Pond filters perform two vital functions for your pond. First, the pond
filter will clean the pond water make the pond clearer and healthier.
But the main purpose of the pond filter is convert toxins in the water
into substances that can be absorbed by the ecosystem. Ponds without
pond filters, or that have poor or undersized pond filters, are usually dirtier
and may have problems with water quality.
How does a pond filter work?
Most pond filters provide at least two of the three types
filtration. These are:
Biological Filtration is performed by beneficial bacteria
that break down toxins in the water caused by fish waste, uneaten
fish food and other naturally decaying organic matter into nitrites.
A different strain of beneficial bacteria then converts the nitrites
into less toxic nitrates. Aquatic plants then absorb the nitrates as
food.
Mechanical Filtration is simply the removal of suspended
particles from the pond water usually by a foam or polyester mat or
pad in the pond filter. Generally the finer the media, such as foam,
the more particles will be removed. But beware, the finer the media,
the more maintenance the pond filter will require.
Chemical Filtration uses zeolite in the pond filter to
absorb ammonia from the pond water. Zeolite does become saturated
with ammonia and should be "recharged" every two to three weeks.
Simply soak the zeolite in a salt bath over night and rinse
thoroughly. Salt causes the zeolite to release the captured ammonia
and regain is effectiveness. Always remove zeolite from the filter
before applying salt to the pond to avoid a deadly ammonia spike in
the water.
What mistake should I avoid when
selecting a pond filter?
The most common mistake pond owner's
make is selecting a pond filter rated for just at or below the pond's
volume. By stretching the manufacturer's specifications, which may
already be exaggerated, the pond filter may simply be too small to
properly clean and filter the pond. The result will be a dirty,
unhealthy pond with a pond filter that requires frequent cleaning.
Always oversize the pond filter so that the pond will be cleaner,
healthier with a pond filter that will need little maintenance. After
all, who wants a dirty pond filter that needs to constantly be cleaned?
What type of pond filter will
work best for me?
First you will need to look at your pond
size , your budget and how much routine maintenance you are willing to
perform on your pond filter. Here's an overview of each type of system:
Up-flow Waterfall Pond Filters require the least maintenance and are very effective. These pond
filters are installed at the top of the waterfall or stream and are
usually camouflaged with rocks and aquatic plants. Water is pumped
into the bottom of the pond filter and enters a swirl chamber where heavy
solids settle out. The water then rises through filter mats which
mechanically filter the water and house beneficial bacteria. Nets
filled with more filter media sit on the filter mats to provide even
more area for beneficial bacteria to thrive. The filtered water then
exits the pond filter over a waterfall weir that begins your stream
or waterfall.
Pressurized Pond Filters are very easy to install and are very popular for small and
medium sized ponds. The pond filter is placed in-line between the
pond pump and the waterfall. Most can be buried to the lid for easy
concealment. Pressurized pond filters do require more frequent
maintenance than other pond filters, but new innovative pond filter
designs have made cleaning very easy. The new pressurized pond filters
only take a few moments to clean simply by turning a switch and
without opening up the pond filter. Most incorporate an UV clarifier
to eliminate any possibility of having green water.
Gravity-flow Biological Pond Filters are generally low
maintenance and perform extremely well for small to the largest
ponds. The pond filter is placed near or on the edge of the pond.
Water is circulated from the pump through the pond filter and then back
into the pond. Since these pond filters are gravity-flow, the flow must
move downhill from the pond filter discharge into the pond. If the
discharge line tilts uphill at any point, the pond filter will completely
fill and overflow. This makes these pond filters slightly harder to hide
and use above a waterfall or stream. These pond filters are
generally concealed using taller marginal water plants and creative
landscaping.
Submersible Pond Filters are best when used in small ponds.
These pond filters are easy to install and conceal. The pond filters
are attached to the intake of the submersible pump. Water is then
drawn through the pond filter, into the pump and circulated to a
fountain, waterfall or other water feature. The pond filter must be
removed from the pond for cleaning, which may require that you enter
the pond.
