Which pond filter is right for you?

Filtration is vital for maintaining a healthy, balanced pond. It removes debris and waste, breaks down harmful toxins, like ammonia and nitrites through beneficial bacteria, and keeps the water clear and oxygenated. This not only supports the health of your fish and plants but also reduces algae growth and overall maintenance. In short, proper filtration keeps your pond clean, your fish happy, and your water sparkling.

Filtration can be achieved naturally and mechanically, plants absorb nutrients from the water and can help maintain healthy water, thus reducing algae growth. Even if you are using natural filtration methods, you may want to consider a pond filter. When selecting your filter, you will need to consider your pond volume and any fish that you expect to home. If you are planning on housing a large quantity of fish, or even a small quantity of large fish, you will need a bigger filtration system as they will produce more waste.

 

 

First Consideration: Fish.

Before you decide to add fish into your pond, it is necessary to mention that a wildlife pond without any fishy friends will produce the least waste. However, we completely understand the appeal of having fish in your pond. What's the point in crystal clear, healthy water if there isn’t anyone living in the pond to appreciate it!

Like all living creatures, fish naturally produce waste as part of their everyday life. When they are fed, organic matter is added into the pond as well as fish waste. It is important that this is filtered out of the pond to be broken down.

We have previously mentioned the size of fish in terms of increased waste production. Even if you buy small fish, it is necessary to find out how large they will grow. You will need a filtration system that is large enough to accommodate your fish and the associated waste once they are fully grown.

A pond filter should typically handle twice the expected waste load for goldfish and up to four times as much for larger fish like koi. This is because fish produce significant biological waste, and larger or more active species like koi generate much more than smaller fish. An undersized filter can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to poor water quality, algae growth, and unhealthy conditions for your fish.

 

 

 

Second Consideration: Volume

To put it simply: a big pond requires a big filter, a small pond requires a small filter. You need to find a filter that is appropriately sized for the volume of water that your pond is going to hold because a filter can only process a certain amount of water.

If you have a circular, square or rectangular pond, use our calculator.

For irregularly shaped ponds, split them into sections and work it out from there. 

Now that you know what to consider, it’s time to select your pond filter. Each product listing shows the statistics related to each filter in depth but below are a series of tables that break down all pond filters into categories and show which ponds they are suitable for.

 

 

 

Drum Filters

These mechanical filters remove all solid particles via automated cleaning cycles. These are the best filters out there and we would recommend them for everything from large goldfish ponds to swim and koi ponds. 

 

Flow-Through Filters 

Flow-through filters, also known as box filters, are a traditional and highly effective option for pond filtration. Their design allows easy access to the filter media simply by lifting the lid, making routine maintenance and cleaning much more convenient. These filters should be installed above the pond’s water level, allowing clean water to return to the pond naturally via gravity. They are a versatile choice, suitable for a wide range of pond sizes. 

 

 

In Pond Filters 

These are suitable for water features. The pump is integrated with UV’s and filters which are fully submerged. 

 

 

Pressure Filters

Pressure filters offer flexible installation, as they can be placed above or below the pond’s water level. They can also be partially buried to blend in with the surrounding landscape. These filters typically include built-in UV clarifiers and work in conjunction with a filter pump to circulate water through the system. Pressure filters are best suited for small to medium-sized ponds.