PVC sprayer for waterfall question

11 years ago

I'm still working on the various ways of making a waterfall for a couple of my little watergardens. I did buy a spillway, but it's waiting in the wings. Now I'm trying the PVC pipe method. Here's my question: If I'm using 3/4" tubing from my pump, do I need to stay with that size in pvc pipe? Can I go to 1/2" pvc pipe? I didn't know if the 1/2" pipe would put too much back pressure on the pump? The only info I can find on making a sprayer of this sort (to hide between flat rocks in my waterfall) is the sprayers they make for aquariums/koi ponds.....and they don't say what piping to use, based on your pump size. I'm thinking 1/2" pipe might be fine........but thought I would check here before I buy stuff. Also, the You Tube video I watched says I might need a "fluval" tube to connect the pump tubing to the pvc pipe. Anyone know about those?

Joann.....I really wanted to test out your 3/4" flexible tubing trick, but can't find it anywhere around here, and I would need to order it online........so I'm trying out this other stuff in the meantime. Except for "wasting" a little extra money in the process, it's good for me to learn these various things. Maybe it would be simpler to go to a pet store and buy this item already made. But I have the feeling if used in a pond setting, it would clog pretty fast.??

Thanks for your input!

Featured Answer

catherinet
Original Author

11 years ago

My pump is 330 gph. I hooked up the 8" spillway that I bought last week and it's plenty strong enough. I went to Menards this morning and began to find the parts for a pvc sprayer. Even though I bought the parts, I'm not sure I'll continue, since I'm not sure I can control those little holes to create a flow as well as the spillway might. Like I said earlier, I've been looking for the regular 3/4" vinyl flexible tubing also (to try Joann's method of just flattening the end with rocks to get a nice flow). Menards didn't have the pond tubing, but I did find a 3/4" tubing in the plumbing department. That looks a bit thicker. Would I have problems with that kind of tubing, compared to the vinyl tubing made specifically for ponds? I wish I could stop thinking and just DO IT! haha
Thanks!

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Comments (6)

PKponder TX Z7B
11 years ago
I don't know what a fluval tube is.

I think that 1/2 in pvc would be fine. You'll need a T for the center and a barbed adapter that the smooth side fits the inner diameter of the tee and that your hose inner diameter will fit over on the barbed side. A hose clamp to keep it secure. Don't forget the end caps and glue. It helps to assemble it somewhat in the store. I've bought everything to make a similar pump intake contraption at Home Depot, just had to get some of the parts from plumbing and the barbed piece from the 'specialty' plumbing area, where they stock hose by the foot.

As far as buying a sprayer bar from the pet store, you might try that. You can always use a toothpick to unclog the hose. It won't flow like larger holes though. On second thought, aquarium pumps are not as powerful as those built for ponds and fountains, so the increased flow may work.

What is the GPH of your pump that you are concerned about back pressure? You can typically restrict outflow but never input.
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PKponder TX Z7B
11 years ago
Wash the thicker tubing, plumb it up and just go for it!
catherinet
Original Author
11 years ago
:)
cliff_and_joann
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
The head guy got the 3/4 tubing at Home Depot...
catherinet
Original Author
11 years ago
I checked our local HD and they only had the corrugated 3/4" tubing. DH and I have to laugh at ourselves. Once we start looking for something........even if it's something little that isn't that vital, we just can't stop our journey. haha Maybe HD has it online? I thought I could find it around here, so I didn't order it online. I'm still obsessing with what to do, but this weekend, I'm going to try a couple things. It just doesn't want to quit raining around here.