Mechanical and Biological Filters

There are four specific filter types, this article will focus on mechanical and biological filters.

When you look into purchasing pond filters, you will be looking at four specific filtration types: Mechanical, biological, chemical and UV. This article focuses on the first two types of pond filters.

Mechanical Pond Filters
Having mechanical pond filters are a necessity. Their purpose is to help clear the water of your pond of solid wastes. Dry leaves, fish excrement, plant debris, left over fish food, and other solid materials are filtered before they get to the bottom of the pond. This filtration minimizes the decaying materials that will build up at the bottom of your pond, keeping the water of your pond clearer and preventing the harmful chemicals that can be produced by such decay.

Mechanical pond filters are your first line of defense in keeping a clean pond! The complete package includes a skimmer that catches large floating debris, which is followed by a net which removes the smaller floating debris. This saves your other pond filters and your pond pump from such materials.

Biological Pond Filters
Having biological pond filters are definitely beneficial when you have a pond. They use bacteria to break down the toxic waste that can accumulate in your pond, like ammonia and nitrate. These nitrifying bacteria break up the harmful toxins and ultimately you wind up with nitrate, which is harmless.

Biological pond filters can be made from various materials like gravel, sponges and mats. The beneficial bacteria attach to these materials and grow using oxygen. These bacteria can be left to grow naturally, or you can purchase it commercially to get the filtering process started quickly in your pond.

It is not uncommon to see several pond filters at work in one pond, so purchasing both mechanical and biological pond filters for your water area is a smart idea. Using several types in one body of water can keep the water much cleaner, healthier and attractive.

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