Filtration is generally thought of as a two step process. First, is mechanical, and second is biological. They are of equal importance, for they are very much entwined. Mechanical filtration removes large visible particles and solids from the water. Biological filtration removes toxins from the water in a process known as the Nitrification Cycle. All of our ponds use both forms of filtration with the method and degree of filtration depending on the type of pond (i.e. water garden or koi pond).

Every pond we build gets a fiberglass skimmer. A skimmer does just what it sounds like; it skims the surface of debris, such as pollen and leaves. Not all debris is gathered but, the majority is. Another portion of debris is gathered by the Bottom Drain, and then sent to the skimmer. The purpose of a bottom drain is two fold however; one, to carry the heavy solids, not picked up by the skimmer to the skimmer and two, for optimal circulation. The latter is very important, for with out a bottom drain a pond may develop low oxygen levels on the bottom creating an anaerobic and harmful environment for your fish. This may be evidenced by fishing swimming around the waterfall or gaping for air at the surface in ponds with out bottom drains. This being the case, bottom drains are also incorporated in every pond we build. Please view the diagrams of pond filtration in our water gardens and koi ponds.