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Pond Filter Media

There are several different kinds of pond filter media available that can be used with your regular pond filter.


You may want to consider the all natural ones which are generally better for all living things in your fish pond. Bio-media is what you put inside of your filter housing. Here you can select what you want or sometimes your filter will come with a bio-media. If you plan to have many living things in your pond you will need a larger bio-media filter to accommodate larger quantity of pond life and keep your water clear and beautiful. Just remember that pond filter media works best with a good quality filtration system.

Activated Carbon Filter Media (AC)
Carbon, as you may have guessed, is a natural material that comes from things like coal and wood and is activated by steam. It is very efficient and a small amount of carbon can absorb huge amounts of impurities. As your fish pond water goes over the carbon surface all impurities and chemicals are attracted to the carbon where your filter can catch it more easily. This type of carbon filter is best for lower flow rate pond and filters.

Bio-Balls
Bio-balls are essentially used to grow bacteria in your pond - these would be the bacteria your fish and pond plants need. Bio-balls increase the surface area that these good bacteria can use to grow. This bacteria is instrumental in reducing levels of ammonia and nitrate and increasing the growth of algae. You pretty much throw them right into your filter and they go to work.

Zeolites
Zeolites are natural forming minerals that are stiff and hard. You put these in your filter and they catch impurities as water flows through them. There best function is to eliminate ammonia, metals and toxins. They also reduce algae. One great thing about Zeolites is that you can recycle and reuse them. Wash them in salt water and thoroughly rinse with fresh water and they are good as new.

Foam Sponge
Foam sponge filters are probably the simplest and cheapest filter media. As water flows through them, it traps dirt and debris like nitrites and other chemicals. These tend to be good biological filters since it's composition allows it to house large colonies of good bacteria.

Ceramic Rings
Ceramic rings work pretty much like bio-balls but can provide huge surface area and maybe the best solution for large ponds. There porous surface allows water to pass through but not impurities.

Biological Filter Mats
Biological filter mats are usually made of polyester fiber that is coated with a water resistant material. They also allow bacteria to attach and grow. These are are designed for reuse as they are easy to clean and the material lasts a very long time.

It doesn't really matter which type of pond filter media you select as long as you ensure it is trapping dirt and debris, removing impurities and other toxins, and providing an area for bacteria to grow. If at all possible use green materials. Good luck.