Pond filter: what pond owners need to know
A garden pond is a small, enclosed ecosystem that can easily become imbalanced. To ensure good water quality and favorable conditions for the pond inhabitants, a pond filter is indispensable.
In the following, we will explain the different types of pond filters, what to consider when choosing one, and other important aspects of pond maintenance.
Why a pond filter is important
Pond water can become contaminated with fish waste, leftover food, and dead plant matter. Consequently, undesirable microorganisms and bacteria proliferate, leading to excessive algae growth and eventually causing diseases in the pond's fish.
To prevent these issues, a pond filter is essential in most cases. It removes pollutants from the water, ensuring a consistently good water quality.
How does a pond filter work?
The basic functioning of a pond filter is straightforward. The pond water passes through various filter media inside the filter. During this process, larger debris is sieved out, and excess nutrients and bacteria are broken down.
The filtered water is then returned to the pond, keeping the water clean and protecting the pond inhabitants from contaminants and pathogens.
Mechanical and biological pond filters
To effectively clean pond water, pond filters employ both mechanical and biological filter media. Mechanical filtration removes larger debris, while biological filtration focuses on breaking down excess nutrients and bacteria present in the water. This helps prevent excessive algae growth.
Different types of pond filters
There are various types of pond filters available, including pressure filters, flow-through filters, and underwater filters.
Pressure filters for garden ponds
In a pressure filter, water is forced through the filter using a pump. It passes through different filter media before being returned to the pond. The advantage of a pressure filter is that it can be partially buried at the edge of the pond, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing garden appearance.
Flow-through filters for garden ponds
Flow-through filters initially remove coarser impurities from the pond water, typically using foam filter media. Subsequently, the filtration focuses on biological cleaning through the use of filter bacteria. Flow-through filters are suitable for filtering large volumes of water, making them an ideal choice for larger garden ponds.
A modular filter is a customizable type of flow-through filter. The modules can be tailored to specific requirements and connected via pipes to allow water to flow through the filter.
Underwater filters for garden ponds
An underwater filter is a simple form of pond filter. As the name suggests, it is placed at the bottom of the pond. The water is pumped into the filter, where it passes through a fleece material that removes impurities. Typically, no additional filtration is performed with this type of pond filter. Underwater filters are primarily suitable for smaller garden ponds.
Considerations when purchasing a pond filter
When purchasing a pond filter, it is important to ensure that it is suitable for your specific garden pond. The required filtration capacity depends not only on the pond size but also on the fish population.
In a pond without fish, fewer contaminants enter the water, so a lower-capacity filter is sufficient. In a fish pond, however, debris from leftover food and fish waste accumulates, necessitating a more powerful filter to maintain good water quality.
For ponds without fish, the filter capacity should roughly match the pond volume, while for fish ponds, it should be approximately double that. For sensitive koi ponds, it is recommended to have a filter capacity four times the pond volume.
Supporting the pond filter with POND Bakto - Filter Starter by Aquaris
A pond filter is crucial for maintaining a clean pond and healthy fish. However, a filter alone is typically not enough to ensure optimal water quality in the long term. To support the filter's cleaning efforts and improve water parameters, it is beneficial to use specialized pond care products.
This is especially important when starting up the filter after winter or maintenance. We recommend using Aquaris POND Bakto - Filter Starter. This high-quality pond care product aids in the natural cleaning process of your garden pond, thanks to its blend of microorganisms, minerals, and enzymes.
Using POND Bakto - Filter Starter helps relieve the workload on your pond filter, reducing the need for frequent cleanings without compromising its performance.
The pond care product is chemical-free and ideal for the natural care of your garden pond. It is easy to use and highly efficient. Aquaris POND Bakto - Filter Starter can be used in koi ponds and swimming ponds, making a significant contribution to the vitality and health of your pond inhabitants.
Building a pond filter yourself
In principle, it is possible to build a pond filter yourself. If you know the required filtration capacity and the specific filter media needed to achieve it, there is nothing stopping you from constructing a DIY pond filter.
However, it is important to be aware that building your own pond filter can involve significant material costs and labor, depending on the complexity. Whether this approach truly offers advantages is questionable unless you enjoy engaging in DIY projects. In most cases, a commercially available pond filter that meets your requirements is the better choice.
Conclusion: A pond filter is usually essential
As you can see, using a pond filter is generally necessary. Without adequate filtration, you risk disrupting the pond's ecosystem and endangering the health of your fish.
The better the filter's performance matches the conditions of your garden pond, the more reliably it will fulfill its function, allowing you to enjoy an aesthetically pleasing pond and healthy inhabitants.
To support your pond filter in maintaining water clarity and ensuring long-term favorable conditions, it is recommended to use suitable pond care products such as Aquaris POND Bakto - Filter Starter.
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