Many summer residents or owners of their own houses equip an artificial reservoir on their site. To rest near the garden lake was of high quality, the water in it must be constantly cleaned. There are many types of specialty purchased cleaners, but you can also try making a do-it-yourself filter for the pond.
Types of filters
Purifier is an important element of a closed ecosystem. The general condition of the water in the reservoir and the well-being of your favorite fish and its other inhabitants will depend on which filter you choose. If you decide to purchase this or that type of similar equipment or do it yourself, then the following information will not hurt you.
Gravity filters
Non-pressure cleaners are also called gravity, consisting of many chambers. All these names indicate the very operation of such filters. Gravity-type devices are a reservoir consisting of several departments, in each of which one or another material is embedded. Water passing through it is cleaned of dirt and debris.
Important! There are filters that combine several types of treatment (chemical, biological, mechanical). They are called combined.
It is fed there by a special pump and goes through several stages of cleaning, and then gravity spills into a pond. The gravity cleaning system must be built above the water level for the appliance to work effectively. The dimensions of such installations are quite impressive, so they are suitable for large artificial reservoirs. The main assistant to such a system is a good pump.
Mechanical filters
Mechanized devices are designed so that water penetrates through a container with porous material. In this capacity, quartz sand, gravel or artificial granules can act. The listed excipients trap organic particles and algae. The denser the material for filtering is laid, the finer the particles it delays. Clean a clogged device regularly.
For mechanical cleaning of the pool or pond, you can purchase an external floating Skimmer. This is a special plastic tank, which is located on the surface and sucks the garbage surrounding it with water.
Biological filters
They are designed to decompose organic substances (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) into methane, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in a pond. The biofilter is filled with aerobic and anaerobic elements. Often make large cleaning systems that combine mechanical and biological treatment.
Did you know? Floating filters with a fountain effect are sold for a fish-free pond. They are designed for 3–4 cubes of water.
Pressure devices
These devices have a complex structure. Water is pumped into them by special pumps (pumps). Further, the water goes through three levels of filtration, cleaning itself from mechanical and biological dirt. The difference between pressure filters and flow filters is that they are installed below the water level, therefore they are protected by good sealing.
Instant cleaners
This installation is the most sold out. It is valued because it consists of three levels of cleaning: a UV lamp, a sponge mechanical filter and a biological layer. All three of these layers create a healthy environment that absorbs pathogens.
The flow filter is characterized by high performance and can purify up to 40 m³ of water.
Sand installations
Sand filters are in great demand. This is due to the fact that they are inexpensive, but have several advantages. Inside, such an apparatus consists of two main components: sifted quartz sand and gravel.
In order for such a sand device to work, it is necessary to purchase a submersible fountain pump, which will pump water into the filter, where purification by means of a reverse flow takes place. The only drawback of the sand apparatus is that the organic elements in it can decompose, after which hydrogen sulfide, methane and other harmful gases will be released.
Important! Do not save on the pump, it is better to purchase a quality fixture. A cheap device often breaks and consumes a lot of electricity.
How to make a filter from a barrel with your own hands
It’s easier to build a filter for a small pond than for a larger one. Some craftsmen make cleaners from auxiliary means: foam rubber, hoses, straw, washcloths, expanded clay, agrofibre. Get acquainted with the instructions for performing a cleaner from the most ordinary barrel. It is suitable even for a fish pond.
Filtration system from an old plastic trash bin with a lid:
Necessary devices and materials
To make a homemade filter, you will need the following materials:
- 200 liter barrel;
- taps and connecting fittings;
- elements for filtration (expanded clay, shells, foam rubber, synthetic winterizer);
- a pump with a capacity of at least 3,500 l / h;
- hose or PVC pipe.
Did you know? Safe filtering can provide snails settled in a pond. They will not only clean the water, but also the walls of the pond from harmful inhabitants and dirt.
Step by step instructions for creating
Design a cleaning apparatus using the following method:
- In the lower section of the selected tank, drill a hole under the simplest water supply system (siphon). For a reliable connection, use an insulating agent.
- At the top of the barrel, the hose to the pump will exit.
- Connect the hose to the sleeve and connect the other end to the pump.
- Cut out the filter element from the material you have selected for the capacity. Place it in the very bottom of the container just above the water outlet from the siphon.
- Fill the barrel with the selected aggregate for filtering.
- Cover it with a rubber sheet designed for the size of the container. She will not allow the foam to move under the pressure of water.
- Close the lid tightly.
Video: DIY barrel biofilter
Cleaner Installation
Install the structure in the required place so that it holds firmly and does not move from vibrations of the switched-on pump. Connect the pump to the mains, protect the socket from moisture to avoid short circuit. After that, try to start the installation and make sure that the water circulates freely through the cleaning container.
Periodically clean the filter you have made, freeing the aggregate from the accumulated sludge and dirt. To clean it, turn off the tap near the pump and drain the water for 15–20 minutes. Thus, all contaminants will be washed out.
What is the principle of such a device?
The assembled installation works according to a simple scheme. First, dirty water is supplied to the bottom of the barrel through the pump. Then it goes through all the filter materials. In the end, through the hose, already peeled, it flows into the pond.
Important! To activate the life of an artificial pond, you can pour several buckets of water from a natural reservoir into it. Very useful inhabitants live in it: beetles, water striders, daphnia.
Designing the territory of their garden plots, their owners organize various types of reservoirs. Pristine attractiveness can provide them only with regular cleaning. You can buy at the store any of the above filters for your pond or try to make it yourself.
