Laguna - 2013 Guide to Water Gardening - Lagunaponds.com

What do
Filters do?
All ponds will benefit from the addition of a filtration system. A good filtration system
ensures that the water quality of the pond will remain clear of impurities which can
accumulate, creating a cloudy or toxic environment for pond plants and fish.
Filters perform three filtration functions: mechanical, biological and chemical.
Mechanical filtration refers to the process of removing debris and dissolved organic waste
from the pond water. As dirty water flows through the filter foam or other mechanical
media, dirt and debris is trapped.
Biological filtration refers to the process of providing an area where beneficial bacteria can
grow and multiply. This is an important factor in the breakdown of harmful toxins such as
ammonia. Once biological toxins are broken down, chemical filter media and pond plants
can help control the resulting compounds.
Chemical filtration refers to the process of controlling and changing specific water
conditions. This does not mean that the media is a chemical. Natural products can be
considered chemical media.
Submersible
Submersible pond filters are simple to install and generally offer
a combination of biological and mechanical filtration. The units
are placed directly into your pond and are useful for smaller
ponds. Water is drawn through submersible pond filters by a
submersible pump, which can be attached to the filter either
internally or externally, and then discharged into the pond.
Because they tend to pick up all the debris from the pond
bottom, submersible filters protect the pump from clogging
and keep the water clean and clear.
See page 25 for product information.
External
External filters are very easy to
install and clean, offer mechanical
and biological filtration and most often
incorporate a UV-C lamp to keep the
pond water crystal clear. Pressurized
filters are “out of the pond” filters.
They can be partially buried in the
landscaping around the pond and
be easily cleaned.
See page 28 for product information.
Waterfall and Skimmer
These two types of pond filters are most often used together with a circulation pump to create a more
complete filtration system. Generally the skimmer is placed at the opposite end of the waterfall filter.
The skimmer traps leaves and other surface debris before it can sink into the bottom of the pond, keeping
the water much cleaner. A circulation pump housed in the skimmer sends water to the waterfall filter
where it passes through biological filter media and then returns to the pond, cascading as a waterfall.
An added benefit is that maintenance is easy since the skimmer and waterfall filter are outside of the
pond, allowing easy access to everything (including the pump). Skimmer and Waterfall filters can easily
be concealed with landscaping and rock work.
See pages 25 & 26 for product information.
24 ••• pumps