What types of filters are available, and which is most suitable for my pond and why? This short guide will cover the different types of filters available and what the advantages are of using them.
If you're wanting to have a pond that is clean and is both healthy for fish and wildlife, you will need a pond filter. Choosing the correct type is a little confusing with all the different types available nowadays. Remember, most of these filters require a pump for them to operate so be sure to check out the filters maximum flowrate specifications and do not exceed this.
What is a box filter and why should I choose to use one?
A box filter is considered one of the most basic filter types. They have been around since pond filters were established because of their simple box design. A box filter needs to be positioned above the pond water level, so it may be on sight if you're unable to disguise it.
A pump pumps water up to the filter box which then goes through a UV (if your box filter has one). The UV will help eliminate any green water making the pond water crystal clear. Once it's gone through the UV it will then pass through some mechanical media, which is usually a foam sheet. The foam sheet will trap any debris or waste that is pumped up by the pond pump. It will then pass though some biological media which is designed to house good bacteria which will keep the pond water healthy for fish and wildlife.
What is a Pressure filter and why should I choose to use one?
Pond Pressure Filters can be used for any type of garden pond. Just like a box filter, the water is pumped from a pond pump up to the filter. The water then passes through a UV light and then through the media. Although you can use them for Koi ponds, most koi owners will opt for something that has more biological media to help deal with the waste Koi fish produce.
Pressure filters are much more convenient compared to box filters when it comes to location and maintenance. Pond pressure filters can be positioned almost anywhere in the garden. They rely on a pond pump to feed it but then returns the water back to the pond under pressure not relying on gravity. This is a huge benefit as you can easily hide the filter so its not on show like a box filter would be.
What is an all-in-one pond filter and why should I choose one?
All in one filters are ideal for small ponds with community fish or for wildlife ponds. This type of filter will filter your pond and some models can also power a little waterfall of feature. They are compact in size, so they are easy to hide, the downside with them being small is that they don’t have much biological media. This means they are not ideal for ponds that are heavily stocked. The main benefit of using this type of filter is that there is no need for anything to be external. This feature is great when you have a wildlife pond as it keeps the pond looking natural but still filtered. A downfall with this type of filter is its maintenance. With it being in the pond, they tend to get dirty quick and every time you come to clean it you have to pull it out of the pond. This isn’t the easiest task and can quickly become tiresome.
What is a Gravity Fed Pond filter and what makes them better than other filters?
Gravity fed systems are considered the best type of filtration available. A gravity fed system isn’t a type of filter as such, it's basically a large filter whether it’s a bay or drum type that fills up using gravity. This means the water isn’t pumped into the filter but is actually pumped out of the filter creating that gravitational pull through the filter. Its worth noting that wen installing one of these systems the filter needs to be at the same level as the water in the pond.
Usually, these types of filters are used on Koi ponds because these gravity systems are usually connected to a bottom drain. Bottom drains are brilliant for removing waste from the bottom of the pond, much better than a pump! Gravity systems often are large and contain a lot of biological and mechanical media making them ideal for ponds that are well stocked and well-fed, perfect for Koi Carp!
What is a Drum Filter and why are they more expensive than other filters?
Drum filters are by far the best filter on the market, they offer crystal clear water with very little maintenance. This is usually the number one choice for Koi keepers if the budget can stretch. These filters are not as large as you would think and often have a compact design. Drum filters can be either pump fed, or gravity so can be installed in a number of ways.
A drum filter usually referred to as a washing machine filter because of their similarities to a washing machine. It has a large drum which is used to remove 99% of physical waste. When the drum is full it will automatically turn on the pressure wash to push off the waste on the drums mesh. Then it will release the waste valve, so the dirty water is removed. Once the drum is empty it will turn everything back on and run as standard. A simple yet sophisticated design. We recommend installing an auto top up on these filters as you can lose a bit of water when the cleaning process is activated.