GPH to volume, where to pump?

[parrotfish100]

This is where I get most confused. I'm trying to price out how much an outdoor pond will be. I'm digging and installing everything myself. Its going to be a relative rectangle-shape (not exactly, but close)

Dimensions:

13'x11'x3'

Those are the highest dimensions at any given point.

Could someone give me the formula to figure out the volume? I was never too good at geometry :D

Next, how many gallons per hour should my main pump be? I want it to at least take care of the filtration/waterfall since I am planning to combine the filter with a waterfall that will be about 3' high I think.

And finally, where would be the ideal spot to place the pump? I've heard that you should dig the bottom of a pond into a slope, and pump from there. Would dug-in plumbing be better than pvc tubing?

I appreciate the help! I've never put in a pond before :help:

[frloplady]

Here is a pond volume calculator http://www.enkoi.com/calc2.php

Price out... double what you are figuring as that is how it seems to go! Know some good DIY filters if you need.

You want the pond volume to turn over/go through the filter(s) at least once an hour. So if the pond volume is 1000 gallons and you want a small waterfall I'd suggest a 1500 gph or even up to a 2000 gph pump.

If you can put in a bottom drain (buy this, it's not worth DIY) and go to a settlement barrel, 55 gallon plastic drum will work and use an external pump from there to the filters and falls. If you can put the pond on a slope so you can drain out the barrel to the garden or yard or.... It will work well to get leaves and such off the bottom of the pond as well as let some of the heavier gunk and poop settle out before going to the pump and filters. Helps with overall pond cleanliness and maintanance. I'm going to have drains in my lily and goldie ponds I'm building this summer.

Mary


This is where I get most confused. I'm trying to price out how much an outdoor pond will be. I'm digging and installing everything myself. Its going to be a relative rectangle-shape (not exactly, but close)

Dimensions:

13'x11'x3'

Those are the highest dimensions at any given point.

Could someone give me the formula to figure out the volume? I was never too good at geometry :D

Next, how many gallons per hour should my main pump be? I want it to at least take care of the filtration/waterfall since I am planning to combine the filter with a waterfall that will be about 3' high I think.

And finally, where would be the ideal spot to place the pump? I've heard that you should dig the bottom of a pond into a slope, and pump from there. Would dug-in plumbing be better than pvc tubing?

I appreciate the help! I've never put in a pond before :help:

[parrotfish100]

Ahhh, ok. So an external pump taking from the settlement barrel into the filter? Would I stick the barrel underground, or is it better above?

Thank you for your help!