If you’ve been shopping around for a fish pond filter, you’ll have doubtless found a huge range to choose from. But how can you work out which filter is right for your pond?
Here, we’ll explain the different types of pond filters. We’ll also help you work out which filter you need.
Ultraviolet pond filter
If you have green water issues, an ultraviolet pond filter will damage the cell structure in algae to help break it down and clear your water. Most systems come with UV bulbs fitted anyway, but an ultraviolet filter will give you bonus protection against green water.
All-in-one pond filter
Perfect for a smaller pond, all-in-one filters come in lots of sizes and usually provide both biological and mechanical filtration. Some also have added UV to keep green water under control.
Keep in mind that most all-in-one filters only have a small surface area, which means there often isn’t much space for useful bacteria to grow. However, you can buy a bacteria treatment to encourage growth on your filter and keep your pond fish healthy.
Bonus Tip
All-in-one pond filters need regular maintenance to prevent clogging, which can reduce their performance.
Pressurised pond filter
These pressurised canister filters are often particularly affordable and are a good alternative for the popular box filters (see below). You can part-submerge a pressurised filter in your pond (so you only expose the filter’s head component) without affecting filter performance.
Some pressurised filters come with a backwash system with sponge compression to make cleaning easier. This way, you don’t have to take the whole filter apart to clean it.
Box pond filter
Box filters are the oldest style of pond filter. Their simple design makes them easy to use and maintain. Be careful when using a box filter alongside a pump, though. If the pump is too highly rated, it might flood your box and cause your pond to overflow.
It’s important to place a box filter in a gravity feed position at the highest water level. Usually, this level will be at the top of the waterfall (if you have one) or at the side of the pond.
Low and high fish stock pond filters
Whichever pond filter you opt for, look out for one of two ratings: low fish stock or high fish stock. Low fish stock filters are for ponds that contain lots of plants with only a few fish and normal sunlight levels. Meanwhile, high stock fish filters are for ponds with less plants, more pond life, and lots of exposure to sunlight.
When deciding which you need, keep in mind that your fish will grow, and they might breed. If in doubt, go up a model.
About Warehouse Aquatics
The Warehouse Aquatics mission is to offer the most choice at the best prices when it comes to your fishes’ wellbeing. We use the products on our website ourselves and are well-versed in all things fish, so we can give you all the advice you need. We’re not just here to sell aquatic supplies. We’re also here to guide you through your journey as a fish owner and enthusiast.
As a small team, we love to hear from our customers, so please do join the Warehouse Aquatics social media community. We’re always up for a chat, and we’d love to share your aquarium photos with our followers.