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Overview
Channeled swimming pool type filters have media, i.e.
sand, diatomaceous earth, gravel etc. that is
unsuited for a pond situation. Because of the
relatively large particles produced by a pond, i.e. fish mulm, rotting vegetation, leaves and dead
algae, a filter with the fine media above,
will clog very quickly, sometimes in hours, will not be able to be backwashed
effectively and with the pressure of the pump, will open channels in the media.
Channeling
These channels range from the size of
pin to the size of a quarter and can be
compared to a blood artery. When channeling occurs,
the water flows through the channels at a much
faster rate than normal and the increased flow
will tend to widen the channel and carry some
of the previously trapped particles back into
the pond. We then have the problem of the pond
water not being filtered at all and some of
the trapped waste going back into the pond.
Bead filters
Swimming pool type pond filters, such
as the Predator (tm), get around these
problems by careful selection of media,
modifying the internal plumbing components and redirecting water flow, to
increase your time between and duration of
backwashes. As with any system, you can
overwhelm the filter with overstocking,
overfeeding and infrequent bottom and filter
cleanings. Even these filter systems, when suffering from
owner neglect, will eventually pay you back with green
water, channeling and dead fish.
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