Newsletter Archives

Choosing A Pond Filter: Part 1

Do I need a filter for my pond?

If you plan on stocking your pond with fish, plants, or a combination of both, then your answer is undoubtedly, “yes.” Filtration is critical to maintaining the integrity of your pond and keeping it clean. A properly installed filtration system will pull water from the bottom of your pond and recirculate it throughout the pond. This movement of water prevents it from becoming stagnant and prevents pond turnover. Thermal stratification in ponds leads to pond turnover, which occurs when the uppermost layers of water suddenly drop in temperature and mix with the deeper levels of oxygen-depleted water. Such a turnover causes an overall loss of oxygen for fish and other aquatic life and often leads to pond kills. By cycling water through a filtration system, your pond’s essential nutrients and oxygen will be distributed throughout the entire pond.

A filtration system for your pond should remove the toxins produced as a byproduct of the Nitrogen Cycle. Without filtration or well-aerated water, those toxins would lead to an unhealthy pond environment harmful or fatal to fish and plants. As food or organic material deteriorates or is excreted by fish, it forms ammonia (NH3) as a by-product. In the presence of oxygen and a filtration system ammonia will convert first into nitrites (NO2), and then beneficial bacteria will convert the harmful nitrites into useable nitrates (NO4). Plants and other aquatic life use nitrates to foster growth, and the cycle begins again. In the absence of a filtration system, ammonia will only be partially broken down into nitrites, which in excess will harmful or fatal to your aquatic life. Even if your pond is solely ornamental, a filtration system will help prevent stagnation, inhibit algae growth, inhibit insect pests, and clean the water to be used in a decorative water display. Stagnant water tends to have a distinctive, unpleasant scent, which is generally undesirable for an ornamental pond.

What type of filter is best for my pond?

This question’s answer is largely dependent upon the type of pond you have or are planning. There is one main factor that should influence your choice of filtration systems; whether or not you plan on stocking your pond with fish or other aquatic wildlife. We will discuss the functions of several types of filtration, as well as for what applications they are best suited.

Mechanical Filtration

If your pond is solely ornamental or you are looking for a pre-filter for your pump, then you will probably find the need for a mechanical filter. A mechanical filter is solely designed to separate large particles and debris from the water passing through it. This is particularly advantageous when protecting a pump. When run through a mechanical filter, water will not be treated and will retain any toxins or harmful substances it contained prior to entering the filter. As such, mechanical filters are not recommended as the only source of filtration for a pond containing fish or aquatic wildlife. Most filters available will feature at least some degree of mechanical filtration in addition to their specialized function. Skimmers, canister filters, and prefilters are common examples of filters that mainly rely on mechanical filtration.

Skimmers

A skimmer filter typically rests on the perimeter of your pond opposite the prevailing direction of current and wind to catch debris and large particles on the water surface. This prevents the debris and particles from falling into your pond where they would decompose and produce harmful nitrites and release them into the pond’s water. Regular cleaning of skimmers is necessary to keep them at peak performance level. Skimmers are very convenient to maintain as they are at the pond’s surface rather than being submerged. These filters only clean the water surface but may provide complete filtration for very small, shallow ponds.

Canister Filters and Prefilters

These filters are installed on the intake side of your pump to protect it from debris and large particles that could damage its impeller or clog your pipes. Canister filters usually consist of polyester or carbon coated foam pads contained in a flat housing that rests on your pond’s bottom. A short length of hose leads from the filter housing to your pond pump. Another type of prefilter consists of a foam pad wrapped around a plastic tube, which fits directly onto the intake of your pump. Skimmers are often used as prefilters, catching larger debris than other prefilters.

Next month we will looks at Biological Filtration, Ultraviolet Clarifiers, and determining the right filter size for your pond.

Check out our wide selection of pond filters and more at www.bestnest.com. If you would like more personal assistance, please email us at [email protected] or call 877-369-5446.

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