As a rough guide you will need a flow rate of about 500 litres (110 gallons) per hour for a 1 metre (40") high tiered fountain plus about 1000 litres (220 gallons) per hour to give a reasonable waterfall for every 10cm (4") of waterfall width.

Once you have calculated the flow rate as above, we recommend you multiply this by 1.25 (or 1.5 for hose runs over 6 metres/20') to compensate for losses due to friction in the pipework and fittings etc.

As a reasonable approximation to calculate the required head (pressure) measure the height of the highest outlet above the pond surface.

Find the point on the performance chart where your figures for flow rate and head meet. To achieve the flow rate at that head you will need a pump whose line is above this point.

Click For 1200 - 1800 Pump Performance Chart & Reference Guide

Click For 2000 - 4000 Pump Performance Chart & Reference Guide

Click For 5000 - 9000 Pump Performance Chart & Reference Guide

Click For 12000 - 15000 Pump Performance Chart & Reference Guide

You require a 25cm wide waterfall and small fountain. The waterfall starts 1.0m (40") above the pond surface.

1. 500 L/h for fountain + (2.5 x 1000) L/h for waterfall = 3000 L/h

1. Multiply by 1.25 to allow for pipe losses etc. gives 3750 L/h required flow rate.

Note. The waterfall flow rate of approximately 2500 L/h is ideal for the FISH MATE COMPACT 16W filter.

2. Required 'head' = 1.0m (40").

3. First consult 2000 - 4000 Pump Performance Chart below, (Head 1.0m, Flow Rate 3750 L/h). From the chart the FISH MATE 4000 pump would not quite have sufficient power and therefore we must consult the 5000 - 15000 Performance Chart from which it is clear the FISH MATE 5000 would be the preferred choice.

1200 - 4000 Pump Performance Chart

5000 - 15000 Pump Performance Chart

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