DC pump for outdoor pond?

Silly clownfish · 06/06/2019, 08:17 AM

I really like DC pumps for returns in my reef tanks, so since I need a new pump for our pond (old tetra one shorted out), I was wondering if there are issues using a DC pump outdoors. I am concerned that the controller may not be weather proof. We have 2 ponds, with the lower one pumping to the upper one and water flows down a small, approximate 10’ long stream back to the bottom pond, so from a pumping standpoint, the lower pond is the sump. Head is only about 2’. So hydraulically it works, I just can’t find anything on whether the pumps can be used for an outdoor application. The closest I found was that Jeabo says their pumps are not suitable for swimming pools, but I don’t know if this is due to being outdoors, or chlorine, or just why the heck would you use an aquarium pump for your pool.

Anyone with a pond using a DC pump? I like the idea of the low wattage, and adjustable is nice.

mcgyvr · 06/06/2019, 09:29 AM

The controllers are not weatherproof and would need to be put into a suitable enclosure..
Not hard to do at all

Vinny Kreyling · 06/06/2019, 12:08 PM

Well if you want a MaxFlo 2400 for $100 + shipping let me know.

06/06/2019, 08:17 AM	#1
Silly clownfish Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 488	DC pump for outdoor pond? I really like DC pumps for returns in my reef tanks, so since I need a new pump for our pond (old tetra one shorted out), I was wondering if there are issues using a DC pump outdoors. I am concerned that the controller may not be weather proof. We have 2 ponds, with the lower one pumping to the upper one and water flows down a small, approximate 10’ long stream back to the bottom pond, so from a pumping standpoint, the lower pond is the sump. Head is only about 2’. So hydraulically it works, I just can’t find anything on whether the pumps can be used for an outdoor application. The closest I found was that Jeabo says their pumps are not suitable for swimming pools, but I don’t know if this is due to being outdoors, or chlorine, or just why the heck would you use an aquarium pump for your pool. Anyone with a pond using a DC pump? I like the idea of the low wattage, and adjustable is nice. __________________ 75g mixed reef, 20g sump, ocelaris clownfish (20+yrs old), flame hawk, one spot foxface rabbitfish, green mandarin, Bicolor Blenny, Coral Beauty;30g sumpless with Spotcinctus pair with RBTA Current Tank Info: 75g mixed reef, 20g sump, ocelaris clownfish (20+yrs old), flame hawk, one spot foxface rabbitfish, green mandarin, Bicolor Blenny, Coral Beauty;30g sumpless with Spotcinctus pair

06/06/2019, 09:29 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	The controllers are not weatherproof and would need to be put into a suitable enclosure.. Not hard to do at all __________________ Who me?

06/06/2019, 12:08 PM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Well if you want a MaxFlo 2400 for $100 + shipping let me know. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.