Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

The pumps are completely waterproof.

The are designed to be completely submerged. The majority of the pumps that people use on this site are all AC, with the exception of those who are running solar/battery.

but they must always remain submerged (most of them) - because IF they become exposed, they can overheat and CRACK the potting compound, and then possibly "Leak" a small to massive current to the water, whilst appearing to work normally..
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The lower the pump draw the better, if you plan to run a system for a few years +, then buy an expensive pump with low current draw.

colums might cost up to $180 per year to run by the figures i ran, its what it would cost me, a cheap bunnings pump at 450w would cost about $1000 per year to run.
Generally an expensive pump, like an OASE will have a payback time of 1 year vs. a cheaper non job specific pump.

Do not trust specs jebao give at all.

that will probably run 2000l/hr with no head at 110w.

jebao are one of those chinese companies that lie about thier specs and make lucky dip products, some people have had a great score with cheap prices and good products, other people buy them and they break instantly.

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Pool Pumps are notoriously Power-Hungry.. In time they will be FORCED to change to improve power consumption..

I just took delivery of Kintons pumps.. 5000LPH at 40W.. { From Rock Around the Block..}
Kinda Inverter Technology with variable Frequency drive
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I went out today to check what my pump actually pulls, I never have checked it. But I realised I have no idea how to use my multimeter, I'll have to do some more research and figure it out.

Hi tonzz I had an onga 413 running for around 3 years and still have it It has been a great workhorse and moved many thousands of litres... Yes they are a little power hungry at 400w But I was also using F&D so only on 15 mins every hour and i had a 30,000 water system to move around and i never had any problems with the water Quality... These aren't designed to pump 24/7 as they will overheat but in a Flood & Drain they will run continuously for many many hassle free years...

400w divided by 4(4x15mins per hour) only costs 100w per hour to run not bad when it moves a crap load...

as for solids, I found quite large feeder fish dumped on my grow beds unscathed but for over supply of Oxygen and no Water... Not only that even the occasional Clay beads would go through some would get stuck but a quick 4 bolts and clean of the impeller and wollah back to new not to mention you can get all the parts of this pump if needed....I will be using mine again, hopefully this time on a solar setup...
Check out my old Thread

Double Decker Boots and All - viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4370&start=15
Happy Growing