Basic Principles of Koi Pond Filtration
Basic Principles of Koi Pond Filtration. To keep Koi fish healthy, it is crucial to maintain an artificial environment that closely simulates their natural habitat. Filtration helps create a natural biological system that preserves the pond’s water quality. Koi’s well-being is tied to the water quality, which can be impacted by waste products. Good water quality shouldn’t be confused with clarity, but it’s possible to achieve both. There are many ways to filter pond water, and the methods outlined here have been tried and tested by Water Plant for over 25 years.
There are two main types of pond filter systems: Gravity Filter Systems and Pressurized Filter Systems. Gravity Filter Systems work by pumping water into the filter, which then flows through various layers or chambers before returning to the pond via gravity. These filters need to be positioned higher than the water level of the pond to allow the water to flow back.
Pressurized Filter Systems work just like a pool filter system. The water goes through a Sand Filter or Zeolite, then through a biological filter chamber and a UV pond sterilizer. The system is pressurized, allowing the filter to be positioned lower than the pond and pump water up through a water feature. Three types of filtration processes take place in a pond: mechanical, biological, and UV filtration. Mechanical filtration removes solid particles from the pond. In pressurized filter systems, the water passes through a sand filter. Biological filtration removes Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate through nitrification by colonies of aerobic bacteria. UV filtration clarifies pond water and controls algae growth.
Choosing the Right Filter for Your Pond
To select the right filter for your pond, consider the following factors:
– Pond size: Use the equation m3 x 1000 to calculate the pond size. Overestimate the size and factor in the required circulation.
– Fish stocking: The number of fish determines the filter size. We recommend 1 fish per 1000 liters of water.
Biofilters and UV lights have maximum flow rates for specific pond sizes. Make sure to check the ratings before purchasing.
There are various methods to enhance the quality of water
To ensure that fish thrive in your koi pond, it is essential that there is a sufficient oxygen concentration of at least 8 mg/l. Water without oxygen cannot support aquatic life, thus the exchange of carbon dioxide to oxygen at the water’s surface is not enough. To improve aeration and water quality, it’s recommended to use a Venturi on the return line to the pond.
Along with using a Venturi, it’s also important to regularly change 10% of your pond water every week. If you are adding municipal water, make sure to use a chlorine remover to remove any chlorine. Furthermore, debris and sludge can accumulate at the bottom of the pond, and it’s recommended to regularly remove them. This can be done by flushing debris through the bottom drain or by using a pond vacuum.