Guide to Choosing the Best Water Pump for Aquaponics

Choosing the right water pump for an aquaponics system is essential to ensure efficient system performance. Using an inadequate water pump can result in inefficient water flow, which can cause various problems, such as low oxygen levels for fish and plants, nutrient deficiencies, and stagnant water.

On the other hand, the right water pump can promote optimal water flow, resulting in healthy fish and plants, efficient nutrient cycling, and overall system productivity. This guide discusses factors to consider when selecting the best water pump, types of water pumps, and maintenance and troubleshooting tips. 

The Importance of Selecting the Right Water Pump for Efficient System Performance

Selecting the right water pump is essential for the optimal performance of an aquaponics system. It plays a crucial role in circulating the water within the system, which is vital for ensuring that fish and plants receive the nutrients and oxygen.

An inefficient water pump can cause various issues, such as if the water flow is inadequate, the plants may not receive enough amount of nutrients, which will lead to stunted growth and low crop yields.

Stagnant water can also result in anaerobic conditions that promote the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, which are the cause of various fishand plant diseases.

Additionally, a too-low water flow may cause stress to the fish and plants. On the other hand, a too-high flow rate may cause the quick flushing of nutrients out of the system too quickly, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Therefore, selecting the right water pump ensures optimal system performance.

A Brief Explanation of How Water Pump Work in Aquaponics Systems

Water pumps are used to circulate the water in the whole system. They typically draw water from the fish tank and then pump it to the grow bed or channels, where it is filtered through the growing medium or flows over the plant roots. The clean and filtered water is then returned to the fish tank for the fish to live. Choosing the right water pump is essential to ensure the water is circulated at the appropriate flow rate for optimal system performance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Pump for Aquaponics Systems

Here are several factors to consider when selecting the best water pump for aquaponics systems.

1. Flow Rate Requirements for Different Types of Aquaponics Systems

Different aquaponics systems have different flow rate requirements. Media-based aquaponics systems require a flow rate of 1 to 2 gallons per minute (GPM) per square foot of grow bed. NFT systems require a flow rate of 1 to 2 GPM per linear foot of channel while raft systems require a flow rate of 1 to 2 GPM per square foot of raft.

2. Calculating the Ideal Flow Rate for Your Specific System

Calculating the ideal flow rate for your specific aquaponics system is essential to ensure optimal performance. 

The ideal flow rate of the water pump depends on several factors, like the system's size, the number of fish and plants grown, and the type of growing media used.

3. Understanding Head Height and How It Affects Pump Performance

Head height refers to the vertical distance that the water must be pumped from the fish tank to the grow bed or channels. Choosing a water pump that can handle the head height of your specific system is essential. A water pump with a higher head height rating will push water to a greater height.

4. Energy Efficiency and Cost Considerations

Choose energy-efficient water pumps that consume less electricity to reduce energy costs and save money. 

5. Durability and Lifespan of the Pump

Choosing a durable water pump is essential to ensuring that your system continues to run smoothly for many years. Look for pumps made from high-quality materials and with a reputation for reliability. It is also essential to consider the warranty and customer support the manufacturer offers.

6. Noise Level and Maintenance Requirements

Water pumps can generate noise, which can be a concern if your aquaponics system is in a shared or residential space. Look for pumps that are designed to operate quietly. It is also essential to consider the maintenance requirements of the pump. Choose a pump that is easy to clean and maintain to avoid disruptions to your aquaponics system.

How to Determine the Correct Water Pump Size for Your System

Determining the correct water pump size is crucial for the efficient operation of your system. If the water pump is too small for the system, it cannot provide enough water flow for your plants and fish, while a too-big pump can lead to higher electricity consumption and costs. 

Below are the steps to follow in determining the correct water pump size:

First, you need to determine the GPH (Gallons Per Hour), measure the head height, and then combine the GPH and head height.

1. Determining GPH (Gallons Per Hour)

The first thing you need to do in sizing the water for your system is to determine the GPH or Gallons Per Hour. Submersible pumps have a Gallons Per Hour (GPH) rating, which is the number of gallons of water that a water pump can pump every hour. In some areas that use the metric system, the ratings are Liters Per Hour.

The rule of thumb is that your water pump should circulate the entire water volume in your system at least every two hours. So choose a water pump that can meet this minimum requirement of cycling half of your entire system's volume of water every hour. So if your aquaponics system has 100 gallons of water, you will need a pump that can circulate at least 50 gallons of water per hour. So you will need a water pump that has at least 50 GPH.

2. Measuring the Head Height

The head height is the distance between the fish tank's water level and the desired water level of the grow bed. When measuring your aquaponics system's head height, measure the distance between the two water levels using a ruler or tape measure. 

Keeping the heat at a minimum level will keep the entire system efficient. But for some aquaponics systems where the fish tank and the grow bed are at the same level, there is no head height.

