| The biological filter for this pond is composed of
two parts, a whiskey barrel liner bio-filter and a series of shallow
ponds that act as natural bio-filters. Construction of the
whiskey barrel filter is pretty straight forward. Take a look
at the schematic
for greater detail. Essentially the water is pumped from the
mechanical filters down into the bottom of the bio-filter where it
then percolates up through bio-filter media then past a layer of
lava rocks and finally out to the upper ponds.
The upper ponds are the true biological filter for this pond set
up. They are very shallow and full of pebbles, rocks, and
stones that provide an enormous surface area for bacteria to grow.
These ponds are also full of aquatic plants that just suck up all
the nutrients in water which further cleanses it. Once these
plants get going by late-spring the need for a U.V. light is
eliminated. (These ponds are in full sun and tend to get pea
green water from about mid-April through mid-June so an ultraviolet
clarifier was later installed to fix this condition.)
One great side benefit to these smaller ponds is that they are a
great place to raise the Koi fry each spring. As the babies
get bigger they (along with a seasonal
Plecostomus guest) eat all the string algae.
|
|
The major function of Biological filtration
is to break down the invisible toxins in the water. Toxins are
a by-product of decaying organic matter, which, if left
unchecked can cause poor water quality, sometimes resulting in
health problems in fish. Although Biological filters are part
of a system to keep water clear, their primary function is to
keep the water healthy by digesting the toxins. Remember,
clear water is not necessarily healthy water and could still
contain dangerous toxin levels. For more on biological
filtration
click here. (-http://www.worldofwater.com/main.htm) |
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
