A pond filter is an important device used in ponding to provide a natural habitat for fish and plants and to provide clear pond water. The downside to facing pond filters is the fact that eventually, they tend to become choked up with silt, algae, and any other pollutant that may be in the water. This entails that proper working and extended durability of your filter are realized once proper maintenance is adhered to. Here are some do’s and don’ts to bear in mind if you want to take proper care of your pond filter and keep your pond healthy.
Clean the Filter Regularly
Among all the operations of filter maintenance in ponds, the cleaning activity of the filter is essential yet challenging. Cleaning is done to the pond size, the quantity of fish as well as the type of filter to be used. But if you are using the soil during the growing season it is advisable to clean your filter after every two-four weeks. It is recommendable to clean your pond more often if it is extremely dirty, or has a high number of fish. Clean out debris, leaves, and sludge from the filter media and soak it in pond water not in tap water since the latter kill’s helpful bacteria that decompose organic matter.
Check for Clogs and Blockages
Check the filter’s attributes of how it takes in and releases materials for blockage or clogging. They present the characteristics that due to the accumulation of specs of debris, the flow of the water as a filtration agent may be hindered thus reducing the efficiency of the filter. Check whether there are any leaves, twigs or other chaffs trapped in the filter system of the pond. Clearing all these areas will ensure that the filter works to the optimum trickling rate or flow as required.
Replace Filter Media as Needed
Filter substrate can be defined as the material inside the filter where debris is trapped and also the surface area where naturally occurring bacterial colonies form. Depending on the type of filter the media might have to be replaced/ replenished periodically. Search for general signs of iron degradation, fouling, encrustation, or any other signs where the product picks up undesirable characteristics. Ordinarily, most of the filter makers recommend that the media should be changed at least once every year though this may vary with the kind of filter you have and also the size of your pond.
Monitor Water Quality
In this case, your pond is maintained and it is important to check water quality and see if your filter is active. Perform analysis of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH values. Any of these levels could be off and that means your filter may not be working as it should. Water samples should be taken frequently to check for any problem that would harm the pond and its environment even before it occurs.
Inspect the Pump and Motor
It is essential to be aware of other types of pond pumps since they are a significant part of your pond filter and circulate water to the filter. Now and again, ensure the pump and motor are free from wear and tear and blockage too. Lastly, avoid the pump impeller becoming choked through force or by the accumulation within it of silt, sand, etc. If the motor is noisy while running, or is non-operational, it requires professional attention or a new unit.
Conclusion
Clean ponds are healthy ponds, and ensuring that you clean your pond filter will ensure that your pond is always clean and clear. If you maintain your filter in the above-mentioned ways, you will let your filter last long and also enjoy a healthy ecosystem of the creatures within the pond.
