Pond Filters

1. If you've got a garden pond, you're going to need a filter. Check out these quick tips to learn something you didn't know. There will be no quiz.

2. UV filters are clever devices that employ UV rays to slowly damage the DNA cells of accumulating algae. They are a great product if you start with one, but if you are looking to dispatch with lots of algae, better get a skimmer.

3. Part of the genius of the UV pond light is that it pumps water through a tube, where the light is applied. They are not to replace basket filters, but to complement them by eliminating algae growth.

4. Placement is important in pond UV filters. It is attached to the pond filtration pump, but must be placed far away from where the water is returned to the pond. Otherwise, you'll be filtering treated water.

5. Be sure to purchase the right size UV filter for your pond. If it is too small, it will essentially be rendered completely useless because the algae will be able to outgrow its efforts.

6. Other kinds of filtration are pretty simple. Mechanical filtration and skimmers physically remove debris from your pond, keeping it well-maintained.

7. With a fish pond, you'll also need a biological filter. This essentially removes fish wastes such as ammonia, then converts it into nitrates that can be consumed by surrounding plant life. Everybody wins.

8. Removing leaves from your pond via a skimmer or other mechanical device is important. As they decompose, they produce toxic gases that harm life in the pond.

9. Place your skimmer downwind to catch the debris caught by the wind. The pond skimmer should also be placed at the opposite side of water re-entry to improve circulation.