Advantages: Efficient, easy to install, easy to keep clean Disadvantages: None so far
As my pump was getting old and was really too small for the pond, I decided to buy a new one. Having already installed a Fish Mate UV+Bio Filter a year ago, which I have been very pleased with, I opted to purchase a pump of the same type. I chose the 4000 which has a maximum flow of 835 gallons an hour, has an anti-clog filter design, has superior wear resistance and reported to have low running costs. It also has a fountain set with four options.
As soon as I received the pump I set to to install it. It was very easy to do, but I did make the mistake of not checking the size of hose required when I purchased it and discovered that mine was too small. I was cross with myself as I wanted to get it set up that day, so I would advise anyone buying this particular model that they make sure they have a 1" or 1.1/4" bore ...
Advantages: Great format and illustrations. Disadvantages: Too short
♦♦♦ Content and Format ♦♦♦
This is aimed at very young, pre-school / nursery age children, given that it is board book format - a firm favourite as little hands can turn the pages themselves without accidentally damaging the pages.
The concept is based on 'little windows', beginning with the front cover. There is a rectangular shaped section cut out of the front cover and indeed each page, with a transparent window placed in this section. On each 'window' there is a picture, almost like a 'transfer' of the duck, her ducklings and some of the animals that they meet on their journey.
The front cover invites the reader to ??.'Follow the fluffy ducklings?.. On the pond'.
The three ducklings waddle down to the pond, informing their mother that they are off to explore?. On their journey they ...
Advantages: No electric cable Disadvantages: needs direct sunlight
a bird bath), but is all you need for a pond.
As for any other costs - there aren't any !!!! Because it is a solar powered pump you have no running costs.
***********HOW DOES IT WORK ?***********
This is a really straight forward pump. It is really only for outdoor use as it runs by solar power energy. When it arrived I was so excited and went straight to work to put it together (yes I know, I did say me!!!). A sixteen foot cable comes with the pump, so I was able to place the pump in a partially shaded area of the garden but run the cable to a sunny area to place the solar panel there. This meant that I was able to maximise the direct sunlight exposure. You really must put the panel in direct sunlight, if you don't you only get sporadic water flow. Even a cloud will cause it to quit running.
Also a major plus to me (and probably ...
