How Can I Filter a Small Fish Pond?

Filters are effective for keeping the water of a small fish pond clear and healthy. Unfiltered ponds soon accumulate fish waste that can reach dangerous levels and harm the fish. While several pond filter systems are commercially available, the simplest filter system is usually the most appropriate for the small ponds. These systems are often called gravity flow filters, and you can install them with a few tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Pond pump
  • Gravity flow filter
  • Hoses
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install a pump that will move the water within the water filtration system. Hide this pump within some of the decorative items around the fish pond. The rated gallons per hour of this pump should be half the total gallons of the pond. The pump will require electrical service. Connect an appropriate sized hose to the inlet of the pump. The hose size and fittings will vary depending on the brand and model of the pump. Place the end of this hose in the pond with a filter attached.

    • 2

      Place the gravity flow filter at the highest possible level that is near the pump. Connect the output fitting of the pump to the input connection of the gravity flow filter. Use the appropriate size hoses fittings for the connections on both the pump and the filter. It is possible an inline fitting allowing two different sized hoses may be necessary if the pump and filter fittings are not the same size.

    • 3

      Connect a hose to the output side of the gravity filter that drains down to the pond. Install a filter cartridge in the filter housing and turn on the pump. Follow manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and filer cartridge replacement.