 | ||||||
| ||||||
|
This information sheet has been designed to help you make an informed choice. |
How to choose Pond Filter Spares.
Regular maintenance of a pond filter is vital to ensure it is working optimally and neglecting to do this will have adverse consequences on the pond water quality. From time to time the filter media, that is the items and materials inside the filter box that process the water, will need replacing. It is crucial to know when and how to replace these items to ensure filter function is not impaired. This section covers the most commonly used types of media but some manufacturers include unique products in their filters that may have specific and different instructions regarding replacement so always refer to manufacturers detailed product information.
Common types of Filter Media & Spares.
Filter foams are found in conventional box-like biological filters and also in pressure filters. They serve a dual purpose as a mechanical dirt trap, trapping particulate waste material and as biological processing units, as aerobic bacteria inhabit the foams porous structure and break down the organic waste. You will notice when cleaning foams that when squeezed they will spring back to their original shape. After a while the structure of the foams begin to collapse and they do not regain their shape, may look flattened and compressed and begin to clog up faster. Foams in this condition are no longer working efficiently and need replacing. If replacing during the pond season (Mid March to end September UK calendar) and if the filter contains several foams, never replace all the foams at the same time but gradually over a period. This is so that damage to the biological function of the filter is kept to a minimum. It is also advisable to add a filter bio-start (See “How to choose treatments for the pond and pond fish”) when replacing filter foams.
Pre-filter Matting is often used in Biological Box Filters as the very first layer of filter media. Its function is to trap the heaviest particulate material and stop the layers of Bio-foam clogging up too quickly. It is usually considered a consumable and should be removed, discarded and replaced on a weekly basis or as often as is required.
This Biological Filter Media that looks like short pieces of a hard corrugated plastic is quite hard wearing but does tend to become brittle and crack eventually. If this material deterioration is evident then replace but as for the bio-foams, replace part, not all in one go.
Often added to pond filters to increase the biological efficiency of the unit, these types of media, which are micro-porous, are able to harbour vast amounts of bacteria. After a period the micro pores become clogged and can no longer provide a habitat for this bacteria and so should be replaced. 50 per cent of the media should be replaced every three to six months to maintain optimum bacteria levels.
This absorptive chemical filter media has a very short active life and should be replaced and discarded every 2 to 4 weeks.
Zeolite is a re-chargeable chemical filter media especially useful in new pond set ups and heavily stocked ponds. Re-charge is effected by soaking in a salt-water solution and then rinsing in fresh and in theory can be done almost indefinitely. For best results, however, it is better to discard the material at the end of each season.
The florescent tubes for Ultra Violet Sterilisers (Sometimes called Ultra Violet Clarifiers) lose between 40 to 60 per cent of their output over a continuous use period of 26 weeks. For this reason they should be replaced at the start of each new season. Some manufacturers now claim a longer life of 18 or even 24 months for their tubes, such as Phillips Double PLU type but the conventional tube, which is still fitted to the majority of units should be replaced as above. Please note that spent U.V. Tubes are now considered as hazardous waste and should be disposed of accordingly. Please contact your Local Council Waste Disposal Authority for further advice regarding safe disposal in your area.
Occasionally other parts of your pond filter other than media or consumables may need replacing and a good time to check the state of your filter unit is at the beginning and end of each season. Pay particular attention to the integrity of pipe work joints and fittings and replace as necessary. Individual components such as Quartz sleeves, lids and clips may also need to be replaced. Most parts of a filter that is of a type still in production can be obtained and this is always a cheaper option than replacing the whole unit.
Home Page | Company Information | Terms and Conditions | Send Your Feedback | Links to Other Sites
Shopping Basket | Find Products | Shop Index