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Do You Need a Filter?

When fish live in large ponds, as in the wild, waste products such as ammonia and nitrites are sufficiently diluted. Backyard ponds, however, are not large enough to dilute these toxins and, without filtering, they will become concentrated to levels that are dangerous for your fish. In addition, good filters circulate oxygen and nutrients throughout the pond. When properly installed, pond filters pull water from the bottom of the pond and re-circulate it throughout the pond. The movement is essential to prevent stagnation.

The Chemical Balance

An effective filtration system will remove harmful ammonia and nitrites, produced by fish waste and decomposing organic matter, from the water. To keep these levels in check, it's also helpful not to overpopulate your pond. One inch of fish per square foot of surface area is a good rule of thumb. Filtering converts ammonia into nitrites, which are then converted in nitrates. Nitrates are beneficial to aquatic life forms.

Choosing a Filter

If you are stocking your pond with fish, a biological filter is a necessity. Biological filters not only aerate and circulate water and remove debris but they also house beneficial bacteria. These are the bacteria that convert nitrites into nitrates, reducing toxins in your pond. Since they work both mechanically and biologically, a good biological filter is all you need to maintain your pond's water quality.