Lisa wrote:

Thanks! I've just been getting alot of warnings that my pump plans are
way too extreme. That I'm wanting to get too big of a system for a
1200ish pond. That a 3600 total pump combo is too much. Though no one
seems to be able to tell me what is bad about the concept. Though I
don't really get any answers as to why it would be bad.

Now I just have to pick a pump combo (brand/type). I sure do like the
concept of the sequence external but hate the idea of having to come
up with a houseing box, where to put it so it's invisible, possible
primer thingy (don't have a clue what that even looks like), and the
issue of hearing the pump. Wonder if I could put it in a rubbermaid
container (hinged lid) whereby the box is buried in the waterfall
mound area to have the lid opening sideways/vertical as opposed to the
lid being horizontal, taking up room & sticking out like a sore thumb.
Or if I could put thick house insulation around it to deaden the
sound. LOL Actually, I just wish I could find pumps with that same
wattage & power and be able to have it IN the water.

Why can't the world be perfect?

get the bigger pump you can afford
I don't agree. Depending on the size of your pond and assuming that you
will have a waterfall(s) the amount of water you move is important. If
your
pump is too powerful you might end up with water running where its not
wanted, though you could and should install a bleeder pipe with a valve,
which goes directrly back to the pond. This allows you to adjust the
fall rate and helps circular water into those dead areas. A UV light is
a must in sunny areas to control algae, and it also helps to keep
parasites in check. And I recommend having a skimmer. It not only
controls the floating solid waste (leaves, etc.), but also aids in
biological filtration, removing much of the proteins that surface.
If you get a Sequence you won't be sorry. It's not cheap.
They are one of the quietest and the cheapest to run though. I did not
notice an increase in my electric bill. At least it is not running me to
the poor house.
I have the pump shut off and covered in the rainy season and when the
temperature drops below 55 degrees, but otherwise it runs in the open.
It is no more than 15 feet from where we sit, and it can not be heard
above the sound of the waterfalls.
Check the pumps you look at and consider the AMP$.
AMPs mean $$$ to run, so when a pump seems cheap, but uses
1.5 AMPs it can get expensive quickly down the road.
I built a biological filter from a plastic tool box that I bought a Home
Depot. It think it cost $49. It's the size that you see on the back of
pick-up trucks. I built a manifold out of 2 inch PVC, drilling 1/4 inch
holes to spray the water over the filter material. I use regular furnace
fiber filter material on top, then a layer of bedding foam, both of
which I cut to size. The Bio-Balls are on the bottom.
If you would like more info.
Write me.
George
Folsom, CA