Filters for Fish Pond

It might seem odd that you’re often told to get a fish filter system for a garden pond, since natural ponds don’t use them. However, natural ponds have different methods of water circulation that keep the oxygen levels high and help them support life. Unless you can create those same conditions in your pond at home, it will quickly silt up and become inhospitable to your fish. That means that installing a filter system is important for any pond, but especially for those that you would like to have support fish. Koi, goldfish, and other carp relatives are often particularly in need of a filter, as their waste production is higher in comparison to other types of fish. Fortunately, it’s not a big deal to install a filter, and there are some other things you can do to encourage nature to help with water quality.

The size of your pond and the number of fish you have will help you decide why size and type of filter to use. Once you’ve installed it, it will help keep the water clear and fresh, and your fish healthy. Pond filters also help you conserve water by refreshing and recycling the original water from the pond. There are two basic types of filters for a fish pond available. These are external filters and submersed filters. External filters are often the largest available type, and are located outside of the pond. They’re normally filled with foam, and have a porous media underneath them. These filters are easier to clean and maintain than a submersed filter, and you can use different media in them without a lot of trouble. They also support the largest number of fish. However, an external filter is large, bulky, and can spoil the view. Some people place their pond filters behind a screen of plants to remove this problem.

Submersed pond filters are filled with several different types of filter media to give you the widest range of filtration. Some even include UV sterilization. They make the water much cleaner than some external filters, but are harder to clean. They can be used as part of a fountain or waterfall, or in other water features in your pond. Submersed filters are smaller and less obtrusive than external filters, but support fewer fish. You can increase the population your pond will support by using natural means, however. Including pond plants, like water lilies, cattails, and other vegetation will help naturally filter your water, as well as giving your fish a good place to hide from predators and bright sun. Waterfalls are a good method, too. Not just a way to add beauty to your pond, they help aerate the water and move organic material around. In addition, you should make sure that you water has the right ph, and that it has a good colony of the correct bacteria. Correct filtration is the best way to support a large population of healthy fish and have a beautiful pond.

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