gracechichi

The one I have is 2000gph, so I think anything from 1500 - 2000gph would work well

Great to hear that, enjoy your fountain!

Yes, the pipe needs to be capped off so water only flows one way.

Sorry for the late reply and thanks for the compliment! As far as problems with heavy rain, not really an issue as long as you keep the storage container filled with water, especially if you have poor drainage. The reason is if the container is empty, and heavy rains occur and soil becomes saturated, the water will push the container up out of the ground. If you have very poor drainage, you could consider pouring some concrete into the container, maybe half way. This will ensure that the container will have enough weight to keep it in the ground.

Hi Bashman,It's no problem answering your questions.As far as plastic tubing vs PVC piping, you can go with either one. I just prefer the tubing because I think it's easier to disconnect and reconnect in case I have to clean or service the pump.Correct, the holes in the lid is for the water to flow back into the container. The pond liner goes all around the top of the container, and has a hole cut out in the middle so water can flow back to the container. The liner needs to be big enough to catch the water that splashes on the rocks and divert and it back to the container.

Hello Bashman3,I just used various barbed plastic fittings with stainless steel hose clamps. You can find those in plumbing supply stores, pool supply or fish pond stores.Regarding necessity of plastic tubing, are you referring to the pieces of toro drip line inserted into the holes of the copper pipe? If so, these are necessary to divert the water pressure inside the pipe, so that the water flows straight down. Without it, the water would shoot out at various angles.

The blue strip is friction fitted. As long as you use a 1/4" drill bit, and are careful when drilling, and you use Toro brand blue stripe drip line, you should be able to push the drip line through the hole. I've had mine for over 1 1/2 yrs now, and never had a problem with any of the lines coming off.

Are you referring to the 1/4" drip line? If so, those are just friction fitted into the holes. If you're using a different brand of dip line, it may be thinner or thicker than the Toro brand, so you'll have to experiment with the hole size.