An effective pond filter system is essential to keeping your backyard water feature healthy and clear for years. There are a range of solutions available depending on your water needs and pond size. Mechanical filters are designed to collect physical debris like leaves, twigs and fish waste while helping prevent the growth of nuisance algae.
Types of Pond Filter System
There are many types of pond filter system but some are given below:
Biological Filtration
Biological pond filter system relies on bacteria’s power to cleanse water at an molecular level, much like natural streams and rivers. Just like its aquatic counterpart, bacteria colonize on rocks and pebbles near the bottom of your pond’s bottom to naturally break down waste such as fish feces or uneaten food, as well as transform nitrites into less dangerous nitrates which are then eliminated through de-nitrification, another type of biological filtration.
These processes work best when the pump of your pond filter system runs 24 hours a day to circulate water and provide sufficient oxygen. A pond that doesn’t get adequate circulation or aeration may become toxic to fish and promote rapid algae growth, leading to fish kills or toxic build-up in its surroundings.
As part of any biological pond filter system filter setup process, it’s vital that water quality be carefully monitored during its start-up phase. High levels of ammonia and nitrite can be lethal to bacteria colonies; to combat this situation, consider raising the temperature of your culture tank by two to three degrees above its usual temperature in order to increase growth of nitrifying bacteria – but only two or three degrees beyond normal is safe.
Mechanical Filtration
Mechanical filters are an ideal choice for larger water features, featuring a skimmer that collects large debris such as leaves and fish waste before pumping the water through a filter medium such as sponges or another porous material that traps any trapped dirt particles. PPI ratings indicate the ideal filter size to meet the specific needs of each pond or lake.
Filtered water then passes through a biological filter, where beneficial bacteria colonies form that break down organic pollutants found in the pond filter system water more naturally than chemical sterilizers and ensure healthy aquatic environments for aquatic life. UV filters can also be incorporated into a filtration system to kill microorganisms that cause algae growth, making them an easy and economical solution. UV filters should not be relied upon as sole source of pond filter system as their presence could harm natural ecosystems of ponds.
An effective combination of mechanical and pond filter system for your pond will ensure that any solids such as fish waste and uneaten food can be efficiently removed before they break down and produce toxic ammonia levels in the water.
Chemical Filtration
Biological and mechanical pond filter system can do an outstanding job of filtering out organic waste from fish and plants, but chemical filtration goes much further by extracting any remaining dissolved products that cannot be eliminated through mechanical or biological means and keeping them from decomposing into harmful components.
Pond chemicals can be utilized to address a range of issues in pond environments, from controlling green water to limiting ammonia levels. Ammonia levels increase due to fish waste, uneaten food or other organics in your pond that produce ammonia that becomes toxic for fish and plants alike. Chemicals can help eliminate or significantly decrease their levels by either absorbing or turning harmful compounds into more beneficial compounds.
The Eco-Clear pressurized filter is a chemical/biological pond filter system designed to keep your water garden free of algae and other impurities. Dirty pond water is passed through multiple densities of foam before pushing through biomedical for biological filtration, and then exposed to high intensity UV lights which destroy any remaining green water cells or bacteria that cause them. Cleansed water is then returned back into your pond.
The Role of Plants in Water Filtration and Algae Control
Plants pond filter system water by absorbing harmful compounds and helping control algae through phytoremediation. They also serve to increase beneficial bacteria counts in ponds; this bacteria provides valuable nutrients that support aquatic plant life – an integral component of successful pond environments.
Pumps in ponds move water from its source through mechanical filters and/or skimmers, where coarse debris such as rocks and pea-soup slime is trapped, then through biological filters (or wetland filter zones for natural swimming ponds) before flowing up through biological filter media to break down invisible toxins produced directly by fish or from decaying physical waste (fish feces and leftover food) within your pond. Helpful bacteria then begin breaking down Ammonia into Nitrite which then disintegrates into Nitrate that can be absorbed by aquatic plants for absorption by plants within your pond.
As part of your pond ecosystem, bacteria play an essential role in keeping it clear of green water and string algae blooms. Without their efforts, fish and wildlife would suffer severely in such an environment. Nitrates can also be removed through denitrification under gravel conditions in anoxic environments by different kinds of bacteria which turn nitrates into nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide which are then expelled back into the atmosphere.
Why Choose GC TEK?
Investing in GC Tek is an investment in innovation, quality and reliability. Their products feature innovative filtration solutions designed to increase clarity and health within aquatic environments while their eco-friendly practices and materials benefit both your pond ecosystem as well as Mother Earth! They pride themselves in exceptional customer service as well as continuous improvement guaranteeing you partnership with an organization that prioritizes both satisfaction and healthy environments. For more information visit our website GC TEK or contact us on this number 1-405-258-5551.
