Choosing the right pump and filter for your pond can feel overwhelming—there are so many options out there! Don’t worry; we know how to help you make the best conditions for your aquarium fish and clean water.
When expert help is needed, turn to That Pond Guy, who will provide the right remedies for ponds. The premium filters available with Burtons Aquatics will ensure healthy koi and clearer ponds.
Step 1: Calculate Your Pond Volume
You should determine the amount of water in your pond prior to picking a pump or filter.
The maths involved is quite basic:
- Pond Volume (V) = Length (m) x Width (m) x Depth (m) x 1000.
All in all, a pond that is 3m long, 2m wide, and 1m deep can hold up to 6,000 litres. This number is important because it will show you what pump and filter strength your tank calls for.
Matching Pump Flow Rate to Pond Type
Not all ponds have the same requirements—your pump choice depends on whether you have a wildlife pond, goldfish, or koi.
- Wildlife Ponds (No Fish) – No pump or filter needed! These ponds thrive naturally with minimal interference.
- Goldfish Ponds – Turn over the full pond volume every 2 hours. Choose a pump with half of the volume of your pond in LPH (e.g., 3,000 LPH for a 6,000L pond).
- Koi Ponds – Turn over the full volume every hour due to higher waste levels. Pick a pump matching the volume of your pond (e.g., 6,000 LPH for a 6,000L pond).
Selecting the Right Filter
Filters come in two main types:
- Pressurised Filters – Great for goldfish ponds. They are compact, sealed units that can be placed away from the pond.
- Box Filters – Essential for koi ponds. They use gravity for slower, more thorough filtration and must sit above water level.
- Professional Tip: Always match the maximum flow rate of your filter to the output of your pump.
Don’t Forget Head Height!
If you have a waterfall or fountain, your pump must push water upward—this reduces its effective flow rate. Measure the vertical distance from the pump to the highest point (e.g., 1m height = 1m head height).
For waterfalls, calculate:
1.5 litres per minute per 1cm of waterfall width
Multiply by 60 to get LPH (e.g., 10cm wide = 900 LPH minimum).
Final Checklist Before Buying
- Pond volume – Know your litres!
- Pump flow rate – Match it to your pond type.
- Filter type – Pressurised for goldfish, box for koi.
- Head height – Account for waterfalls or raised filters.
Where to Start Shopping
Stuck on which pump or filter to choose? You can discuss this with an expert who will suggest using a pump from a reliable company. And if you need hands-on advice, That Pond Guy has curated kits to simplify the process.
A well-chosen pump and filter keep your pond crystal clear and your fish thriving—so take your time, do the math, and enjoy a healthy, beautiful water feature for years to come!
