There is no doubt that the work horse of the Koi pond is the pump. Whether you have opted for a pump-fed or gravity-fed system, selecting the right pump is a critical step. The submersible pump is a common choice - widely available, relatively inexpensive and very easy to install. They are placed either in the pond for a pump-fed system or in the last chamber of the filtration system in the case of the gravity-fed system.
The submersible pump for all its simplicity does have a number of disadvantages. The biggest problem lies in the cleaning and maintenance. Since the pump is either in the pond or the filtration system, cleaning requires removing the unit. This can be especially time consuming when the pump is in the pond. The submersible pump in the pond can also become an obstacle on which your Koi could injure themselves. In the filtration system the pump takes up valuable space that could be used for filtration media.
The option I like best for a gravity-fed pond is the external pump. The pump is placed after the filtration system and so pumps clean water back into the pond. This cuts down on the amount of cleaning required and being out of the water makes maintenance an easier chore. The biggest drawback is that they need to be kept undercover in a dry space protected from the elements.
When choosing your pump, make sure you get one large enough to maintain the desired flow rate and water pressure. Ideally you want to be able to turn the whole pond volume over at least every two hours. Also think about the power consumption. Today there new lower wattage pumps coming on the market. These, while more expensive to buy, will save in overall operating costs. Just keep in mind these lower wattage pumps may not give you the power you need.
As always, do your homework before you make your choice. A little due diligence up front will save you time and headaches later on.
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