Many modern devices already have a display that indicates that the filter system needs to be cleaned. In the case of systems without such a display, the question often arises as to how often cleaning actually needs to be done. Our contribution provides the answers.
You can usually tell from the pond filter whether cleaning is necessary
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Many high-quality UVC filter systems have a control display that always reports when cleaning is required.
Other filter systems, on the other hand, often have a transparent hose cover, from which you can see whether the water in the hose is cloudy or clear. If it is cloudy, cleaning is necessary. The same applies if very little water flows through.
Before installing the filter, consult the user manual to find out what kind of cleaning indicator your filter has and familiarize yourself with it. Only a few filter models have no display at all, but in these cases the manufacturer often specifies when cleaning is required.
Basic cleaning needs
In the case of systems with UVC technology in particular, you first have to familiarize yourself with how the filter works in order to understand when cleaning is actually necessary.
The cleaning in the filter is carried out by bacteria that settle in the filter sponge. First of all, they have to multiply in order to be able to perform the task in sufficient numbers.
The multiplication and settlement of the bacteria can cause a greasy, sometimes foul-smelling coating on the filter sponges. This is not a sign that cleaning is necessary, but a sign that the filter is working!
If you were to remove or rinse off this plaque, the bacteria would be flushed out at the same time. However, they are the ones who do the actual work in the filer. Every time you rinse the filter sponges, the bacteria would have to settle again afterwards - the pond is not cleaned effectively during this time.
You should therefore avoid cleaning the pond filter too frequently at all costs, as this will drastically deteriorate the water quality in the pond itself and the pond filter will have little effect.
tips
Rinsing of the filter sponges is permitted for individual filters - but this must be specified in the operating instructions. In these cases, you may only ever use cold water for rinsing - hot water would destroy the entire bacterial culture! Here, too, cleaning is only carried out when the filter is so clogged that hardly any water can get through - then the bacterial lawn must be carefully "thinned out".