Pros and Cons of UV Pond Filters
- Removes floating algae and reduces turbidity
- Kills certain parasites and harmful bacteria
- Fast turnaround in water clarity
Full Answer
How do pond water filters work?
Biological filters use bacteria to break down pond wastes, converting them into less harmful compounds that can be used as aquatic plant fertilizers. Mechanical filters trap and remove debris and sediment. Water sterilizers pass water through a tube that houses an ultraviolet bulb, killing living microscopic particles in the water.
What is a bio-filter for a pond?
A more powerful, and we think, useful pond filter is the biological filter. This particular filter may or may not have a mechanical pre-filter included in it, but within a bio-filter is material that will grab some of the organic debris that passes through it. The important part though is what’s also inside the filter.
What is a UV pond filter and how does it work?
A UV pond filter is a piece of kit that helps to clean up your pond by exposing the water to UV light that helps in the battle against algae that forms. On the following page, you will find out all you need to know about them including – how they actually work and where to install them among many other things.
What are the benefits of pond filtration?
Another important component to pond filtration is the use of plants. Many gardeners add a pond to their landscape for the variety of aquatic plants available, and while their beauty is certainly an aesthetic asset, a critical benefit is the work these plants do to help filter the water.
How does a filter work in a pond?
Types of Pond Filters Mechanical filters remove debris visible to the naked eye such as leaves and clumps of algae, while biological filters work to improve water quality by allowing beneficial bacteria to grow to remove algae causing nutrients.
Is a filter necessary for a pond?
Do All Ponds Need Filtration? No. If you are intending not to have any fish, or you're creating a wildlife pond with high plant stocks and just a few fish you may choose not to have a filter, and try to create a natural balance instead.
Does a koi pond need a filter?
In many cases, hobbyists think they have a good-sized filter for their pond; but it turns out it is not big enough at all. Every Koi pond must have an appropriate filter system so that the Koi can live healthy and comfortably.
How do I make my pond water clear naturally?
At a Glance: How to Keep Pond Water ClearUnderstand that a little bit of algae or discoloration is normal.Use beneficial bacteria to starve single-cell algae that turns water green.Add a wide variety of aquatic plants to starve string algae.Add a larger biofilter.Don't overfeed your fish.Don't overcrowd your fish.More items...
Can pond fish survive without a pump?
Without a pump, not only is the water not being filtered, but the healthy bacteria in your pond can deplete. If your pump is faulty during the winter, it is likely that your fish will survive for a while because they are hibernating. They will produce less waste; use less oxygen and they will have a lower metabolism.
Can you over filter a pond?
You can over filter your pond, but the good thing is that it will not really cause a health problem to your fish. A very clear water environment with minimal toxins is not a bad thing for fish. That said, there may be other down slides of over filtering a pond, e.g., energy wastage.
Does a waterfall oxygenate a pond?
While effective, waterfalls only circulate/aerate the surface of the pond leaving the bottom virtually untouched. This can cause an anaerobic environment (low oxygen) to develop on the bottom of the pond which is unsafe for fish and causes increased organic build-up.
How can I make my pond blue?
0:245:49How to Dye a Pond for $20 - Reduce Algae and Weed Growth - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it gets deeper as you get to the far side of the pond. And you can see it has kind of a greenMoreAnd it gets deeper as you get to the far side of the pond. And you can see it has kind of a green color to it. Um i did dye it this was about um two and a half three months ago that i dyed it once.
Should a wildlife pond have a filter?
A wildlife pond does not need a filter but you may still wish to keep the pump to run a cascade or fountain, for instance.
How do I circulate water in my pond without a pump?
Solar Aerators A solar aerator functions in a similar way to the solar fountain pump. But instead of spitting the water directly to create aeration, it works through a tube. The tube collects air from outside and sends it into the water.
Do all ponds need a pump?
In most cases, you cannot have a backyard pond without a pump. You'll need a pump to keep your pond's water flowing, properly oxygenated and clean of algae and unwanted bacteria. Pumps are especially necessary in ponds that contain fish such as koi and goldfish.
How much filtration does a pond need?
The rule of thumb is that you should have a filter that is rated for about 1.5 times the number of gallons in your pond. So if you calculated your pond contains 400 gallons, 1.5 x 400 would mean a filter rated at 600 gallons per hour (gph).
How do fish pond filters work?
These helpful bacteria break down invisible toxins produced directly from the fish and the decaying of physical waste such as fish faeces, excess food or organic material at the bottom of the pond. This is done by the helpful bacteria breaking down the initial toxin Ammonia into Nitrite. A different type of helpful bacteria then breaks this dangerous Nitrite down to Nitrate which then can be absorbed by plants as they grow and is harmless to fish except in high concentrations. The bigger the pond or the more fish the larger the filter will need to be. Hence it is vital to purchase a filter which can easily cope with your pond volume and anticipated fish stocking level.
