The purpose of my testing was to see if their was a problem with the pump or not. There was and the issue addressed with the owner and William addressing the defect with Waterway. It was not set up to be a comparitive test amongst pumps. I've never tested an Artesian pump before. I have tested Wave 1, 1/4 hp pumps and Dragon 1/3 hp pumps and those results were actually better than the performance curve that are published for these pumps. I've tested another brand and the pump did not meet their published performance curve in my testing.
As for the second question you asked, I am not clear as to what you mean?
A pump should be "sized" (regardless of brand) to meet the system that it is being installed on and every system is different since supply piping, dicscharge piping all creates differing friction losses.
As a general rule of thumb, I typically recommend Lim pumps based on their performance curves and pumping capacity per watt used (differing pumps for differing applicationsbut this is not to say that other brands may not work as well also since the system design criteria creates differring needs for each system.
As an example, for a gravity supply system wanting approximately 3000 gph true flow, I would spec out anywhere from a 1/5 Wave 1 to a 1/4 hp wave 1 for a fully flooded supply. The actual pump size would then be determined by the plumbing hydrolics. Pump/filter location near the pond with minimal head loss would be the 1/15 hp. A system with a bead filter after the gravity chambers and pump would be the 1/4hp due to the increase in head loss. These are just examples.
If the pump were to be above waterline, I'd look at the Dragon series due to its higher operating suction pressures. This still does not eliminate the need for a check valve on the supply side below water level.
Likewise, I typically opt for the dragon series (1/3 hp) for skimmer systems or systems with bead filters that create more head loss. Actual pump size varies based on the specifics of the actual system.
Keep in mind, I work an a system concept of one drain, one filter/pump system for each 5-6000 US gallons (depending on geographic climate for the pond). A 12' diamter, 6' deep area is roughly 6000 US gallons (depending on bowling of floor). For larger ponds, this same "system design" is then replicated. Skimmer systems and midlevels along with TPR placement also become factors based on individual design criteria.
Of course, I am just a simple hobbyist
Hope this helps
Steve