As many koi keepers know, koi pond filtration is a very important aspect of the hobby particularly in keeping pond water in an almost crystal-clear condition and free from pollutants that contribute to koi diseases and deaths. Although you can opt for the machine-assisted koi pond filtration system – biological, mechanical and chemical – you must also consider the natural ways to filter pond water.
The best advantage about using the natural filtration method is, obviously, the natural look that the koi pond assumes. After all, Japanese koi masters of the years past have used these filtration methods to great success and great beauty so why can’t you today?
Gravel for the Pond Bottom
You need not necessarily buy expensive gravel rocks from your neighbourhood quarry store. Often, rocks native to your area will do! Just make sure that you have the necessary permit, when and where applicable to pick up stones in the bodies of water in your town. Better yet, you can use the rocks dug up from your soil when you constructed the pond – it’s free, it’s cheap and it’s natural!
When you use gravel for the pond bottom, you enjoy three major benefits. First, you have a natural filter that complements the functions of your machine-assisted mechanical and biological filters. Again, keep in mind that Japanese koi masters of old used gravel, together with mud and bentonite clay, to filter their ponds. And they did not have bottom drains, to boot!
Second, you can hide the pond liner with gravel and rocks on top of it. In the process, you will achieve a natural ambience to the whole setup, which is a most desirable characteristic of koi ponds.
Third, you add more nooks and crannies into the koi pond that facilitate more biological activity and host more anaerobic bacteria. In the process, you actively contribute to healthier koi that have the ability to amaze and attract, not to mention compete in shows. Indeed, gravel as part of a natural koi pond filtration system is a must for any koi keeper!
Plants for the Pond Surface
You will observe that pond plants perform three basic functions. First, your pond can be cleaned of its fish wastes both on top and on the bottom. This is achieved through their active consumption of fish waste and dead plant materials that can and will muddy up the waters of the pond.
Second, your koi have natural hiding places in the water lilies and hyacinths. These hiding places are especially useful when the koi are startled by sudden movements in the environment, even by natural predators. Also, when the sun gets to be too hot for comfort, your koi can seek cool refuge under these pond plants.
Third, pond plants add natural beauty to the koi habitat. You will appreciate these pond plants when they start to bloom, provide a festive atmosphere and even scent the air. And speaking of pond plants, the best plants are water lilies, water hyacinths and watercress. Just make sure that you know when and how to plant them for maximum filtration effect and beauty impact so do your research.
With strategically-placed plants and gravel, your koi pond filtration system will assume a naturally beautiful look that compares with the best of Japanese koi gardens. And you also save money on the machine-assisted koi pond filtration methods!
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