Waterco Aquabiome
I pg 03
However, some of the debris in a pond can create problems for the fish, often caused by Ammonia,
which is produced by faecal, mucus, and other decaying matter. To overcome the build up of harmful
Ammonia in the pond water, it is necessary install a ‘Biological filter’. Most often, a Biological filter
is a large chamber full of media, which breeds and cultures ‘good bacteria’. Within the Biological
filter, the good bacteria consume and convert the harmful Ammonia into harmless Nitrate.
Conventional pond filtration systems generally keep the mechanical and Biological filtration aspects
separate, and as such the equipment involved can be rather large and bulky. In addition to the size
considerations, most conventional filter systems may require a high degree of maintenance and
cleaning. This can prove to be very time consuming particularly during the summer months, when
the frequency of cleaning can be so often, it becomes impractical.
Combined with the Mechanical and Biological filtration, it is essential that the pond water is re-
circulated (turnover time) at a rate of every: 2 – 3 hours.
A Typical Pond Filter System
Most basic conventional Pond filter systems employ a stage process, which may comprise of the
following parts.
(i) First stage - Sedimentation chamber or Vortex
(ii) Second stage - Aeration for Biological filters
(iii) Third stage - Biological chamber filter
(iv) Fourth stage - Hi Rate sand filter
(v) Fifth stage - U.V. Sterilisation
(vi) Sixth stage - Venturi or waterfall
In a filter system of the above type, the first stage can be a simple chamber with baffle plates, or
a more sophisticated Vortex chamber, which will remove between 50 – 70% of the solid waste
matter.
The second stage would be air supplied by a simple air pump and air stone, injecting the air directly
into the water flowing through the Biological filters. The Oxygen provided will enhance the life and
growth of the bacteria colonies assisting with the removal of Ammonia.
The third stage can comprise of several media types and may assist in clearing another 15 – 20%
of the debris, though these filters can be very difficult to clean.
Whilst the Fourth stage – The Hi Rate sand filter, will work efficiently in removing the remaining
solids down to 7 - 10 microns in size & maintaining water clarity. However a downside in using a
‘pressure sand filter’ is, that it may clog very rapidly (perhaps on a daily basis) which would cause
the need for regular cleaning or backwashing.
The fifth stage – Uses Ultra Violet light to sterilise and for inhibiting the growth of Algae and other
undesired organic matter.
The sixth stage – Aeration for the pond supplied either via a Venturi (and or) a waterfall. A waterfall
can make a very attractive feature in the pond, though it may cool the water, which could inhibit
fish growth.
Any pond filter system must run 24 hours a day – seven days a week!
This is essential to ensure that all aspects of the system work on a continuous basis to ensure a
safe and healthy environment for the fish to live.
Therefore, a major consideration for the pond owner is the power and water consumption used to
maintain the pond filtration. Usually, Hi Rate sand filters need a fairly powerful pump to force the
water through the fine sand, and this can prove expensive when running on a continuous basis.
Likewise, the frequency of backwashing will lead to a large volume of water being required. This
too can prove costly in the long run.
The Benefits Of Using An Aquabiome
The principal of using an
Aquabiome
is to combine the Biological filtration aspect with the
mechanical filtration (water polishing).
By combining these two filtration aspects (mechanical & Biological), using an
Aquabiome
, the
whole system can be more compact than a traditional - conventional pond filter system. Or, the
Aquabiome
can also be used to enhance an existing system. In addition, the
Aquabiome
requires
far less pressure than a conventional Hi Rate sand filter, therefore the type of pump needed will
require far less power. Possibly reducing power use by 50%!
Perhaps most important of all, an
Aquabiome
will require far less maintenance – cleaning or back
washing than a typical Hi Rate pressure sand filter. This will mean you could save a considerable
amount of wasted water and time, whilst keeping your pond in ‘tip top condition!
