As a rough guide you will need a flow rate of about 120 gallons per hour for a 3ft high tiered fountain plus about 65 gallons per hour to give a reasonable waterfall for every 1" of waterfall width.

Once you have calculated the flow rate as above, we recommend you multiply this by 1¹/4 (or 1¹/2 for hose runs over 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.

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You require a 10" wide waterfall and small fountain. The waterfall starts 3ft above the pond surface.

1. 120 galls/hour for fountain + (10 x 65) galls/hour for waterfall = 770 galls/hour

1. Multiply by 1¹/4 to allow for pipe losses etc. gives 963 galls/hour required flow rate.

Note. The waterfall flow rate of approximately 650 galls/hour is ideal for the FISH MATE MEDIUM 15W filter.

2. Required 'head' = 3ft

3. First consult 300 - 1000 Pump Performance Chart below, (Head 3ft, Flow Rate 963 galls/hour). From the chart the FISH MATE 1000 pump would not quite have sufficient power and therefore we must consult the 1500 - 4500 Pump Performance Chart from which it is clear the FISH MATE 1500 would be the preferred choice.

300 - 1000 Pump Performance Chart

1500 - 4500 Pump Performance Chart

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