What Are the Easiest to Clean Pond Filtration Systems?

Biological Filter

• A biological filter is a filter that uses no chemicals and is allowed to run without cleaning throughout the growing season. The idea behind biological filters is allowing bacteria already present in the pond water to colonize within the filter. This bacteria will consume dissolved debris and reduce the algae levels within the water by depriving it of nutrients. There are various methods for constructing your own biological filter, and if you are interested in a low-maintenance pond filtration system that is safe for fish, this is the way to go.

External Aquatic Plant Tank

• Many pond owners are reluctant to add chemicals to their water and are thus constantly experimenting with ways to filter their ponds naturally. One great way is to take advantage of the natural filtration properties of aquatic plants such as the water hyacinth. If you would rather not cover the entire surface of your pond in these plants, consider pumping your pond water in to an external holding tank that contains many of these plants and cycles the now-filtered water back into the pond.

External Traditional Filter

• An external traditional filter works in much the same way as the aquatic plant tank mentioned above, but has a traditional filtration system or chemical treatment. Install a pump that circulates the water from your pond to an external tank or rubber container that contains your filter and a pump that pumps water back to your pond. This allows you to locate your filter in a spot more accessible than the floor of your pond and makes maintenance much less time consuming.

Traditional Filter

• If you decide to opt for a traditional in-line or pump filter, choose its location wisely. A traditional filter is submerged in the pond itself, typically at its deepest point. Retrieving the submerged filter for cleaning and maintenance can be a difficult task. Pulling the filter up from the floor of your pond will not only be messy for you, but will disturb your aquatic plants and fish. Balance form and function by finding an easy-to-place spot that is out of the way when you install your traditional filter.