A garden pond is a wonderful addition to any home. Making a homemade pond filter is an inexpensive way to ensure that your garden pond will continue to work and function smoothly. Many people across the world are enjoying the beauty and tranquility of water and Koi ponds.

Perfect addition to your Pond

Because of the beautiful and unique aquatic plants and fish that may live in your ponds, it is important to have a working filter to ensure the health of your living organisms. Algae and mold can destroy and kill the water life that you have invested in your pond, and by adding a pond filter you can help protect the health and beauty of your pond. A good pond filter, whether it is a homemade pond filter or one purchased, will help lower the maintenance required in the upkeep of your pond.

Finding Instructions and Patterns

There are many ways to find instructions and patterns for making a homemade pond filter. If you belong to a garden pond club or society, you may come in contact with someone who has made their own filter. Ask around and see if anyone will offer you tips and pointers.

You can also check with your local library and see if there are any instructions available in a do it yourself pond book. You can also browse the Internet and look for patterns or instructions. Often, when someone creates something, they will take pictures and share the instructions and pictures free of charge on the Internet.

You may be able to find what you are looking for on the Internet. Also, if you are fortunate, you may be able to email the person who created their pond filter and ask them any questions that you may have.

Pond Filter Styles

Before you can make your own homemade pond filter, you will need to understand the different types of filters. The first filter is called Mechanical Filtration. This type of filter has a mechanical function. It uses chambers that will slow down the water flow, causing solid waste material to settle. Then, the mechanical function will make the water flow in a circular motion. This makes the sediment settle and then brushes can be used to strain the sediment from the water.

The next type of pond filter when discussing homemade pond filter styles is called Biological Filtration. Biological filtration uses bacteria that feed upon waste products. The waste products will be broken down into components that are healthier and will help keep the pond system clean and flowing smoothly.

The two most popular bacteria choices include Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. These bacteria are vital in converting harmful ammonia into nitrate. You can encourage the growth of these bacteria. You can include gravel, matting, and foam to encourage the bacteria to grow and thrive.

Chemical Filtration is the next style to consider when choosing a homemade pond filter. A chemical filter uses activated carbon to remove many toxic materials from the pond. Impurities such as chlorine, ammonia, pesticides, and heavy metals will be removed. Activated Carbon should be replaced at least every three months.

Finally, one filter that is worthy of mention, but cannot be made at home, is a sand filter. You can use a high-pressured sand filter to keep your pond water clean and purified.

See Also:

Pond Pumps