Water Garden Filters

As one ventures from one water garden site to another it can become confusing as to which filter is right for your pond.

Let’s look at several different pond types and their filtering requirements.

A water garden featuring only plants and perhaps with the addition of goldfish some experts have suggested that one half the water volume should be filtered every hour.

If you have a Koi pond and or your garden receives up to six hours or more of direct sun a day, then the amount of water that your filter can handle per hour has to be increased dramatically to at least one hundred percent as a bare minimum.

When trying to make a choice of the best filter for your requirements, you will be bombarded with choices which mean that you will need to reach a decision as to what you really want a filter to accomplish for you.

Sounds simple doesn’t it. But believe me that is not the case.

What you really need to know is that there is no such thing as the perfect filter. There are good water garden filters available but don’t expect them to handle such chores as algae prevention or removal.

In order for a water garden to function properly you will need to take care of the basics such as developing the proper water pH which is 7.0 to 8.0. All good things happen in favor of the pond owner that manages to maintain this recommended pH level.

The only way to completely eliminate green water in your pond is through the use of an ultra violet light. Filters can be purchased that have mounting holes or brackets that make it easy to add these UV devices.

The following steps are important to maintain a water garden in a healthy state:

• Balance the pH between 7.0 to 8.0. We suggest that you check your pH level during the morning as it will naturally increase during the day.
  
  
• Reduce algae nutrient sources such fish waste through good filtration and adding beneficial bacteria. Be sure to remove organic clutter such as leaves that have fallen or been blown into the pond as soon as possible.
  
  
• Use of a flocculant will help to remove algae by causing the micro sized plants to clump together and then fall to the bottom where the filtration system will pick them up.
  
  
• It will be necessary for you to clean waterfalls, rocks, liner and other surfaces occasionally with a fish safe oxygen cleanser.
  
  
• Last but not least do what I have done for years and add enough plants to cover up to eighty percent of the surface water.
  

I personally favor the use of filters that serve additionally as waterfalls and if you add a leaf skimmer you will have a super effective system.