Fish Pond Filters
Whether your pond is an in ground pond or an above ground pool, the most important part of the pond systems is the filter.
Even if you don’t have any plants or fish in the pond, you must be diligent in maintaining the filter properly. Unfortunately a lot of people get caught up in buying the plants, the lights, the pumps and the fish but then don’t give much of a thought to the filter. That is a big mistake.
Even without plants or fish you have to depend on the filter to keep debris out of the pond. Leaves, twigs and other things that fall or get blown into the pond can be caught by the filter. A good filter is paramount in keeping the pond clean and the living organisms happy and healthy.
Keep in mind that it’s not just the debris like leaves. It’s the fact that debris can carry with it things that are harmful to the living creatures in your fish pond. Like bacteria for example.
When considering your fish pond filter know that there are two basic types. One type goes in the pond and the other type is located outside the pond. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. The type that is best for your fish pond will depend on a lot of factors so we always recommend talking to a knowledgeable person. If you are like most people, you may even have friends with fish ponds that you can ask questions. If not, there are always knowledgeable people at fish pond supplies stores. And you can even do quite a bit of research (and learn quite a bit too) by simply surfing the net. The best information is found on forums because these are people who are enjoying their fishponds and don’t have any ulterior motive (like a sales commission) so the information is generally pretty good. Just be sure that the advice is coming from someone with a lot of experience and not a newbie who just put their pond in a few weeks ago.
Of course a pond filter will only function properly with the proper filter material. Again, the best advice is to talk to friends, or store reps or to just surf the internet for good information. The same advice holds true here, try to only listen to people who have a good bit of experience with their fish pond and in buying fish pond supplies.
You may find that you need more than one type of filter. It’s not unusual so if that’s the case don’t worry about it.
The three basic types of filters are:
Basket Filter – this is located so as to pull floating debris into the basket where it is caught by a fine net. It’s important to keep the basket clean. You may be surprised at just how quickly the basket can fill up during the Spring with all types of stuff is in the air and when typically winds are much higher. It’s also a good idea to check the basket after all storms. Gusty winds can blow all sorts of stuff in the pool.
UV Filter – a good UV filter will help kill harmful algae and other micro organisms that may be growing in your pool. These are not that expensive and will work wonders in keeping the algae growth down.
Bacterial Filter – A step up from the UV filter. These will remove harmful organisms from your pond filter. It’s amazing how harmful microscopic bacteria can be to living things in your fish pond.
Fish pond filters are only one of many things you will be looking at when you are ready to buy your fish pond supplies. Take your time and ask a lot of questions. It’s better to go slow and do it right than it is to rush in and have to do it over. And that advice is given by a person who has made the ‘hurry up and get it done’ mistakes.
