Pond Filtration
Pond Filtration
Pond filters keep the water in the pond clean and healthy. In general choose a pond filter that can filter around half of the volume of the pond in an hour. For a Koi pond, or other pond with a large number of fish and few plants you may need a bigger filter. Ponds with a lot of plants and very few fish may not need a filter, but can be naturally balanced instead.
Most filters pump water through a filter material, which strains a small amount of dirt from the water. The more important job for this material is to act as a home for bacteria that break down the organic waste that passes through the filter, to keep the pond healthy.
If the filter starts to become clogged up with dirt, you can clean the filter material. It is best to only clean part of it so that you do not remove all of the bacteria, then clean another part of it next time.
Naturally Balanced Pond
If your pond has a lot of plants and few fish, you may prefer to keep a natural balance in the pond instead of usng a filter. At least half to two thirds of the pond's surface should be plants. Once the plants are established, they will begin to act like filters, and then you can introduce a small number of fish. The plants should be able to keep the water clean and healthy.
Pond Water Testing
Once your filter or natural balance is established, use a pond water test kit to check that the filter or balance is working and that the water is healthy. Tests should be repeated occasionally to make sure that your pond stays healthy, particularly if you clean the filter or make any other changes. Different Pond Test Kits are available in our store.
