Pond Filter – Koi Pond Filter Technology

Executive Summary by: Douglas Hoover

Pond Filter: Almost every koi pond or water gardening magazine contains more advertisements for filters than any other product.

pond filters

The most common pond filters are the up-flow, down-flow, submersible, recycling and pressurized types. Pond filters use a variety of filter media or material for the water to pass through. Pond water contains a large amount of suspended matter that collects in this filter media, eventually blocking or plugging the spaces between the material.

The most efficient and maintenance-free pond filters are pressurized filters that have a backwash feature. A bio-filter contains filter media on which nitrifying bacteria reside, and which break down the toxic nitrites into less toxic nitrates that can be used by the water plants.

Recent technology developed by Aqua Ultraviolet produces special hexagonal beads for their pressurized pond filters, which possess the greatest maximum available surface area of all existing filter media.

Down-flow or upflow and submersible pond filters require disassembling and washing of all enclosed media, and then returning it to the filter — a very messy and dirty process.

A pond filter for a 250 gallon koi pond will range from $160-$200; for a 1000 gallon koi pond, $300-$400; and for a 2000 gallon koi pond filter from $500-$600. Happy koi, peace & joy.

Natural Pond Filters – Let Nature Do the Hard Work!

Executive Summary by: Anne Clarke

You may think that it is silly to have to use a pond filter in your garden pond when no pond out in nature uses a filter.

• Water lilies – If you do not have any water lilies in your pond, it is definitely time to get some. If you have problems with green water, you should cover over half of the surface of your pond with water plants, and water lilies spread out across your pond with ease.

• Other plants – other plants are also beneficial in your pond. Submerged plants are great for releasing oxygen into the water, and they provide an overall clearer water and better water quality.

• Waterfalls – again, like water lilies and plants, waterfalls are not just beautiful additions to your pond: they are also helpful additions. Having moving water in your pond helps transport organic materials.

• Bacteria – You can encourage bacteria to colonize in your pond by having a good pond filter.

Paired with a store-bought pond filter, these natural filters can do wonders for your pond.

Also, check out my other guide on water garden plants and plants indoor