On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:21:42 EDT, "JB" wrote:

Thanks jan. You do this by switching out pumps, right?

Yes, I stick it in the pump chamber and feed a tube up to the upper pond,
as I don't run the waterfall.

I'm assuming you have a "skimmer box"?

I have a no-nitch skimmer, so not a box. Skimmer & bottom drain gravity
feed to filter (see picture on website). In the past I disconnected the
bottom drain, but last year I left it with no ill effects. If anything it
probably kept the bottom in that pond from going stagnant, which might have
been a good thing.

I'm using a submersible pump (OASE Auquamax) and I need to
use one with a larger intake to avoid clogs and having to clean a
pre-filter. My thinking is that I could cut my electricity usage by 2/3rds
and not experience any negative effects from downsizing. On the other side
of saving money, energy efficient pumps are really costing a lot these days.
What to do? What to do?
JB

Is your pump located in a skimmer box? ~ jan
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Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us