Pond filtration

[moomoojaj]

I am in the process of installing a new bio/mechanical filter system for my typical garden pond. It consists of two mechanical filter bays and one boilogical filter bay each consisting 20 gallons of water. The pond is approximately 250 gallons. The bio filter will be filled with K1 filter media. What would be the best product to kick start the biological system to get the best results. My pond is currently stocked with goldfish and orfe ranging in size from 3" to 8"(possibly too much for the pond capacity). Thanks in advance for your advice.

[ratbag66]

We used Interpet Bio Start when we started up our pond 2 years ago, but I believe there are several similar products available.  We found  the aquatic specialist at our local garden centre was the best source of advice (we were complete novices!), he proved invaluable in helping us determine the size of pump and filter needed for our pond.

[brachiopod]

Since it sounds like you have an established pond already, the filter medium should get colonised by the right sort of bacteria pretty quickly anyway. (It's new set-ups when you've just filled your pond with water from the tap that take a while to get going).

However, ratbag is spot on with some of the products that you can buy if you want to give it a boost. Some are good for new ponds, others better for established ponds. Ask for advice at your aquarist supplies.