Pond pumps - totally confused, please help

[gardeningnovice5]

I want to install a small pond in my garden - something around 100cm by 50cm and say 25 to 30cm deep. I want to get a pond pump to keep the water circulating, but have absolutely no idea where to start. There seem to be so many options that it’s completely daunting.

My garden is quite shady so I’m not sure how well solar powered pumps would work. But if you can’t do solar, how do you power the pump? The thought of electricity and water combined makes me nervous - it sounds pretty dangerous.

I’d really like a water feature with a quiet running water sound. But do you have to run it 24/7 and if so, how much does it add to your electricity bills?

It depends a bit on what you want your pond for. it is a too small for fish so I'm guessing a wildlife pond in which case just a fountain, rather than a filter is fine.

Solar power is much more powerful than it used to be and require light rather than constant direct sun. I would advise going for one that has a small battery. This is the one I have AISITIN 6.5W Solar Fountain Pump with1500mAh Battery Solar Water Pump Floating Fountain, 6 Nozzles, for Bird Bath, Fish Tank, Pond or Garden Decoration : Amazon.co.uk: Stationery & Office Supplies the panel can be moved around during the day into the sun. Or if it is just moving water you want there are loads of lovely water features now. Solar Water Features - Primrose

Why do you want to keep the water circulating? A wildlife pond will regulate itself, just have some oxygenating plants.

We’ve got 2 ponds, one has a mains powered pump but to be honest it’s a pain always getting clogged up so for the last year we’ve left it unplugged and the frogs, newts etc have been far happier without the water movement. It’s absolutely teeming with tadpoles at the moment! If it’s appropriately planted then it will stay oxygenated and clear without a pump so if a solar one won’t work in your space then I’d be tempted to do without and just do the research re planting.

My solar one came with Long lead so I could stretch it to sunny spot

This. I have a small pond in my garden. I have pond weed to oxygenate it. Over the years I have had newts, dragonflies, toads, frogs and snakes in there. No fountain

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I was hoping to create a wildlife pond for frogs etc. It sounds like I may not need a pump after all then! Does anyone find their pond attracts mosquitos though if the water isn’t moving?

No. Too much wildlife waiting to eat the larvae.

Same. The pond’s full of larvae at certain times of year but it’s obviously brilliant food for something because I rarely see a mosquito.