Why is a bigger filter better for ponds?
Remember: the more fish in a pond, the more waste generated, and the more helpful bacteria needed to break it down - therefore the bigger the filter the better.
What is the difference between a biological and ultra violet filter?
There are two main types of successful pond filtration. An Ultra Violet Clarifier filter kills green water to keep the water clear, while a Biological Filter looks after the water quality to keep the fish healthy and happy. Most modern filters combine these methods into one unit for convenience and ease of installation.
What is the purpose of an ultra violet clarifier?
An ultra violet clarifier is an electrical unit through which water is pumped before it enters the biological filter, and its purpose is to eliminate green water and reduce harmful bacteria in the pond.
How long does it take for a biological filter to work?
It is important to know when first starting a biological filter it can take up to six weeks for helpful bacteria to colonise the filter. During this period care should be taken to keep feeding down and to monitor your water quality regularly with a test kit.
How long does it take for a pond to be balanced?
These plants, along with naturally occurring helpful bacteria in the pond, will then use and digest any toxins left by fish and rotting organic waste, hopefully providing a good natural balance and a clear pond. It is important to remember that the plants should be well established before gradually introducing fish, and it could take at least eighteen months to create a naturally balanced pond.
How many types of filters are there?
There are three common types of filter, mostly available with combined Ultra Violet Clarifiers. It is important to bear in mind installation options before purchasing.
What do you need to know about pond filtration?
What You Need to Know About Pond Filtration. Fish dart beneath lily pads while the melodious sound of a waterfall tickles your ears. The fragrance of clean water and nearby flowers intoxicates your senses. Enjoying a naturally-balanced pond in your own outdoor setting is an attainable luxury every homeowner can experience.
What happens when a biological filter fills a pond?
As the biological filter fills, it will overflow and cascade over its waterfall lip, cascading down rocks that have been set to create a beautiful, natural-looking waterfall. The waterfall creates aeration for the pond, assisting in the circulation and health of the water
How to keep pond water quality high?
To keep pond water quality high, the simple process of repeatedly turning the water over through the mechanical and biological filters is needed in order to create a naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem pond. Add the remaining components of plants, fish, aeration, rock, and gravel, and you’ll find greater success in maintaining clean and clear pond water.
How are nitrates removed from ponds?
Nitrates are then removed from the pond by another biological filtration method known as de-nitrification. This process occurs only in anaerobic (without oxygen) areas of the pond. That’s why it’s not necessarily bad for some areas of the pond to experience minimal water flow (such as on the bottom of the pond, under an inch or so of gravel). The bacteria that live in this area of the pond turn nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere. Nitrates are also absorbed by aquatic plants and algae during their growth processes. A pond without aquatic plants will prove to be a maintenance nightmare.
How does a pond skimmer work?
As water enters the skimmer, the large debris is caught in the skimmer basket and the water is then further filtered through the horizontal mat. The pond water then travels through the plumbing buried underground, up to the biological filter where it’s further treated before re-entering the pond.
Why is surface area important for a pond?
For any biological filtration to work, there literally needs to be billions of bacteria working to purify the water. They prefer to anchor onto things, which is why surface area is so important. More surface area means more bacteria, and more bacteria means better biological filtration. Surface area is provided by filter media, rocks, and gravel. A pond with gravel on the bottom will contain more surface area for bacteria, as opposed to a pond with exposed liner on the bottom.
What is the purpose of mechanical filtration in ponds?
Mechanical and biological filtration are critical to processing the many types of nutrients found in a pond ecosystem, including fish waste, uneaten fish food, leaves, and runoff from lawns to name a few.
What is a UV Pond Filter?
A UV pond filter is a piece of kit that helps to clean up your pond by exposing the water to UV light that helps in the battle against algae that forms. On the following page, you will find out all you need to know about them including – how they actually work and where to install them among many other things.
Why put a filter after a filter?
Another good reason for placing it after the filter is that any small rocks that happen to be sucked up from the pump could cause damage to the quartz sleeve that sits around the UV bulb in most sterilizers if it is placed immediately after the pump.
Why does my pond look like pea soup?
Do you have a pond that has the appearance of a pea soup or something very similar? It is probably because you have an algae problem that you need to deal with. Even if you have a high-quality pump and filter in place, you are still likely to suffer from algae-related troubles, primarily because you are missing one very important piece of kit – a UV pond filter.
Why do you put a light bulb after a filter?
A further benefit of placing the light after the filter is that the filter can then trap sludge before it reaches the light, avoiding the buildup of sludge over the bulb and its casing.
