Also adding to the problem are organic compounds from fish feces, plant matter, and soil that may flow into the pond. In order to provide good water quality some form of waste removal must be provided. The methods used in the average ornamental ponds are mechanical filtration, and biological filtration. Mechanical filters physically remove solids from the pond by trapping the debris in some form of mat, brush, or sponge. Mechanical filters are effective but generally require frequent cleaning to remove the accumulated matter.
Most biological filters are also mechanical filters depending on how they are used.
For example, our Signal In-pond filter model 475 and model 950 are mechanical and biological when used in small ponds where this is the only filter but they are considered primarily mechanical when used in combination with another biological filter on larger ponds. Biological filtration is the most effective method of removing toxins from a pond by breaking down ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate. This is accomplished using naturally occurring bacteria called nitrosomonas and nitrobacter. Ammonia is broken down in natural bodies of water, but we must greatly improve on mother nature because of our limited space in and around the pond. We must provide a very efficient place for the bacteria to live and thrive.