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What is a pressure filter and how does it work?
A pressure filter is a filter system most commonly used in small and medium-sized ponds. The filtering capacity of a pressure filter is generally somewhat lower. The pressure filter receives pond water via a pump and filters it in its cylindrical tank. Here, the water is filtered in three steps:
- A UV lamp for removing germs, suspended algae, and clouding substances. This UV lamp, like all other filters, should be replaced at the beginning of the season. Each UV lamp has a specific number of operating hours. This is because the amount of UV radiation emitted by the lamp gradually decreases, which obviously negatively impacts the filtering effect.
- Biological filtration through filter media. Beneficial bacteria adhere to this filter media, creating a biological balance and therefore a stable pond.
- Mechanical cleaning using foam filters or foam blocks. This filter material removes both coarser and finer suspended particles from the pond water. Beneficial bacteria also adhere to these particles.
The pump pressure from the pond pump is maintained in a pressure filter. Hence the name pressure filter. Because the pump pressure is maintained, the water can be directed to a higher stream. A pressure filter can also be buried up to the cover, making it easy to install out of sight. Below is a schematic of a skimmer , a pond pump, and a connected pressure filter, which in turn transports the water to the stream.
How do I install a pressure filter in my pond?
Installing a pressure filter starts with choosing the right location. A pressure filter can be placed either above or below the water level. Keep in mind that the water pressure will decrease the further away from the pond you place it. A pressure filter can be buried up to the lid, so find a location where you can bury the filter and neatly conceal the hoses. Then you can connect the pond hoses to the pressure filter. All pressure filters come with instructions on how to easily connect them. You'll have your pressure filter up and running in no time, and you can probably start enjoying your stream.
Maintenance of a pressure filter?
Many pressure filters have a cleaning function in the lid. You can clean the filter using a rotating handle or a pump mechanism. Some pressure filters also have multiple cleaning settings. This is covered in the manual for each pressure filter. Depending on the pond's condition, the filter materials and filter media may need to be cleaned or replaced. This mainly depends on the fish population, the amount of sun, and the amount of leaves in the pond. Cleaner ponds naturally require less frequent maintenance. As mentioned before, it's also important to replace the UV lamp at the start of each season. When starting up your pressure filter, you can help it get started with a filter starter bacteria . These attach themselves to the biological filter media, ensuring you have beneficial bacteria in your filter ready for the start of a new season. You can leave most pressure filters outside during the winter, but always consult the manufacturer's recommendations and, if necessary, protect your pressure filter from frost damage.
Benefits of a pressure filter
A pressure filter has a number of advantages over, for example, a flow-through filter.
- The pressure is maintained, allowing you to move the water to a higher location such as a stream or waterfall.
- You can bury the pressure filter tank, including the lid. This way, you can neatly conceal the filter and make it invisible in the area around your pond.
- Many pressure filters are very easy to maintain due to a cleaning mechanism that you can tighten or tighten yourself.
Which pressure filter should I buy for my pond?
The capacity of your pond is always a determining factor when choosing a pond filter . This also applies to pressure filters. If your pond is 2 meters wide, 3 meters long, and 1 meter deep, the pond's volume is 2x3x1 = 6 m³ . This equals 6,000 liters of water. For a pond without fish, a pressure filter with this capacity is sufficient. For a pond with fish (no koi), this volume is doubled, so you should look for a pressure filter with a capacity of 12,000 liters or more. A pond with koi requires even more filtration, so you'll double this capacity again. You'll need a pressure filter for at least 24,000 liters of water. Always follow our recommendation for each pressure filter. This calculation isn't always definitive, as the UV lamp can vary from one pressure filter to another. You'll find useful filters on our website, and the specifications always indicate the required capacity for each type of pond.
