Types of Koi Fish Pond Filter

Having a Koi fish pond alone does not always fulfill your needs as one of the many serious Koi fish keeper in the world. In order to be effective you must have filters installed in your Koi fish pond. The filters will make it easier for you to clean and maintain the living environment of your Koi fish. If your Koi fish pond does not have a proper filter, the Koi fish will surely die from numerous wastes and toxins that they excrete.

The total number of Koi fish you are planning to raise determines the size of your Koi fish pond. It also determines the number of filters you must install in your fish pond. The number of Koi fish determines the rate of which they generate waste. And because of this, you must counteract the amount of waste your Koi fish generate with the proper number of filters. Otherwise, the waste and toxins will eventually build up and your Koi fish will surely die.

1) Biological fish pond filters – Biological filters work based on the natural processes that are found in nature. Nitrogen cycle is the basis for the mechanism of these types of fish pond filters. Of the many artificial filters available in the market these days, having a biological fish pond filter is a cost effective way of maintaining your fish pond. One of the basic types of biological fish pond filters is the rock filter.

The rock filters mostly consists of an air pump and few rocks on which bacteria grows. The bacteria on these rocks clean the water by removing harmful chemicals and toxins.

2) Mechanical fish pond filter – Mechanical fish pond filter helps maintain the cleanliness of your Koi fish pond by sorting out the solids out of it. There are three basic types of mechanical fish pond filters:

a) Surface skimmer- This type of mechanical Koi fish pond filter works by sucking solids that are floating on the surface of the pond. Removing sticks, leaves or any other floating matter. Inside the mechanism of this type of mechanical filter is a filter trap that must be cleaned regularly to make sure that the filter will work properly.

b) Bottom drain – This type of mechanical fish pond filter cleans the pond from the bottom. It works by draining and replacing water in the pond continuously. A filter makes sure that the water is free of any solid materials.

c) Vortex Chamber – this is a combination of the two other types of fish pond filter. A vortex chamber works by circulating the water so that it can be filtered in the bottom of the pond. Thus, frees Koi fish pond from any types of waste material.

3) Chemical fish pond filters – Considered by many as the most effective, albeit most expensive type of filtration system for a fish pond. It works by removing the chemicals out of the water directly and terminating the nitrogen cycle completely. Basic types of chemical filtration systems are:

a) Activated carbon – Activated carbon works, by allowing the water to pass through its porous surface. Of which then removes the ammonia directly from the water by pulling its molecules. It is also one of the most popular and mostly used types of chemical filtration and it is often used in filtering water for drinking purposes.

b) Zeolite – Zeolite is a substance that is formed by the reaction of the alkaline water with volcanic ash. It is a porous substance that removes ammonia from the water. However, unlike activated carbon, Zeolite is less expensive, although it does need to be thrown out after use (meaning disposable). On the other hand, if you are planning to keep your Koi fish pond for a long time, it is recommended that you use activated carbon.