POND FILTRATION BASICS

There are three main types of processes that occur in filters.

MECHANICAL filtration, the most basic type of filtration, involves removing  suspended particles out of the water. This is usually accomplished with the use of filter media such as foam or filter matting, which trap debris. Regular cleaning of the filter media will help to keep the water free from floating particles

CHEMICAL filtration removes impurities from the water by chemical means. The most common type of media used is activated carbon or charcoal. These  remove ammonia and other organic wastes by the process of adsorption. They are effective for a relatively short time and must be replaced regularly.

BIOLOGICAL filtration is the most important component in your filter for providing a clean healthy environment for fish. This involves a process called the NITROGEN CYCLE which  relies on various beneficial bacteria to break down toxic waste products into less harmful substances. Simply explained, fish and decaying plants produce toxic AMMONIA, this is then converted by bacteria into NITRITES, and finally into less harmful NITRATES.

An efficient filter should contain a filter medium that provides a large surface area on which the bacteria can grow. Since these bacteria flourish in clean, well oxygenated water, a filter should have effective mechanical filtration or pre-filter to keep the biological filter media from being clogged with debris. Constantly rinsing debris from the biological filter media will also rinse away the bacteria and not allow the filter to mature properly. Many of the newer filters are designed so that the mechanical filter will need cleaned on a regular basis without the need to clean the biological media. 

Most pond keepers tend to undersize the filtration systems on their pond, yet this is the most important component of a pond, especially if fish are being kept in it. 

You might also want to read How to Increase Pond Filtration Without Buying a New Filter

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