Why Should Chemical Filtration be Used?



Chemistry is not a favorite topic of many people.  However, it is important to understand the chemistry of your pond if you want to keep your fish healthy.
The purpose of chemical filtration is to remove toxins that biological and mechanical filtration do not.  They remove pollutants and other unwanted materials through chemicals.  If you are looking to ensure water quality over a long period of time chemical filtration, if used properly, is an extremely convenient way to maintain proper water quality.  Koi ponds and water gardens alike evolve through the same ecological process as that of natural lakes and ponds where organic materials accumulate and then break down to release phosphate and other nitrogenous materials.  In a large body of water this is usually an extremely slow process and these nutrients are effectively processed or removed.

However, because many water gardens and koi ponds do not have adequate filtration,
nutrient levels tend to accumulate.  When routine maintenance such as frequent water changes, and chemical filter media replacement is not done, there becomes an increase in the nutrient levels which triggers a series of events that includes aggressive growth of algae and eventually a collapse of the entire system.

There are a variety of chemical filter media available.  You will find that most of them remove specific pollutants from the water.  Chemical filters work by absorbing organic pollutants.  The materials are then trapped to maintain a low level of nutrients in the water.  Chemical filtration supplements biological and mechanical filtration and slows the negative effects of the inadequate filtration.  They can be added to your existing biological filter, or you can use a media bag in your skimmer box or waterfall box.  Placing chemical filter media such as activated carbon or phosphate-removing media in your skimmer box or water fall box where there is good water movement will maximize efficiency.

You will find that most chemical filter media are sold in bulk.  They require a filter media bag to
contain it.   Having several media bags on hand makes regular use easier and replacement more convenient.  You can purchase media bags for the chemical filtration with velcro closures.  This makes it easy to open and close when replacing the media.