Pump Lift

Selecting the correct size pump and filter
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Step 3 Measuring the required pump lift

Every pump in the world has a maximum flow and a maximum lifting capability, known as head. At 0 lift it will give its maximum stated output (litres per hour), but as you lift higher the flow will decrease. At the maximum lifting height the pump will deliver no flow.

Measure the difference in height from the pond surface to the highest point the water has to travel before exiting the hose and returning to the pond. That will give you the "Operating Point".

Allow for pipe friction losses

As water travels through a pipe its flow rate is reduced through the friction created within the pipe. The longer and thinner the pipe work is, the more friction loss will occur. Fittings and bends in the pipe work cause even more flow loss.

Always use 1.5 inch hose if possible on all Stingray pumps. This will greatly reduce the flow loss through the pipes. Keep all pipe work and fittings to a minimum to maximise the flow of your pump.

As a guide we recommend you add 10cm of lift for every 1m of hose. So if your hose is 5m long and your lift is 0.7m your total lift (operating point) is 1.2m.

Step 4 Determining the required flow rate

Getting the flow rate right is extremely important for an effective filtration system.
Aim to turn over the volume of your pond at least every 2 hours. If your pond is 3000 litres then aim to find a pump with a minimum flow of 1500 litres an hour at the operating head that you have measured (including allowance for pipe losses as described above). If you aim to have a high number of fish then aim for turning over the water every 1 - 1.5 hours.

In the table below find the column with your required Operating Point and then go down in that column until you get to a flow rate that at least equals your requirements. Now read on the left which model Stingray it is that you require.

Tip: Always select a pump capable of slightly more than you require. However, do not select a pump that is grossly more capable than required since you need to ensure that the water flow passing through a ClariTec 3000 does not exceed the stated maximum flow of 3000 litres an hour, and 5000 litres an hour for the ClariTec 5000.

Model	Max output L/hr	Max lift metres	Watts motor	0.5m	1.0m	1.5m	2.0m	2.5m	3.0m	3.5m	4.0m	4.5m	5.0m
4000	3800	2.0	54w	2850	1900	940	0
6000	6000	2.7	70w	5350	4000	2800	1560	350	0
7000	7000	3.0	95w	5500	4700	3750	2540	1650	590	0
10000	10500	4.0	110w	9100	7850	6500	5200	3900	2500	1250	0
12000	12500	4.5	200w	11000	9700	8250	6900	5500	4050	2650	1250	0
15000	14500	5.0	250w	13000	11500	10500	8500	7150	5600	4300	2800	1380	0
17000	16500	7.0	320w	15000	13800	12000	11500	9800	9000	8050	7000	5500	4500

Example pond

Pond Volume 2500 litres (normal planting and fish stock levels)

==> Claritec 5000 (see table under Step 2)

Turnover rate once every 2 hours = Required flow rate of 1250 litres

Lift 1.0m + Hose 5m = Total operating point 1.5m

==> The Stingray 6000 delivers 2800 litres at 1.5m (see table above)

This is more than required, however, the next smaller model Stingray 4000 would not be able to deliver a large enough flow rate.

Claritec and Stingray are available as Complete Sets

The ClariTec Filters are also available as complete sets with a StingRay filter pump to give you ultimate peace of mind that you have purchased the right combination to achieve beautiful clear water in your pond.

Use the guide below to determine which ClariTec Filter Set is the right size for your pond.

Claritec

Filter Set

StingRay Pump

Max Pond Size Suggested

Pond Type 1

Pond Type 2

Pond Type 3

3000 Set

4000

3000

1500

750

5000 Set

6000

5000

2500

1250


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