Do UV filters remove dead clumps?
Although you may see a product description or title these accessories being referred to as ‘filters’, it is crucial that you understand that they are not actually filters. What a lot of people call UV filters are more accurately sterilizers or clarifiers because they do not actually remove the dead clumps on their own.
Is it better to put UV light after or before a filter?
As the pump draws in water from the pump it passes it through the UV sterilizer light and then the filter removes the dead particles of algae. However, you may wonder if it is better to place the light after or before the filter. Although it may seem counterproductive, it is actually better to place the UV light after the filter.
Why do fish ponds need filters?
Filter options for a fish pond. A fish pond needs a filter because fish produce ammonia. Ammonia is toxic to fish. Bacteria is needed to process ammonia into nitrite and finally nitrate. This is a process called the nitrogen cycle.
How does a pressure pond filter work?
Canister or pressure filter. These filters work by pumping water from the pond into the filter. The water is pushed through a series of sponges and media that provide surface are for the nitrifying bacteria. The sponges also provide surface are for the bacteria but their main function is to trap small sediments.
What is a moving bed filter?
Moving bed filters usually comprise of 3 or more barrels or drums that contain different media to seperate solids and grow beneficial bacteria. The water is usually pumped into the first barrel where the water is swirled around. This creates a sort of vortex.
What is the purpose of a bottom drain for a koi pond?
This is a mechanical filter. Its main purpose is to remove the fish waste, uneaten food or other debris that settles in the bottom of the pond. A skimmer can still be incorporated if desired.
Why is a waterfall filter better than a canister filter?
The waterfall filter also has a filter sponge to help trap fine sediments.
How much nitrogen can a bog filter remove?
Some interesting facts about wetlands and bogs: 1 acre of healthy wetland is able to purify 27,633,506 Litres of polluted dirty water! A healthy wetland can remove 96% of all nitrogen in the water! A healthy wetland can remove 97% of the phosphorus within the water.
What is the media in a water filter?
The media within the filter is normally bio balls or ceramic noodles. They are there because they provides lots of surface area for the bacteria in a small area. Ceramic noodles. Bio balls. So as the water is pushed through the filter the bacteria can process the ammonia and the nitrite into nitrate.
What is the best filter for a small pond?
For a small pond, having a waterfall with a compact filter could be perfect, and the Pond Boss Complete Filter Kit with Pump is a great example of that. If instead, you have a much larger pond, the OASE BioSmart filter would be perfect as they have models suitable for ponds of either 5 or 10,000 gallons.
Why is it important to maintain a clean pond?
It’s important that you provide a clean environment for the fish in the pond. Without one, they will struggle to survive and won’t grow to their natural size. Creating a balanced nitrogen cycle with just plant life and healthy bacteria is very difficult and can take a lot of time.
How much does a Laguna pressure flo filter cost?
For premium quality, the Laguna Pressure Flo Filter at just over $250 provides incredible features with its 3-step filtration system and ability to be placed in-ground. For huge capacity, the OASE BioSmart 5000 Pond Filter at just below $180 would be perfect.
How much GPH does a pond filter need?
Some filters, such as the Pond Boss Complete Filter Kit with Pump, have a much smaller capacity and need the pump with a GPH of 320 or less. At the other end of the scale, the Aquascape Pond Filter and Waterfall Spillway is a much powerful model and can handle up to 5,000 GPH.
What do you need to know about ponds?
The first thing that you need to know is the type of pond you have. This includes the fish that will be in there, where the filter is going to be placed and approximately how many gallons the pond is. Once you know that, it’ll make the buying process a lot easier.
How many gallons of water can an oase filter hold?
The model that we looked at was great for ponds of up to 5,000 gallons, and they also have a model that will go up to 10,000 gallons.
How much does a Pond Boss filter cost?
On the budget end of the scale, you can get good value for money with the Pond Boss Complete Filter Kit with Pump for under, $70 which is going to look great in your pond.
What is a skippy pond filter?
Perhaps the most popular DIY pond filter online is called the Skippy filter and this uses a stock tank for the filter body rather than a box or barrel. Stock tanks also provide some circulatory motion of the water much like barrels and they will also have water enter at the bottom of the tank and this will rise up through the filter media, which is made up of numerous brillo like pads that not only filter the water but they also provide home to the bacteria as well.
Why are barrels good for ponds?
Barrels make good filters because of their round shape. This provide a very nice vortex or circular motion of the water internally which can help add a bit of oxygen to the water prior to it rising into the bio-chamber. Multiple barrels can be daisy chained together to help provide filtration to bigger ponds.
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What is a physical filter?
