Filtration is a key element to mostly every clear and healthy pond. When choosing a filter, it's best to decide based on pond size and fish load. Ponds with heavy fish loads will obviously have more debris, so with those ponds you will want to consider oversizing filtration. Remember, you can never have too much.
Choosing the proper filter is dependent on many things – pond and pump size, fish load, hours of sunlight, environment, percentage of plants, etc. I know it's a lot and it can be confusing, but there are basically only 3 styles of filtration – submersible (in-pond), gravity fed, and pressurized. Along with primarily two types: mechanical and biological. Mechanical being the physical trapping of debris, primarily through filter pads and mats. Biological is often used with molded plastic bio-media (bio-balls) or lava rock/gravel. These materials often have tons of surface area where beneficial bacteria can colonize.
Gravity Fed Filters: These are some of the most cost effective and low maintenance systems available. Water from the pond is pumped into an inlet of the filter using either a submersible or external pump. The water then fills the filter, flows through and overflows from a spillway and eventually returning to the pond via gravity. Because of this, the filter must be elevated above the surface of the pond. They are usually installed at the top of a waterfall. Filter media often used is plastic bio-balls. The bio-balls house beneficial bacteria which help convert toxic ammonia and nitrites into nitrates, to be used by plants. Filter pads can also be added for additional mechanical filtration.
Whether looking to upgrade your existing filtration system or starting from scratch in a new pond, a properly sized filtration system will ultimately improve not only water quality but also clarity, and is a great investment in your pond.
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All tips on in this article should be scrutinized for their application to your individual needs. Everything you need to start your pond up for the spring.
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There's only one thing worse than green water - and that's tea colored or brown water. Often times, the end fall, beginning of winter brings with it discolored water.
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The use of barley dates back to the treatment of acre farm ponds hundreds of years ago. Today, it's still widely used, and quite popular. Used as a natural water treatment and conditioning aid, the treatment process is actually quite interesting.
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If you choose to run your pump during the winter, and it's powering a waterfall, it's important to monitor for ice dams. These are ice accumulations that can occur at the base of your waterfall during freezing conditions.
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The chart in this article is to be used as a guide in diagnosing fish disease. Do not use this information as professional advice. If in doubt, please consult a professional. Please follow all directions on medications exactly as instructed on product.
Article Posted: 12/25/2016 04:48:27 PM
In order to succeed at keeping fish, ensure that you are providing the best water conditions possible. Too often, disease and death among fish is a result of bad water quality. The following are water quality parameters that you must adhere to in order to be successful.
Article Posted: 12/25/2016 04:48:27 PM
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