Koi Pond Filter We have tried many koi pond filters. Our experiences show that the the best koi pond filter is based on biological filtration. A balanced Pond Ecosystem combined with an understanding of types of pond filtration are essential to understand when designing your koi pond filtration system. Here is a diagram of a Balanced Pond Ecosystem.
Types of Koi Pond Filtration: It is
very important to understand the
Nitrogen
Cycle in order to set up and maintain a healthy and safe
environment for your fish. To understand the nitrogen
cycle, it is also
important to first have a good understanding of al filtration systems
Filters
work in three main ways - MECHANICAL, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL.
MECHANICAL
Mechanical filtration is the perhaps easiest to understand; it
simply means that solids are filtered out of the water by straining
through the filter medium - sponge, filter wool, etc. The medium in your
pond is your skimmer. The skimmer removes solids from the surface of
the water before they fall to the bottom, creating a problem. These
solids are caught in the basket, but sometimes can clog the filters. In
doing this, the filter may need to be removed and be cleaned, preferably
with pond water so that the beneficial bacteria may not be harmed.
CHEMICAL
Chemical filtration generally means any type of filtration
which will alter the chemical composition of the water and remove
harmful chemicals within the water. We do not promote chemical
filtration.
BIOLOGICAL
Biological filtration is,
arguably, the most important of the three main types. Harmful chemicals
deposited in the water by organics in the pond are converted
biologically into less harmful chemicals by 'friendly' bacteria. This
action is what is known as the 'Nitrogen Cycle'. The Koi Pond Filter in the Diagram is as follows: 1) The Bio Falls & Skimmer (Mechanical Filter)
The bio falls and skimmer should have
filter mats which capture tonnes and tonnes of beneifical bacteria to
complete the Nitrogen
Cycle
2) Water Pond Plants For you Pond (Biological Filters)
Water
pond plants for your pond are some of the best Biological Filters
on the planet. Best of all, they are natural and work in harmony with
the rest of your koi pond filtration system.
3) Other Biological Filter Media
Other Biological Filter Media include things like the gravel at the bottom of your pond. This essentially creates a large surface area for things like beneficial bacteria to colonize and complete the Nitrogen Cycle. Fish help graze on algae to keep levels down as well as there waste provides food for plants as natural cycles take effect. Please see a lesson on Biological Filter Media to find Water Plants for Ponds that will give you an understanding of which plants you should use to keep your pond as balanced as possible for your koi.
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