| If you care about the quality of the water in your | | | | filter media. The most popular biological filters are |
| garden pond, you're going to want to take every | | | | the external type, but there are submersible |
| possible step to ensure that the water stays | | | | designs as well. |
| clean, clear and healthy. One of the best ways to | | | | Before you decide on a pump, find a filter that will |
| do this is to filter the water. | | | | cope with the water in your pond. To do this you |
| The type of filtration system you choose will | | | | will need to know the approximate volume of |
| depend on several factors including the size of | | | | water in your pond. You can work this out |
| your pond and whether the pump only has to | | | | yourself if you know the dimensions of the |
| power the filter. For instance if there are going to | | | | structure, including the depth. The capacity of the |
| be water features, fountains or waterfalls in and | | | | filter will be specified on the packaging, but choose |
| around the pond, this will affect what is suitable | | | | a reputable brand because some manufacturers |
| for you to use. Another important factor will be | | | | make misleading claims. Also choose a design that |
| the type of pond you are going to create. If you | | | | is easy to clean. Better models have drains that |
| are going to establish a lily pond or even a little | | | | you can also use to winterize your pond. |
| goldfish pond, filtration will not be a vital element. | | | | Once you have chosen a filter, you can choose a |
| But if you are building a koi pond, good filtration | | | | pump that has the required output to be able to |
| will be paramount. | | | | pump the water through the filter efficiently. The |
| Both pumps and filters are manufactured for use | | | | output is given in gallons (or liters) per hour. The |
| either in the pond or out of the pond. Most | | | | cheapest pumps are the types that have a plastic |
| external equipment is more powerful and in the | | | | housing, but other materials like stainless steel or |
| case of koi ponds, more effective. It is also easier | | | | other metals will last longer. |
| to access. But you need to be sure that the size | | | | Pumps are manufactured with varying lengths of |
| of the equipment is suitable for the size of your | | | | cord, so make sure that the cord is sufficiently |
| pond - there's no point in installing an expensive | | | | long to extend from the pump to a suitable |
| external pump and filter if the pond is tiny. Also | | | | electric power point. |
| remember that you will need to make sure that | | | | Then, depending on the type of pump and filter |
| the pump and the filter are compatible with one | | | | you have chosen, as well as whether these are |
| another. | | | | external or submersible, you're going to need |
| Koi keepers favor biological filters that incorporate | | | | various pipes and fittings. Pipes link pumps and |
| filter media that becomes a haven for bacteria | | | | filters and lead water into and out of the pond. |
| and other natural organisms. The way they work | | | | Make sure you buy the correct type, size and |
| is to break down the waste that flows through | | | | length for your installation. |
| the different layers of media - depending on the | | | | A simple set-up will involve attaching the |
| design of the filter. Some incorporate chemical | | | | pipe-work to the equipment using fittings that are |
| media as well as the different types of biological | | | | supplied. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's |
| filter media like pumice, foam pads and plastic | | | | instructions. |