If there are too many nutrients in a pond, there is a risk of the pond "tipping over". Plant filters are therefore often used as an alternative to filter systems. You can find out how to use and create plant filters in our article.
A small pond can easily be filtered with plants
Necessary filtering
Very nutrient-rich water can become a problem in a pond. In general, high growth of algae is then to be feared, and the pond can even "tip over" completely - i.e. completely covered with algae.
As a rule, the biological self-cleaning agents still work quite well, filter systems are only really necessary if there are a large number of fish and large amounts of food (this is the case with koi, for example), otherwise even microorganisms and plankton clean a natural pond in a completely sufficient way.
In a swimming pond, it may be desirable to have even clearer water than it naturally occurs. In this case, you don't necessarily have to resort to filter systems - plant filters also serve this purpose quite well.
Mode of action of plant filters
For plant filters, special plants are used that can absorb most of the excess nutrients. They work in combination with the bacterial cultures that live on their roots. In this case, both the plant and the microorganisms work together harmoniously.
The filter plants are special plants. One of the best-known nutrient-reducing plants is reed. It is also the most commonly used for this purpose.
In addition, the filter plants often also improve the soil quality, as they lead to massive root penetration - some plants even excrete considerable amounts of soil-improving substances on their roots. All of these properties make filter plants (called “reposition plants” in technical jargon) a very good means of naturally cleaning the water in the pond.
Application of plant filters
Plant filters can be used in very different ways:
- as filter trenches
- as floating islands or
- as filter trenches
Which type of use is most suitable depends on the respective pond design and the use of the pond. It is best to get advice from a specialist as to what options you have and which plants are best to use as reposition plants for your pond.
tips
You can create a completely natural, self-cleaning swimming pond by using filter plants. You can also do without plastic film: read more about it in our special article.