A Few Comments on Bubble Bead Filtration
for Koi Ponds....
In ponds where Koi and similar ornamental fish are being kept in
any numbers, the need for some form of filtration soon becomes
apparent. With their greedy appetites and vigorous browsing nature,
Koi soon pollute their surrounds with their wastes and with debris
churned up from the pool base. Appropriate mechanical and biological
filtration will give both the clarity required for viewing and the
clean water necessary to maintain fish health.
The Bubble Bead filter system, with its high ability to remove
particles down to 10 micron size1 and high efficiency breakdown of
biological wastes2 can achieve this desired water quality either on
its own or in conjunction with ancillary filter equipment. The
Bubble Bead filter’s simple valve operated backwash process makes
maintenance very straightforward and for simplicity this operation
can even be automated.
Bubble Bead filters are also ideal to boost fish stock capacity
and solids removal in existing Koi ponds where current filters are
becoming overloaded, and they can be used in combination with a
number of other types of filter (See Appendix Four). Their compact
nature and the ability to site them remotely also makes them ideal
for retro-fitting in these cases, with minimal disruption to the
surrounds of the existing pond.
The Principle behind all Biological Filter Systems
In natural pool systems, the micro-organisms that build up on
surfaces and in sediments are able to cope with the wastes from the
limited numbers of fish supported. In artificial systems, sediments
are usually removed and pools often kept clinically clean. There is
little chance of the remaining micro-organisms coping with the
wastes from the increased numbers of fish.
To balance the relatively high stocks of fish, the natural
micro-organisms that break down fish wastes are concentrated in an
external filter system. Water from the pool is re-circulated through
the filter bringing in the wastes, oxygen and other nutrients that
these organisms feed on. The filter also needs to be able to remove
suspended solids to prevent the water from becoming turbid. To
prevent the filter itself from becoming clogged by debris, there is
some means of removing dirt from the filter. In the simplest ‘box’
filters this has often been achieved with some form of foam pad,
though cleaning of such pads can be a messy process and can upset
the biological processes that are establishing in the filter.
With browsing fish such as Koi, the sediments are constantly
disturbed into suspension, aiding their removal by the filter
system. Removal of sediments is usually supplemented e.g. by the
addition of bottom drains.
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