Like an oil filter in your car, for example, these are simply designed to take out some of the larger particles of stuff that are floating in the water. This debris get’s caught in the mesh or foam, and filtered water is allowed to pass through.
What happens when a fish pond gets trapped in a nitrate?
As material gets trapped, and this is specifically relating to organic material, this will be broken down , or in a sense, eaten by the bacteria. These good bugs will also convert ammonia and nitrites into harmless nitrates which is very important work for fish ponds.
Is a bead pond filter good?
Of course there are many commercial varieties of pond filters available and many of them are very good. Some, such as the fully enclosed bead filters can be quite expensive which is one of the reasons why many people want to save money and try to do something for themselves.
Where is the PVC pipe in a fish tank?
Pvc pipe is installed internally within the barrel, along with some screen, filter foam or screen for prefiltering, and some type of media that can provide a home to the bacteria. The photograph included here show’s a nicely designed barrel filter in use in a fish holding tank. Water can be pushed into the filter by use of a submerged or external pump, and discharge takes place through an outlet pipe near the top of the barrel.
Keep it clean
Some water features do not need filters at all. Many garden fountains will be fine without one since most of them do not house wildlife. Fishless ponds can also survive without a filter since they will not have all the waste and bacteria fish bring.
Fish ponds
While a filter is a more secure choice in a fish pond, the natural method works here too. Keeping a balanced amount of both plants and fish in the pond will help keep the water clean. If you do not plan on using a filter, be sure that your pond is not overstocked. You also want to make sure you are not overfeeding your fish.
Filter maintenance
Filters do need to be replaced from time to time, but keeping it clean is the best way to ensure long life and efficiency. It is really quite simple. Just make sure you are consistent in your cleanings. The filter’s media will consist of small plastic balls, a sponge, or a cartridge.
Biological
- This is the most important element of pond filtration and occurs in every single pond. Biological simply means this filter is living! The simple explanation for this type of filtration is that- beneficial bacteria colonise your pond and convert harmful chemicals into friendly chemicals.These bacteri…
Mechanical
- Filtering the pond water mechanically is the second most important method of pond filtration. Mechanical filtration simply means that the water is purified by physically removing contaminants. You scooping leaves out of your pond is a type of mechanical filter. But there are better ways! Things like filter pads and sponges are great at removing fine particles from the water. Pond ski…
Chemical
- Chemical filtration refers to the use of certain compounds to improve water quality or clarity. It’s not a method of filtration i personally use on my ponds, as i find that if the biological, mechanical and plant filtration aspects of filtration are functioning chemical filtration isn’t required. In saying that there are certainly situations where chemical filtration is needed.
Do You Need A Pond Filter?
- Inadvertently every pond will have a filter! Those awesome beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms will colonise every piece of wet realestate within the pond. Liner, rocks, mud, plant roots, they all provide habitat for the bacteria. As i mentioned above the bacteria are the backbone of the biological filtration system, which is the most important. The question is: “Do you have eno…
What’s The Best Pond Filter?
- Without hesitation a bog or wetland filter provides the best pond filtration! Bogs and wetlands are remarkable natural filters. They provide biological filtration, mechanical filtration and plants! Those are the big 3 for pristine water. 1. A bog or wetland filter can be added to any sized pond. 1. They are completely natural and require no extra pumps. 1. Require very little maintenance. 1. Can b…
The Job of A Pond Skimmer
Biological Pond Filtration Goes to Work
- The biological filter receives water that has already passed through the mechanical filter, or skimmer, typically placed on the opposite side of the pond. The water enters the biological filter via flexible pipe located near the base of the unit. The water then flows from the bottom to the top of the filter, traveling through filter mediahoused ins...
The Science Behind The Design
- Mechanical and biological filtration are critical to processing the many types of nutrients found in a pond ecosystem, including fish waste, uneaten fish food, leaves, and runoff from lawns to name a few. High levels of ammonia (a form of nitrogen) are highly toxic to fish and are a major contributor to prolific algae growth, and so they need to be carefully controlled. In water gardening, the prim…
The Role of Aquatic Plants
- Another important component to pond filtration is the use of plants. Many gardeners add a pond to their landscape for the variety of aquatic plants available, and while their beauty is certainly an aesthetic asset, a critical benefit is the work these plants do to help filter the water. Plants help purify pond water by reducing nutrients, filtering out sediments and absorbing toxic compounds t…
Low-Maintenance Pond Experience
- To keep pond water quality high, the simple process of repeatedly turning the water over through the mechanical and biological filters is needed in order to create a naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem pond. Add the remaining components of plants, fish, aeration, rock, and gravel, and you’ll find greater success in maintaining clean and clear pond water. Your fish are h…