VIVOSUN 2700 GPH Submersible Water Pump: features, specs and who it suits

The VIVOSUN 2700 GPH water pump keeps water moving in ponds, fountains, waterfalls, statuary, fish tanks and hydroponic setups. It can run submerged in the water or inline, outside it, and moves up to 2700 gallons (10,000 litres) an hour. Here is what its figures mean when you plan a water feature.

Flow and lift work together

The pump moves up to 2700 gallons per hour (GPH) on 120W, and VIVOSUN says it suits a pond of about 420 gallons (roughly 1,600 litres). It can lift water up to 15 ft (4.5 m).

Those two figures sit at opposite ends of the pump's range. Pumps of this kind deliver their full flow when they push water hardly any height, and the flow drops as the height rises, falling close to zero at the maximum lift. So for a waterfall whose top sits a few feet above the pond, expect noticeably less than 2700 GPH to arrive at the top. Long or narrow tubing reduces the flow further, through friction.

Sizing it for your water feature

Measure two things before you choose a pump: the volume of water in the pond or tank, and the height from the water surface to the highest outlet. A common rule of thumb for ponds is to circulate the full volume at least once an hour, and waterfalls typically need more flow the wider the spillway is. The flow chart in the manual or the product details shows how much flow is left at a given height.

VIVOSUN describes it as a fixed-flow pump, so there's no built-in speed or flow control.

Tubing, outlet and cord

The outlet direction is adjustable, and the nozzle takes flexible tubing with an internal diameter of 1 inch or 1-1/4 inch. Over a long run, the wider size typically loses less flow to friction. The power cord is 20.3 ft (6.2 m) long.

The pump can be used together with filter systems, and a detachable filter cover keeps larger debris out of the intake. A handle makes it easier to lift the pump in and out of the water.

Built for underwater use

The pump is IPX8 waterproof. In the IP code, IPX8 is the class for equipment made to stay submerged continuously, under conditions the maker specifies. It also has overload protection for the motor.

The shaft and drive ring are made of silicon carbide, a very hard ceramic material, which VIVOSUN uses to reduce wear and extend the pump's service life. VIVOSUN lists its noise at 30-40 dB.

Submerged or inline

Submerged, the pump sits in the pond or tank and pushes water up the tubing. Inline, it sits outside the water and is plumbed into the line. Check the manual for how VIVOSUN wants it plumbed for inline use: many pumps of this type aren't self-priming and need water to reach them by gravity.

It suits ponds, fish tanks, fountains, waterfalls and statuary, as well as hydroponic setups that need water circulated.

What to check before you buy

• Volume and height: measure both, then check the flow chart for the flow at your height.
• Tubing: use 1-inch or 1-1/4-inch inner-diameter tubing, and keep runs short where you can.
• Power: pumps used outdoors should be plugged into a ground-fault (GFCI) protected outdoor outlet, as electrical codes typically require; check the cord reaches it.
• Inline use: read the manual's instructions before plumbing it outside the water.
• Upkeep: plan to clean the filter cover regularly, since a blocked intake cuts the flow.

The short version

• A water pump that runs submerged or inline for ponds, fountains, waterfalls, tanks and hydroponics.
• Up to 2700 GPH (10,000 L/h) on 120W; VIVOSUN says it suits a pond of about 420 gallons.
• Lifts water up to 15 ft (4.5 m); the flow drops as the height rises.
• Takes 1 in or 1-1/4 in tubing, with an adjustable outlet and a 20.3 ft cord.
• IPX8 waterproof, with overload protection, a silicon carbide shaft and drive ring, and a detachable filter cover.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.