As for the pump, look at the specs for the electrical draw. The cost of a
good pump can be paid for in one season by the electricity that is saved
over a poor pump. For submersible pumps, I like the Supreme Mag drive
pumps. You can get them in 1200, 1800, 2400, and 3600 gph. The minimum
size pump for your pond would be about 500 gph, and there really is no such
thing as a maximum, until the flow through the pond is too strong for the
fish. A 3000 or even 3600 gph would be good. The more pump, the better the
skimmer works, and the better the filters work. If you decide to add a UV,
then the size of the UV, though stated in pond gallons, is really tied more
to pump volume, too much water goes through too fast to do the job.

Savio is one of the new kids on the block and seems to have one of the best
skimmers on the market.

Personally, I would not have the rocks in the pond. The liner is very
tough. After you get some, try to poke a hole in it with a ball point pen.
Almost impossible. The dogs toe nails will not hurt it. If you are goind
to have a bottom drain, the rocks will interfer with the flow of debris
along the bottom, keeping it from keeping the bottom clean.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html

"Dan" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Finally, after several years of waiting, I'm about to build
my first small pond. Most of our yard is heavily wooded,
however, I think I have a sutable, but mostly shaded, area
near the house for a 1000 gallon pond with a two foot waterfall.
I've resigned myself to battling with tree debris -- falling twigs,
leaves, and seeds -- in the spring and fall. I'm not a big koi fan
which is probably a good thing considering the number of raccoons, snakes,
herons, etc. in the area. However, I'm hoping for frogs
and with a large stream about a hundred yards away and a beaver
pond on the other side teeming with frogs (the sound is almost
deafening this time of year), I'm assuming that won't be a problem.
Plus I'm sure it won't be long before my kids start putting crayfish
and other 'wild critters' in there.

I was leaning towards the Tsurumi OMU-2 pump (3000 GPH max) and
a Savio Compact Skimmerfilter and a Savio Livingponds waterfall
filter. Is that too much pump for a 1000 gallon pond and fairly
low waterfall? What about a gravel bottom in a shaded pond? I've
heard both pros and cons, but I'm hoping that it will add a layer
of protection in case our 70 pound dog decides to wade in one day.
Also, is a center drain a must? My gut tells me to plumb one in
in any case. Any comments and advice would be appreciated. Oh,
just in case location is important, I live in central Maryland --
fairly cold winters and hot/muggy summers. Thanks in advance!