Choosing Pipes, Tubing & Pond Pump Fittings?

Pipes, tubing and fittings are a vital yet often ignored of water gardening. Despite this the right choice of pipe and fittings will make a significant difference sooner or later to your water-gardening enjoyment.

These are important tips pipe and fitting tips ...

  • Pipe or tubing should be flexible in almost all cases. It's easier to install and fit around "obstacles".

  • Making use of wide diameter pipe reduce friction losses that result in a lowering of flow rates is important. In addition make the pipe run the shortest possible.

  • Always buy opaque flexible piping in order to reduce build-up of algae on the inside surfaces of the pipe. Algae growth restricts water flow.

  • Minimise the use of any fittings ... every fitting will reduce the power available for pumping water. Do not use sharp bends, "Y" or "T" pieces unless essential.

  • Use only stainless steel metal fastening devices (or plastic) to secure hoses. Normal clips form a hardware store will rust quickly in a pond environment.

  • Instead of joining 2 pipes to make a longer one consider buying a new single length pipe. THis will probably cost no more than joining and the risk of the 2 sections coming apart is removed. Ponds have been pumped empty resulting in major fish deaths because of such joints. If you must join pipes then use smooth thin walled connectors secure fasteners.

  • Always position pond filters and external connected equipment in such a way that water is able to find its way back into the pond in the event of a filter overflow occurring.

Flexible ribbed non-kink pipe is best. This pipe is available in rolls of different diameter and you should arrange to buy the length you want.

What Kind Of Fittings Are Available?

pipe fittings

  • Plastic connector to join two pieces of pipe together.

  • "T" connector to join 3 pieces of hose in a T shape to split water flows. Try to avoid and if you need to split like this then always use a "Y" piece.

  • lastic clips don't corrode. Perfect for underwater joints.

  • Hose elbows ... try to avoid and using flexible ribbeed hose enable you to bend the pipe without any kinking.

  • Clear hose or tubing ... avoid if possible since algae will grow inside quickly and restrict water flow.

  • In line valve to allow control of water flow.

Other Fittings

  • 2 way reducer to connect hose of differing diameters.

  • "Y"  adaptor ... 3 way reducer allows the connection of different hose diameters.

Unit Conversions

1 metre = 33inch 12mm = 1/2 20mm = 3/4inch 25mm = 1 32mm = 11/4inch 40mm = 11/2inch