
FAQ
Do you have a question? No doubt we have an answer for you!
Below you will find an overview of frequently asked questions in the field of (swimming) ponds and biopools and about the products of AquaForte.
FAQ
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Water quality & clear pond water
UV-C lamps have an average lifespan of around 9,000 operating hours. After this period, the lamp may still light up, but the UV output is reduced and the effect is no longer sufficient. For optimal performance, it is recommended to replace the UV-C lamp once a year. Amalgam UV-C lamps last longer, with an average lifespan of approximately 12,000 hours.
The pond pump guides the water through the UV-C unit, where it is exposed to UV-C radiation. This radiation disrupts the DNA of single-celled microorganisms in the pond or swimming pond, such as bacteria, viruses and algae. As a result, they can no longer multiply and are removed from the water.The result is clear, healthy water and a pond that stays in balance.
The UV-C lamp is protected by a quartz glass sleeve. If deposits such as limescale or algae build up on this glass, the UV-C radiation cannot pass through properly, reducing its effectiveness.Therefore, it is important to clean the quartz glass regularly using a suitable cleaning product. Always use a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
A green pond is caused by algae. There are two types of algae: thread algae and floating algae. Floating algae give a green glow to the pond water, making the water no longer clear. This can be combated using a UV-C unit, which is therefore indispensable in every pond. How does UV-C work? The pond pump pumps the pond water through the UV-C unit, where it comes into contact with UV-C radiation. This radiation affects the DNA structure of single-celled micro-organisms in the pond such as bacteria, viruses and algae. They can therefore no longer multiply, die and disappear from the water. The result is a clear and healthy pond without the addition of chemicals.Thread algae can be fought with various products such as AquaForte Oxypond, a thread algae brush or the AquaForte Phospat. Phosphate is one of the main causes of (string) algae in the water. AquaForte therefore offers various solutions to remove phosphate, such as the Phospat cartridge and the liquid Phosfree. These products make it possible to keep the phosphate value below 0.035 mg / l. This is the ‘magic’ limit that ensures that algae no longer grow without affecting plants and bacteria.
UV-C is the most effective way to control green water naturally. It keeps water clear, reduces harmful microorganisms and protects fish, all without chemicals.
Do you have cloudy pond water? Cloudy water can usually be prevented with the right filtration system.Mechanical filtration removes coarse debris such as leaves and suspended particles.Biological filtration breaks down waste substances using beneficial bacteria. AquaForte offers complete filter systems for clear and healthy water. Adding a UV-C lamp provides extra protection against green water, keeping your pond crystal clear all season long.
Because garden ponds often contain more fish and plants than natural waters, stable water values are essential. Ideal values: pH: 6.5 – 8.5KH (carbonate hardness): 6 – 10 °dHGH (total hardness): 8 – 12 °dHAmmonia / ammonium: 0 mg/lNitrite: 0 mg/lNitrate: < 30 mg/lPhosphate: < 0.03 mg/l Regular testing helps you maintain a healthy balance for fish, plants and microorganisms. Combine this with good filtration and UV-C for best results.
Oxygen is vital for all living organisms in your pond. To prevent fish loss and excessive algae growth, it is important to maintain sufficient oxygen levels. Oxygen deficiency can occur due to:Rising water temperatures in spring and summerDecomposing organic matter on the pond bottom, such as leaves or uneaten foodPlants and algae consuming oxygen at night, which can cause temporary shortages, especially in the early morning
Oxygen deficiency is often easy to recognise. Fish may move slowly, gasp for air at the surface or gather in areas where oxygen levels are still slightly higher.If you notice this behaviour, take immediate action by increasing aeration. This can be done with an air pump, fountain or waterfall. In emergency situations, even a garden hose can temporarily add extra oxygen.
