Biological filtration relies on specific bacteria to break down toxic waste products to less harmful substances. There are two stages in the breakdown of ammonia, each stage involving different types of bacteria. The first stage is the breakdown of ammonia to nitrite by nitrifying bacteria, most important of which is Nitrosomonas. The second stage is the conversion of nitrite to nitrate by Nitrobacter.
Both of these groups of bacteria are aerobic (needing oxygen to live). Sediment building up in the filter will deplete the oxygen levels so it is important to keep sediment to a minimum by having a settlement chamber first and by cleaning the filter out occasionally (but not using tap water as the chlorine will kill the bacteria).
A biological filter will take weeks or months to mature, cultures of nitrifying bacteria are widely available and will speed up the process.
Three Stages of Filtration
The filter is of key importance in keeping your pond water crystal-clear and free of chemical pollutants. Our line of filters are designed to meet a wide range of needs, for both large and small ponds. Our line of filters provide one or more, of three types of Pond Filters. These types of filtration are:
Biological Filtration
Mechanical Filtration
Chemical Filtration
Mechanical Filtration: Refers to the physical removal of debris from water by materials that trap large and small particles. Polyester Pre-Filter Pads last longer and filter better that other pre-filtration products, even after several cleanings.
Chemical Filtration: Removes pesticides, colors, odors, organic waste, excess nutrients and other harmful chemicals from your pond. Coconut Shell carbon, Zeolite are examples of products to be used in your filter for chemical filtration.
Biological Filtration: This is where your pond filter provides a place for beneficial bacteria to grow on special media. These bacteria remove harmful pollutants from pond water. As the "Biological Filter" these beneficial bacteria convert poisonous compounds such as ammonia and nitrite, into less toxic nitrate. The end by-product, nitrate, is used as a food source by aquatic plants. This continuous process is called the nitrogen cycle.
If there is a product or size you do not see on our web site, send us a email and we will find it for you.
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For many of us, our ponds are beginning to warm (or will soon be). Water temperature, not the ambient air temperature, is the gauge for what to do and when to do it in regards to your pond. Water temperature should be checked at approximately 1 foot of depth. Avoid feeding your fish until the water temperature is consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This will also be the time to start adding spring maintenance bacteria and enzyme treatments.
Biological filtration relies on specific bacteria to break down toxic waste products to less harmful substances. There are two stages in the breakdown of ammonia, each stage involving different types of bacteria. The first stage is the breakdown of ammonia to nitrite by nitrifying bacteria, most important of which is Nitrosomonas. The second stage is the conversion of nitrite to nitrate by Nitrobacter.
