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solar water feature in the North of Scotland

muirswondermuirswonder Posts: 13
in Tools and techniques
hello I'd really like a water feature for my newly extended pond. I live near Inverness and don't expect it to flow freely every day - but on a bright day I'd like a trickle coming over some rocks into the pond. This is to oxygenate the pond and for me to enjoy. Can anyone advise me on a type of pump/size of solar panel/make please? i don't know where to start. The wall behind the pond where I'd place the solar panel is south east facing and gets a lot of sun in the summer. Thank you very much! 

Posts

  • JohnnypJohnnyp Posts: 71
    Maybe have a chat to someone at Simpsons garden centre for some advice ? I'm from Elgin and have been thinking of a water feature also possible solar but just don't know enough about them also the position would be north ish   facing and not getting the sun till after lunch time .
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    The required output of the pump depends on the head of water it has to move and the width of the waterfall.  Measure the height from the surface of the pond to the outlet of the hose feeding the waterfall, and the width of the waterfall.  Those will be the main figures required for anybody to give a meaningful answer to the pump power. 
    I haven't heard many (any?) really good reports on solar powered pumps but again, a local supplier will be able to give advice.
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I have a tiny half barrel pond with an equally tiny solar fountain which has been in situ for 3 years and works perfectly even in the depths of winter on a sunny day. 
  • muirswondermuirswonder Posts: 13
    Thank you very much Johnnyp - I'll head over to Simpsons in the next few days. Thank you KT53 when I go to Simpsons I'll take those measurements with me - great stuff. Thank you debs64 - great to hear it's possible. Thank you all - very helpful. Can't wait to sit by the pond and enjoy the sound of trickling water. 
  • muirswondermuirswonder Posts: 13
    Just a wee update: I got myself a solar water feature with two solar panels (good sized ones). Not cheap (£180 online) but I rather get it right. And it works! I could have it running more than I do and with more output, but I am very happy with it. 
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Did you get one with a battery or does it only run when the sky is bright? I need to toddler-proof my pond but I'd like to pump some water to a shallow sump for the birds to bathe and drink from.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • muirswondermuirswonder Posts: 13
    Hi i got one with a battery so that it's not dependent on the light levels at the time. 
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