What can I use instead of bio balls?

What can I use instead of bio balls?

Bioballs are nothing more than surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize onto. A better replacement would be a sand bed or porous rock.

What is a biological filter for ponds?

Biological filtration is a broad term referring to the means of housing beneficial bacteria that are able to clean pond water at a molecular level. In a natural stream or river, bacteria colonize on the stones and pebbles at the bottom of the stream, which naturally break down toxins as the water flows overtop.

What is the best pond filter?

Do All Ponds Need Filtration? No. If you are intending not to have any fish, or you're creating a wildlife pond with high plant stocks and just a few fish you may choose not to have a filter, and try to create a natural balance instead. … You will need plenty of plants, probably covering two thirds of the pond area.

How do I hide my pond filter?

Artificial rock covers are without a doubt the most popular choice amongst pond enthusiasts. Using artificial rocks to hide your filter provides the most effective and practical solution to successfully hiding your hefty filter box with a natural-looking rock formation.

How do I filter a small pond?

Discard the water and debris. Allow the pond water to flow into the filter and clear wells, then add 0.2 pounds of chlorine per 100 gallons of water to "shock chlorinate." After a period of 4 to 6 hours, prime the clear well pump and completely fill the pressure tank with the chlorine water.

Can I use a pool filter for my pond?

And they seldom use standard pool type sand filters, although they could be used. Here's a link to a homemade sand filter specifically built for ponds. And yes, pool pumps tend to be energy hogs, but there is no reason you can't use them, in fact I have used a small one for a little greenhouse pond I built once.

How do you clean fish pond water?

Fish ponds usually require a mains powered pump and filter, but aeration can still be added alongside. … This type of pond is usually called a “wildlife” pond, and is kept healthy with natural bacteria, plants, and a strong nitrogen cycle which will benefit from added aeration and oxygen.

What can I use for bio media?

Biological filtration media are like condominiums for bacteria. Types include ceramic rings, sponges, pads, bio balls and bio stars, sand, and gravel. Keep in mind that some of these materials can also be used as mechanical media.

How do biofilters work?

When applied to air filtration and purification, biofilters use microorganisms to remove air pollution. The air flows through a packed bed and the pollutant transfers into a thin biofilm on the surface of the packing material.