How to Install a Bio Filter for a Pond

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (2 Ratings)

Now that you have your pond installed, how do you keep your fish healthy? Biological filters use bacteria to break ammonia and nitrites down into nitrates. High ammonia and nitrite levels can kill fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Internal (submersible) filter
  • Pumps
  • Exhaust hose
  • Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Step1
Locate the filter where it will be easily accessible. You will need to clean the pads regularly.
Step2
Use an internal (submersible) filter for small ponds; large ponds require a higher capacity pump, which is easier to service if installed above ground (external).
Step3
Set a submersible filter where the intake will not be obstructed with plants or mud. Put an external filter on a solid, flat surface pondside.
Step4
Allow the exhaust hose (the one leaving the pump) to stay submerged at the bottom of the pond, or hook it up to a fountain, waterfall or spraying sculpture.
Step5
Make sure the outlet you use is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This type of outlet has a built in circuit breaker that will trip if it detects a fault or current leak.

Tips & Warnings

  • Remember that a bio filter alone is not enough. Ponds need circulation and oxygen as well.
  • More sun means more algae ' size your filter accordingly.
  • An adequate system should be able to filter ½ of the water in the pond in one hour.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Install a Bio Filter for a Pond

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Home & Garden

Willi
Meet Willi Galloway eHow’s Home & Garden Expert.