The subject of water filtration can make for a controversial topic amoung water gardeners as to what is the best method. All filtration methods have their pros and cons so it is up to the individuals water gardener to select one that works best for them and their situation.

Any of three types of filtration methods may used to keep the pond clear and healthy:

• natural filtration
• particulate filtration and
• bio-filtration.

Each method may be made as easy or complicated as one makes it, however low maintenance requires the simple approach.

Natural Filtration

To calculate how many plants are required, a general rule of thumb is one bunch of 5 to 6 plants for every one to two square feet of water surface. Depending on how many fish are kept in the pond, more plants may be required.

Choose plants that are suitable to your climate as cold-water submerged plants won't like warm tropical waters, and vice versa, some tropical plants may not survive a colder climate winter.

To increase the effectivness of this method, a separate plant basin is created to hold the aquatics and the pond water is recycled through it every two to four hours with a water pump. This basin not only removes the excess nutrients, but also settles and filters solid waste matter. The size of the basin should be roughly 10% of the ponds size, between 12 to 18 inches deep and narrow in shape rather than round.

You can choose to have the water pump either push the water into the basin, or pull the water through it, depending on the design elements of your plan. Pushing the water into the filter basin is usually choosen if you plan to have a waterfall, with the basin acting as the start of a water fall, or if there is no waterfall at all. Pulling the water through the filter is usually choosen if you plan to have a waterfall but don't want the basin at the top of the waterfall.