Before I explain why pressurized pond filters are such a popular choice for pond keepers with small to medium sized ponds I would like to outline the most popular types of pond filter.
Gravity Discharge Filter
This is also known as a gravity return filter. This filter type uses a submersible pond pump to power water to the inlet of the filter. The water flows through the filter and is returned back to the pond under the influence of gravity. This type of filter needs to be positioned at the highest point of the pond.
Pressurized Pond Filter
This is also a pump fed pond filter. The major difference however is that the pond water leaving the filter is still under pressure. This allows you to locate the filter away from the pond edge.
Fluidized Bed Filter
This filtration system is more commonly known as a bead filter, and is extremely popular with USA Koi keepers. The biological chamber is full of suspended bead filter media, up to 600,000 in some models. The violent thrashing together of fresh water, oxygen, beads and ammonia (NH3) ensures that ammonia and nitrite is quickly and efficiently converted to nitrate.
Gravity Fed Pond Filters
Gravity fed pond filters are situated adjacent to the pond, and at the same level. They are fed by a bottom drain and usually have multiple chambers. The final chamber is host to a pump that forces water back into the pond under pressure, often via a venturi. As a result the pond surface will always be slightly higher than that in the filter, causing water to pass through to the filter via the bottom drain under gravity.
Why Is A Pressurized Pond Filter So Popular?
- It is much more compact than gravity return box type filters and are ideal for situations where space is tight.
- The pressurized operation allows expelled water, which is still under pressure to feed a waterfall or water feature.
- It can be located away from the pond edge. In fact it can be buried underground, up to the lid at a distance from the pond.
- Many models incorporate a back flush system which expels waste matter, under pressure, simply by turning a valve. This makes routine cleaning easier.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/garden-pond-pressurebiofilter.html where you will find money saving advice and information to help you choose the right pond keeping equipment the first time around.
Why not take advantage of my pond calculators to help you convert between metric and imperial measurements quickly and accurately.