| To filter or not to filter, that is the question. Many | | | | Solids and wastes are removed by passing |
| people argue the need to filter an artificial pond. | | | | through foam, media or brushes. 2. The water |
| My answer to this question: to filter! The reason is | | | | then travels through the biological media that |
| found in nature. All natural ponds, streams, lakes, | | | | contains the bacteria removing the toxic |
| rivers, or other bodies of water are organically | | | | Ammonias by means of the nitrogen cycle. |
| cleaned, removing noxious gas from the water. In | | | | What size filter should I use? A filter of any kind |
| a man-made pond we can't expect the same | | | | should be able to filter the total amount of water |
| magic to occur. With out a filter system, water | | | | in your pond once per hour. If you have a pond |
| can become murky, foul smelling, cloudy or toxic. | | | | with 1000 gallons, you would need a filter size able |
| A filter is crucial if there are fish in the pond. Fish, | | | | to handle at least 1000gph. A heavy fish load |
| along with decaying debris produce ammonia. | | | | might require more than the usual filtration. A filter |
| Ammonia is as poisonous (if not more) to fish as | | | | upgrade of at least 100 gallons over the normal |
| Carbon Monoxide is to us. Water needs to be | | | | amount of volume in your pond will be needed. |
| kept free of Ammonia. The best way to do this | | | | Having a filter that is bigger than needed is |
| is by having a Biological Filter. | | | | preferable to having one too small. |
| Oh, the Bio-Filter-the "cat's meow" of filter world. | | | | Skimmers, and/or UV clarifiers are often used |
| Unlike the mechanical filters that simply "catch" | | | | with Biological filters to make a duo clean-team. A |
| debris and leaves, this type of filter uses a more | | | | skimmer is used to prevent debris and particles |
| "lively" method. Live enzymes called Beneficial | | | | from decomposing and producing harmful nitrites. |
| Bacteria. Their main purpose is to house the- | | | | They also work as protective houses for your |
| microorganisms that starve algae and rid ponds of | | | | pump. A UV clarifier is an Ultra Violet light inside a |
| sludge. They do a magnificent job. | | | | quartz sleeve with in a PVC housing. It kills any |
| These bacteria maintain clear water by means of | | | | organic matter or algae passing under the light. |
| the nitrogen cycle * instead of simply removing | | | | How long does it take for the Bio-filter to start |
| matter from a pond. Bio-filters provide the most | | | | working? It takes between 4-6 weeks for the |
| amount of surface area for the bacteria than any | | | | bacteria to colonize in sufficient quantities. Never |
| other product. More surface area means more | | | | clean out the media with tap water. Doing so will |
| space for the bacteria to colonize. | | | | kill off established bacteria. Use pond water when |
| Why does a Biological filter create so much | | | | rinsing the media. |
| surface area? They usually have 2-4 layers of | | | | Biological filters are fairly easy to install. They are |
| either filter media or special density foam. The | | | | easy maintenance, very efficient and are |
| filter media and foam have holes and divots | | | | compatible with external or internal pumps. |
| designed for bacteria growth. Then, underneath | | | | However, the only way it works is if you add the |
| the pads are Bio-balls. Bio-balls are plastic media | | | | Beneficial Bacteria. The bacteria are not already in |
| designed to allow for an enormous amount of | | | | artificial ponds. If you want a beautiful, healthy |
| bacteria growth, thus creating clear water. | | | | climate for aquatic plants and fish a Biological filter |
| How does it work? There are two stages: 1. | | | | is the "logical" choice. |