Help me select a new pump

[tored1971]

Hi all, GREAT forum
I went out to check the skimmer basket the other day and noticed the Aquascape model SFA4500 pump was making a whining noise.
I disconnected the pump to check for obstructions, there were none, and put the pump back in place.
The noise was still there
I then checked the invoice from my landscaper and found out the warranty ran out 2 days earlier
I did some searching and found out the Aquascape models are energy hogs and don't last long.
Can anyone reccomend a replacement pump?

Please help me choose a new pump before this pump dies and I lose all my fish.

Thank You, Phil

[kntry]

Is your pump in line or submersible?  How many gallons is your pond? 

[tored1971]

It is a submersible pump, Aquascape designs, model SFA4500, rated 4500GPH@ 5' head.
I have a 6ft waterfall also.
The old pump works well with the waterfall.

[miguynmkoi]

found out the warranty ran out 2 days earlier

Naturally!!  Don't you just hate that?

Anyways I have had great luck with the Pondmaster pumps and so far the Laguna pumps I purchase from Bonnie (AP).  Both submersible.  As to the size I like to go more than necessary because of all the piping turns and rises. 

Since you have such a tall waterfall have you thought of using 2 pumps.  One just for the waterfall and another for the filtering? 

Also always have a backup pump even if it is smaller than the actual filtering one. 

[joe09]

one of the best pumps is is the proformance pro,i have the 1/4 hp,4900 gal/hr.it has a head height of 9 1/2 ft.uses about 300 watts.and is guaranteed for 3 yrs.

[frloplady]

I've had good luck with the pondmaster submersible pump.  Lots of different sizes and most of the larger ones (I think) can be used inline or submersible, so if you ever upgrade the pond you could still use the pump as an external as well

[sooks]

I'm also looking for a pump. Is 4500 gh good enough for a water fall? Where is the best place to buy a pump? thanks

[joe09]

try koi village .com,gene is a good person to deal with and will help you with any questions

[ThornyGardener]

I'm also looking for a pump. Is 4500 gh good enough for a water fall? Where is the best place to buy a pump? thanks

I think the recommended pump size is 100 - 150 gph per inch of width of the weir, then you have to account for waterfall height as well as every 90 in the pipe (there's an online calculator online somewhere). I have a 4500 on my skimmer to falls only 1' above skimmer but it is not enough for the two weirs (about 20" and 17"). The water tends to roll back under the lip of the stone weirs and doesn't drop in the clean sheet I want.

[sooks]

ThornyGardener! I'm thinking of getting the same size pump as you. Do you have any pictures of your waterfall?