Filter Media Guide

There are lots of choices when it comes to pond filter media. Certain types of media work better for specific purposes, such as brushes which can be used to provide mechanical filtration, and Matala filter matting which provides great biological filtration. Many different kinds of these filters can be combined in a multi-chamber system to create the perfect custom-designed water filtering system for your pond.

Filter Brushes

Filter brushes are often used as a mechanical filter, placed before the biological stages in a pond filtration system. They're usually made from polypropylene with a stainless steel wire core that is safe for fish. Filter brushes are very good at filtering out solids such as leaves, waste, and string algae when they're used in ponds. This helps to keep heavier solids out of later filtration stages which get clogged more easily over time due to their size. Over time, brushes can become biological if care is taken when cleaning them by rinsing them with pond water now and then or keeping heavy solids off them; this creates beneficial bacteria on the polypropylene bristles which will also help clean the water biologically but not enough so that these would be classified as a dedicated bacterial filter.

Matting Filtration Media

This self-supporting filtering media is made of flexible fiber composites and is utilized in a variety of aquaculture and koi pond applications. It's great for getting rid of solid wastes and, unlike other filter padding, it doesn't compress! Cleaning is simple thanks to the solid fibers' resistance to sludge build-up and clogging. It also has a large surface area, making it ideal for biological filtration. It keeps a good flow and is ideal for low-pressure, gravity-fed filters and skimmers.

If you need any help deciding on which filtration is best for your pond please contact an expert at Smith Creek Fish Farm here