pump. Everything in my filter house is made by myself. Terry.
Great video as always, there's an interesting table here comparing the flow, height and power of 10k, 20k and 30k pumps. The interesting observation from my point is that the height (so pressure I guess) the pump can lift is much less for the same flow/power level with a bigger pump so if you need to lift the water then you may not realise the flow level you would expect. Variflow Flow Chart.pdf
Hi Huw, and thank you. That's right mate, the bigger pumps just make lighter work of it, resulting in using less power. But this is only on the vari pumps where the flow can be adjusted. Thanks mate and take care, Terry.
With link! www.pondxpert.co.uk/files/Downloads/2020/Variflow%20Flow%20Chart.pdf
Thanks mate. 👍👍
Awesome video Terry mate just goes to show that sometimes bigger is better 💯👌🧁👍👍👍
Thanks mate, much appreciated. Trouble is, I've been telling the wife just the opposite for years 🤣🤣🤣 Take care mate, Terry.
@@Wrighty 😂😂😂😂😂😂Terry 🧁 I hear what you're saying 💯🧁😂👍👍👍