Question
Hi,
I'd be grateful if you'd help me.
I'm replacing my pond liner(which was torn by ice) with a rigid plastic container that holds 250 gallons.
It is circular in shape, diameter 69 inches and 22 inches in depth approx.
Its actually a water trough for animal livestock so is quite strong.
It has a drain hole on the side, near the bottom.
I was wondering if, when filled, the weight/pressure of the water would be sufficient to force water through the drain hole and up through a 1/4 inch tube to a height approx 1 foot above the top of the container.
I would then connect it to a pond ornament that would enable the water to flow into the pond from above.
In other words, the water could circulate without a pump.
The scientific term for liquid climbing through a tube unaided is, I believe, capillary action.
I don't know if its possible for me to set up my pond in this way so i'd be grateful for your advice.
Kind Regards,
Tommy

Answer
Unfortunately, this is not possible.  I forgot the name of the principle but it can be observed in reservoir water levels (level, in this case, meaning the tool.  Like a glass level with an air bubble).  You could perhaps try an airlift, as it may be a less costly temporary option.  Good thinking with the capillar action, however that requires a tube with a diameter that gives the liquid and the air a proper ratio.