3. Combining GPH and Head Height

Once you have determined your GPH and measured your head height, the next step is combining the two variables to determine the right water pump size for your aquaponics system. In general, most water pumps come with a chart that combines GPH and head height. 

This sample chart for the Active Aqua Submersible Pump should only be used if you're using an Active Aqua Pump. Each manufacturer has its specific chart that comes with the product.

Reading the Pump Curve

Every water pump has a pump curve in its user manual or datasheet. In looking at your water pump's pump curve, look at the left axis first and find the head height you calculated for your system. Draw a line to the right, look for your required minimum flow rate, and draw a vertical line. The point where the lines cross is your pump's "working point."

Types of Water Pump for Aquaponics

Here are the two common types of water pumps for aquaponics systems.

1. Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps are usually used in smaller aquaponics systems. They are placed directly in the water, are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and are more affordable than external pumps. However, submersible pumps may not be suitable for larger systems or systems that require a higher flow rate.

Pros:
Submersible pumps are cheaper.
Easier to use.
Faster to set up
Less noisy compared to inline pumps.
Very efficient for small aquaponics systems.

Cons:
Submersible pumps can be difficult to repair.
Great only for small aquaponics systems.
The seals can be corroded over time.
It may not be suitable for high flow rate requirements.

2. Inline Pumps

Also called centrifugal pumps, the inline pumps are placed out of the fish tank and are mostly used in larger aquaponics systems. These higher-powered motors are capable of moving larger volumes of water. Inline pumps are measured in horsepower (HP), not by the volume of water that they can move. 

One significant advantage of inline pumps is that the air cools the heat generated by the pump. Inline pumps can also be used to aerate the water by pumping low air volumes at high pressure into the water, which helps supply oxygen to the plant roots.

Pros:
It helps in aerating plant roots.
The air cools the heat generated by the pump.
Have more power compared to a submersible pump.
More durable.

Cons:
More expensive than a submersible pump.
Noisier than a submersible pump.

 

Our Choice for the Best Water Pump for Aquaponics

After considering the factors discussed above, here are our choice of some of the best water pumps for aquaponics.

1. Hydrofarm Active Aqua Submersible Water Pump, 400 GPH

 

 

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Features of EcoPlus Submersible Water Pump:

• Designed specifically for aquaponics use
• Powerful motor for efficient water flow
• Submersible design for easy integration into the system
• Durable construction for long-lasting performance
• Quiet operation for a peaceful environment
• Adjustable flow control for customized water circulation
• User-friendly installation and setup
• Easy to clean and maintain

Our Review:

The EcoPlus Submersible Water Pump is a top choice for aquaponics enthusiasts. Its powerful and efficient performance ensures consistent water flow and promotes the healthy growth of plants and aquatic organisms. The durable construction and quiet operation make it a reliable and low-maintenance option. The pump's submersible design and adjustable flow control add to its versatility, making it an excellent fit for any aquaponic setup.

3. VIVOSUN Submersible Pump

 

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Features of VIVOSUN SUbmersible Pump:

• Designed specifically for aquaponics use
• Powerful motor for efficient water circulation
• Submersible design for easy integration into the system
• Durable construction for long-lasting performance
• Quiet operation for a peaceful aquaponic environment
• Adjustable flow control for customized water circulation
• Easy to install and set up
• User-friendly features for convenient operation

Our Review:

The ViVOSUN Submersible Pump is a reliable choice for aquaponics enthusiasts. Its powerful motor ensures efficient water circulation, promoting the healthy growth of plants and aquatic organisms. The submersible design allows easy integration, and its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. The pump operates quietly, maintaining a peaceful environment. The adjustable flow control adds convenience for customized water flow. Overall, it's a valuable asset for any aquaponic setup.

4. Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump

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Features of Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump:

• Designed specifically for efficient debris handling in ponds and aquaponics systems
• Equipped with a large intake and internal basket to prevent clogs and debris from reaching the impeller
• Powerful motor ensures efficient water circulation, facilitating nutrient and oxygen exchange
• Submersible design allows easy integration into ponds or aquaponic setups
• Operates quietly, maintaining a peaceful environment for aquatic organisms
• Durable construction guarantees long-lasting performance
• Versatile and adaptable to various pond and aquaponic configurations

Our Review:

The Tetra Pond Debris-Handling Pump  is a reliable solution for efficient debris management in aquaponics. Its large intake and internal basket prevent clogs, ensuring uninterrupted water flow. With a powerful motor, it promotes healthy growth in plants and aquatic organisms. The submersible design allows for easy integration while its quiet operation maintains a peaceful environment. Cleaning is hassle-free with the removable internal basket. It's a valuable asset for maintaining optimal conditions in an aquaponic system.

5. Uniclife UL400 Submersible Water Pump

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Once you have selected and installed a water pump for your aquaponics system, it is essential to maintain it to ensure optimal performance properly. Here are some tips for maintaining your water pump:

Conclusion