Biological pond filtration is a highly sensitive science which is driven and affected by the natural ecosystem in your pond. Should any one factor in a pond become imbalanced, the pond’s life cycle could suffer horrible consequences.
Basically, biological pond filtration is based on the natural cycle of the life forms in a pond beginning with fish. When setting up a pond, no pond will flourish without fish. The reason for this is that the fish generate natural waste, which takes you to the next step in the biological pattern of a pond. When the fish eliminate their waste and other organic materials break down in the water, they sink to the bottom of the pond. When they do, bacteria make two chemical reactions take place. The first is when the waste becomes ammonia and the second is when they are again converted to nitrites. Both nitrites and ammonia can harm the fish. Once again, another conversion takes place thanks to the bacteria and nitrates form, which serve as nutrients for the pond plants and for algae in the pond. So, the plants and algae then become a food source for healthy fish who begin the cycle all over again.
Technology comes into play in biological pond filtration because ponds need constant and ongoing aeration. The reason for this is that when the oxygen supply to a pond is compromised (even for a little while), the ecological system in that pond is knocked out of whack and algae becomes incredibly invasive, plants cannot keep up with the algae growth and then, due to the lack of oxygen and the overgrowth of algae (which makes the problem doubly worse), fish die. Pumps push water through filters and provide aeration to the water. These filters house bacteria as well and should never be washed with sterilized water. Water which is chemically sterilized will kill the natural healthy bacteria in a filter, which again, negatively affects aeration and the delicate balance of life forms in your pond.
For healthy biological pond filtration to be successful pond owners need to be ready for any crisis. It is extremely helpful to have an extra pump on hand just in case the one you regularly use goes out. You will also have to provide aeration if there is a power outage of more than a few hours. The best thing to do is to have a pond book on hand and read it regularly to be well versed on the fine tunings of pond ecology. You will find pointers there on how to ensure the health and safety of your pond in emergent situations.
Maintaining the balance within your pond is goal number one for you and any other pond owner. Keeping your biological pond filtration system in good order is the best way to ensure that balance.
