If you are considering adding a pond or another water feature to your garden, you will need to buy a pond filter. This information will help you determine what type of pond filter you will need for a pond or other types of water features.
Types of Pond Filtration
There are two main types of filtering systems for water features. To help prevent algae growth, which is the cause of green water, you would use an Ultra Violet Clarifier. If you have a pond or water feature that contains fish, you will need a biological filter to help keep the fish healthy by cleaning up their waste and other detritus. Many filters combine these two functions into one unit for your convenience.
Which Filter to Use
When you are planning your pond, you will need to choose a filter to keep the water clean and clear. Although not all ponds require filters since some water plants you have filtration properties, it is easier to add a filter than it is for beginners to correctly balance the nitrogen cycle in a pond.
UVC Filters
Ultra Violet Clarifiers come as either stand-alone units or they are in combined units that also have a biological filter. Water gets pumped through the UVC before going into the biological filter. By going through the UVC first, it helps to eliminate bacteria and green water that could ruin your pond and kill any fish you have in it. The algae and bacteria are killed because as the water passes through the filter, it is subjected to high levels UV light.
To purchase the correct UVC for your pond, you will need to know the volume of the water feature, the amount of sunlight that it will receive and how much stock you plan to add to the pond. If you know the pond will be exposed to the sun for much of the day and/or you will a high amount of fish in it, you should the UVC based on the fish/sunlight rating. If you have a doubt about the rating, always buy one that a level higher so you have adequate filtration.
Biological Filters
A biological filter is needed if you plan to stock your water feature with fish. The media used in the filter contains several million helpful bacteria. This bacteria breaks down toxins that come from the fish and other decaying organic matter, such as their food and waste. To make sure the bacteria does its job, pond water needs to move through the biological filter 24 hours a day.
Again, in order to purchase the correct filter, you will need to know the volume of your pond. In addition, biological filters have two ratings: one for ponds with little to no fish and normal sunlight and another for a high amount of fish with exposure to high levels of sun. While selecting a filter sounds complicated, it isn’t and experts at places like Water Garden Ltd. can help you select the best filter for your pond.
