|
Pond filtration can be as simple as aquatic plants and rock in your pond. What type of filtration your pond needs depends entirely on the size, condition, and location of your water feature.
But keep in mind, at Cool Ponds, we're all about low maintenance. We say it time and time again, we want you to simply enjoy your pond not work on it. Now, some people enjoy cleaning filters and messing around with their pond every day, and if that's you...stop reading here, this easy maintenance guide isn't for you!
Many ponds have filters that sit down in the pond, and that's okay, but they usually have to be cleaned very regularly -- sometimes every day during parts of the season. That type of filtration is too much effort for us and that's why we try to advise another type of filter.
Filtration of a pond comes in two main varieties: biological and mechanical.
- A biological filter takes out nutrients and impurities from the water.
- Mechanical filtration removes debris from the pond so it doesn't break down and cause more nutrients and impurities.
Biological Filtration
Aquatic plants will perform some of your filtration for you. They use nutrients that would otherwise feed algae. Rocks and gravel in your pond also aid in your pond's biological filtration. Beneficial bacteria not only use up nutrients, but also break down toxins. The more beneficial bacteria you have the better which means you need a lot of surface area in your pond. Rocks and gravel add to that surface area exponentially.
How to add biological filtration to your pond:
- Add aquatic plants ...floating plants such as water hyacinth and water lettuce are best but a good mix of marginal plants, floating plants, and water lilies will give you the best results.
- Use our Cool Ponds beneficial bacteria regularly.
- Add a 1-2" layer of gravel to your pond bottom if you don't have any there now. (But don't add more than 1" to 2".)
- Make sure you have a good amount of oxygenation in your pond. Beneficial bacteria needs a highly oxygenated environment to live, grow, and clean your pond. You may need to add an aerator.
- Add an external filter. We carry a few different external filters and can size an appropriate one for your pond in store. The Decorative Urn Filter pictured on the left is a fountain and filter combined! All our filters need very minimal cleaning-- again it's all about low maintenance!
- The best biological filtration option is the biological waterfalls. Not only is it an exceptional filter, it is the foundation for a waterfall as well. This is filtration we install. It is designed to be cleaned only once a year!
Mechanical Filtration
A mechanical filter will remove the debris from your pond. If you net fallen leaves from your pond, then I guess you are acting as a mechanical filter!
A filter that sits in the pond bottom really doesn't do any mechanical filtering because the debris isn't getting removed from the pond water unless you clean the filter.
How to add mechanical filtration to your pond:
- Add an external filter with a solids handling pump. The debris is removed through the pump and collects in the filter outside the pond.
- Install a skimmer to your pond if you have a rubber liner. This is the best way to remove debris from your pond. The skimmer sits beside your pond and collects debris in a net that is simply removed and cleaned. Easy! The skimmer also houses your pump and prevents it form needing cleaned.
For more information on pond filtration, please stop by our retail store. You can see our pond filtration in action!
317-786-3670
901 E Hanna Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227
MAP AND DIRECTIONS
info@coolponds.net
|
