How filter bacteria help clean your pond
A garden pond is a closed ecosystem that can easily become imbalanced without adequate care. In the following, you will learn about the role of bacteria in this process and why they are crucial for maintaining good water quality.
Biological water purification with bacteria
Pond filters typically work in two stages. The mechanical filtration removes larger particles from the water, while the biological filtration ensures the breakdown of pollutants such as nitrite and their conversion into nutrients for the plants growing in the pond.
To achieve this successfully, it is necessary for beneficial bacteria to establish themselves in the pond filter.
The importance of bacteria in filtration
Dead plant matter, leftover food, and fish waste inevitably lead to water contamination in the pond. It should be noted that not all dirt particles are visible to the naked eye.
In addition to larger particles, invisible waste products accumulate in the water, disrupting the delicate ecosystem of your pond and potentially harming its inhabitants.
Certain bacteria, which colonize the filter and the pond itself over a period of several weeks after its initial operation, can render these waste substances harmless.
Starter bacteria support pond cleaning
It can take several weeks or even months for a sufficient quantity of beneficial bacteria to develop in the pond. To expedite the process and ensure optimal living conditions in your garden pond as soon as possible, it is highly recommended to use starter bacteria before the initial or reoperation of the filter.
By doing so, you can prevent a significant increase in pollutant levels during the filter's startup phase, which could harm your sensitive pond fish.
Dying bacteria when the filter is switched off
Filter bacteria require oxygen, which is released into the water, among other sources, by aquatic plants during photosynthesis. When the pond filter is turned off, the oxygen level decreases, leading to the eventual death of the filter bacteria.
Furthermore, nitrate in the water is converted back into nitrite, which accelerates the die-off of bacteria.
When the filter is reactivated, the accumulated pollutants are released directly into the pond. This can potentially cause rapid fish mortality.
Weekly water changes cause additional problems
Many pond owners attempt to support water quality by performing weekly water changes. However, this can quickly prove to be a fatal mistake as it repeatedly disrupts the ecological balance and important bacterial cultures in the pond.
In fact, water quality is not improved but deteriorates, promoting algae growth and ultimately having a negative impact on the health of the pond inhabitants. This is especially true when tap water is used for water changes, as it contains various substances such as chlorine, which can attack the fish's gill membranes.
POND Bakto Filter Starter by Aquaris
In our range of products, you will find POND Bakto Filter Starter by Aquaris, a high-quality pond care product that promotes the formation of beneficial bacteria. This chemical-free solution contains a proven blend of microorganisms, enzymes, and minerals.
We recommend using our filter starter before each new operation of the pond filter to counteract the excessive accumulation of pollutants in the water and promote optimal filter performance.
View POND Bakto Filter Starter in the shop
Conclusion: Starter bacteria ensure optimal water quality
As you can see, frequent water changes are not a substitute for proper pond care using appropriate products such as starter bacteria. Instead, they can potentially harm the water quality in your garden pond.
Therefore, it is essential to pay the necessary attention to the care of your garden pond and use suitable products like our filter starter to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem and ensure the long-term health of your fish.
Leave your comment