Choosing a Filter for Your Decorative Fountain and Pond

There are some considerations you need to take into account when you are choosing a filter for your new pond fountain.

The soothing sound and hypnotic characteristics of a fountain is often a top motivational factor in installing a pond. Besides being beautiful, a fountain can add aeration benefits and improve the environment of your pond. The oxygenation the splashing water created by a fountain increase the health of the water, the plant and the fish.

If you have begun the building of a pond and want to add a fountain, consider the following:

What shape would you like your fountain display to be? Shape options include blossom or tiered, trumpet, fleur-de-lis, basic bell, fine or medium column, froth, ring or lotus plume.
Do you want an all-in-one fountain with pump and filter? Some fountains come with a pump, others with a filter, some with both a pump and filter and still others are just fountain heads.

If you choose to purchase an all-in-one or filter/fountain combo, you will need to calculate the filter size you need to shop for. Use this formula to figure out filter size:

Pond volume x 1.25 if your pond will be in full sun or has an average depth of less than 2 feet
Pond volume x 1.5 if your pond meets both full sun and shallow depth criteria

The filter you choose with your fountain should permit a full cycling of your pond water every 2 to 3 hours. So, divide your pond volume, after the full sun and depth adjustments have been made, by 2. This is the maximum filter size you need. Divide the pond volume after adjustments by 3 and you’ll have the minimum filter size your pond needs.

As long as the filter/fountain or all-in-one unit you choose falls between the minimum and maximum filter size, your pond should remain clean and beautiful. With the added benefit of high oxygen levels, you can afford to have Koi and goldfish in your pond with little worry about elevated ammonia levels.

Home and backyard guides:
Pond and backyard recreation
Water play for people
Landscape design around your pond
Types of furniture and benches for your pond area
Backyard play area

Home: Find Pond Filters

Types of filters

Choosing a filter

Maintenance & care

All filter information

Where to buy pond filters

Contact & Terms Use