Cleaning and maintaining a clean koi pond is a challenge. A combination of waste products including fish solids, food scarps and algae growth causes the ponds water clarity to degrade making it appear all muddy and unclear. Such murky mess puts the survival of the aquatic life in the pond at risk. Fortunately, drum filters are designed to simplify the process of keeping water crystal clear with less effort. If you already have a koi pond or are planning to install one, invest in a premium quality drum filter.
What is a drum filter?
It is a mechanical filtration system focused in removing the solid waste from your water before it gets the chance to break down.
- There is a rotating drum covered with fine mesh screen.
- When water flows through it the mesh traps the debris [larger than the mesh].
- When the filter detects a build-up on the screen, it automatically rinses the mesh and flushes the waste without you having to do it manually.
Why are drum filters ideal for Koi ponds?
Koi fish generates plenty of waste, which can deteriorate water quality. Traditional filters need frequent cleaning and if you ignore the debris will clog the filter hampering its effectiveness.
On the other hand, a drum filter is beneficial in multiple ways:
- Automatic cleaning: Traditional filters need manual rinsing but drum filters self-clean, ensuring consistent performance.
- Better water quality: Drum filters remove waste before it decomposes. Thus reduces the level of nitrate and ammonia, allowing the pond to maintain optimal water conditions.
- Saves time: Less manual maintenance means more time to enjoy your pond instead of constantly cleaning the filters.
- Energy-efficiency: Many drum filters are designed for high energy efficiency. It means they operate with low power consumption, making it a cost-effective solution down the road.
- Extended filter media life: Drum filters remove the solid waste before it reaches biological filtration media, allowing the media to perform better and last longer.
How to choose the right drum?
All drum filters differ and choosing the right one depends on your pond size and fish load. Check out the Burtons Aquatics drum filters on That Pond Guy website. They carry branded models with durable construction, reliable sensors, and efficient waste flushing mechanisms. Invest in a reliable drum filter to save yourself from endless water quality headache over time.
Installing a drum filter
It is simple but also essential to place it correctly for optimal performance.
- Install the filter in a location, where you can connect it to the plumbing system with ease.
- Attach the inlet pipe from pond pump and outlet pipe leading back inside the pond.
- Ensure the waste outlet leads to a collection or drain system.
- Connect the filter to a reliable power source and test its automatic cleaning functions.
Maintenance & troubleshooting
Drum filters are low maintenance but occasional checks ensure efficient performance.
Here are some tips:
- While automatic cleaning keeps the screen clear, check for any build-up that may need manual rinsing.
- Make sure the debris is flushing out from the waste outlet properly.
- Seals and fittings can wear out over time, so check for leaks or drips.
- If cleaning cycle is not triggering correctly, there must be dirt accumulated on the sensors, so clean it.
A drum filter is an essential investment for a Koi pond. It keeps water clean and is low maintenance, allowing the koi fish to enjoy a healthy aquatic environment. Relax, and enjoy the pond without any tension about manually cleaning the filters!
