Koi Pond Filter - Nature In A Box

Many Koi pond owners require answers to question such as what filter media to put in each chamber of their Koi pond filter and in what order to put them in? Some toil over how to increase their current pond filtration but are not sure on which pond filter to use. While others ponder over weather to use a filter with a pond pump, or to us a pond filter along with a combination pond pump/filter for added filtration peace of mind.

On top of questions such as these, there are many types of Koi pond filter to choose from, and some are more effective and efficient then others based on your specific needs and requirements. The proverbial question, “Which pond filter is best?” is a common simple question without a simple answer. So to help find our way through the pond filter jungle, we must take a look at how a pond filter functions and the work it must do. From here we can arrive at a few general guidelines as to what we should be looking for.

First we have to recognize the three basic forms of pollution:

1. Dissolved compounds, such as the ammonia expelled as the fish digest food.
2. Inorganic pollutants, which are a product of microorganisms breaking down solid particulate waste into smaller compounds such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphate.
3. Solid particulate waste is organic waste from the fish.

Non-toxic pollutants

Let’s look at one simple fact. Koi are dynamic living, swimming, eating, biological hazard, sewage making machines, and Koi can grow to a large size relatively quickly. They are continuously polluting the pond water at high levels with solid particulate waste, levels that would have an adverse affect on their health if it gets out of control. Without proper filtration, this ever-rising level of solid waste pollution would eventually build up and kill the Koi. However, microorganisms in the pond break down solid waste to smaller particles. But these particles create their own form of pollution as well and need to be addressed with a Koi pond filter that can handle the job.

Toxic pollutants

The Koi pond filter has a prime function of dealing with dissolved compound toxic pollutants. Koi produce metabolic ammonia which is a by product of their digestive process breaking down amino acids in the food we feed them to use as an energy source. The toxic ammonia is continuously excreted through their gills. The compound is dissolved into the pond water with no natural method of dispersing or disposing of it. Depending on the size of the pond and the number of Koi in it, toxic ammonia can reach critical levels relatively fast, and like solid organic waste, if allowed to build up to dangerous levels, it could kill your fish.

So, the work of the biological filter put simply, is to remove or neutralize solid and dissolved sewage waste as fast as it is being produced. Working with your biological pond filter, by executing regular pond cleaning maintenance, replicates the filtration process that happens naturally in the wild.

The situation is clear, excuse the pun. A Koi pond filter is of vital importance to the health and survival of your Koi. It is not an extra. It is a necessity.

Remember, a pond filter is an integral part of the lifeline your Koi depend on. Get it right the first time to save time and money in the long run, and secure the health and future of your Koi today.