All garden ponds
accumulate organic matter from the time they are first filled with
water. Organic matter is naturally produced from dead plants, algae,
as well as uneaten fish food and waste. This organic build-up slowly
decays, creating toxic hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and nitrite. Such
decay removes oxygen from your water and lowers the pH. It also
provides an excellent breeding ground for many fish diseases.
Often, a pond filtration system is last to be
considered at the time of the pond design and conception. A
garden pond, whether a small water garden or high-end koi pond, is a
living and dynamic eco-system. A backyard pond is usually
not fed by a stream or natural water feed that provides a natural
array of bacteria and oxygenation.
The proper filtration system will not only
mechanically filter
the harmful particulate from the water, but also provide a biological "home" for
beneficial bacteria that will help to balance and stabilize the water
quality. It is essential to install a filtration system that is
capable of handling your pond's requirement.
There are many filter shapes and sizes available
and depending upon your pond design, purpose and budget, there is an
effective filter for your pond. You may have a skimmer box with
filter pads or a combination of
various filter medium and methods of filtration on a single system.
Regardless of the filter's complexity, it is
important to have a filter and to maintain it to its peak efficiency.
With that said;
Remember... Just because a filter is operating at its peak
efficiency does not mean it is the proper size or design for your
pond's requirements.
Filter Types
More to come.......