Filtration & Waste Removal
Mechanical filtration removes visible dirt from the pond water, such as leaves, algae residues and small floating particles. This prevents waste from sinking to the bottom and polluting the pond.Biological filtration works on a deeper level. Beneficial bacteria break down harmful waste substances into harmless compounds, helping to keep the water healthy and in balance.By combining mechanical and biological filtration, you create clear, clean and safe pond water in which fish, plants and microorganisms can thrive.
Sand filters mainly provide mechanical filtration.Bead filters offer both mechanical and biological filtration, helping to stabilise water quality – exactly what a swimming pond needs.
A bead filter is a main filter commonly used in swimming ponds, koi ponds and larger ornamental ponds. It consists of a closed pressure vessel filled with thousands of plastic beads. Water is forced through this layer under pressure, trapping dirt particles. A biofilm develops on the beads, where beneficial bacteria break down harmful substances such as ammonium, nitrite and nitrate. This provides both mechanical and biological filtration.Bead filters are easy to clean manually using a six-way valve. Examples include the AquaForte UltraBead and EB series.
A pre-filter removes coarse dirt from the pond water before it reaches the main filter. This prevents the main filter from clogging too quickly and allows it to work more efficiently.As a result, maintenance is reduced and water quality improves. AquaForte offers several types of pre-filters, such as sieve bend filters and drum filters, so there is always a suitable solution for your pond setup.
Pressure filters are suitable for smaller garden ponds with a limited number of fish. They often include a built-in UV-C lamp to combat green water and a backwash function for easy maintenance.
In a sieve bend filter, pond water flows over a curved stainless-steel screen. This screen consists of hundreds of triangular bars with gaps of 0.2 or 0.3 mm (200 or 300 microns). Due to the slight angle, coarse debris remains on the screen while the filtered water passes through and flows to the main filter. AquaForte offers several sieve bend filters, including the UltraSieve, MidiSieve and CompactSieve.
A drum filter is a fully automatic pre-filter. Pond water enters a rotating drum fitted with a fine filter screen, for example 60 microns. Dirt particles stick to the inside of the drum, causing a difference in water level.A float switch detects this difference and automatically activates the cleaning cycle. Spray nozzles rinse the screen, and the waste is discharged. The cleaned water then flows to the main filter. You can choose whether the drum is rinsed with tap water or clean pond water.
Leaves, pollen and dead insects are constantly blown into the pond by changing weather conditions. A skimmer removes this debris directly from the water surface.This keeps the surface clean and prevents waste from sinking to the bottom, where it would decompose and negatively affect oxygen levels.
Pumps & Water Circulation
When selecting a pond pump, four key factors are important:Dry or wet installation: A dry-installed pump is placed outside the pond, making maintenance easier. A wet-installed pump is positioned in the pond or filter below water level, resulting in a neat and discreet setup.Head height: This indicates how high the pump can lift water. Always account for losses caused by pipes, filters, UV-C units or heaters.Capacity (litres per hour): This shows how much water the pump can circulate per hour. A general guideline is 25–50% of the total pond volume per hour.Energy consumption: As pond pumps often run continuously, choosing an energy-efficient model is essential. Variable pumps allow you to adjust both flow and power consumption.
A pond pump transports polluted pond water to the mechanical and biological (pre-)filter and the UV-C unit. In addition, it ensures continuous water circulation, which helps the water absorb more oxygen.A pond pump can also be used to create decorative features such as a fountain, stream or waterfall.
A variable pond pump allows you to adjust the flow rate and energy consumption yourself. Because the pump does not run at full power all the time, it is significantly more energy efficient. This saves on energy costs and reduces environmental impact through lower CO₂ emissions.
Oxygen & Aeration
Oxygen is vital for all living organisms in your pond. To prevent fish loss and excessive algae growth, it is important to maintain sufficient oxygen levels. Oxygen deficiency can occur due to:Rising water temperatures in spring and summerDecomposing organic matter on the pond bottom, such as leaves or uneaten foodPlants and algae consuming oxygen at night, which can cause temporary shortages, especially in the early morning
Oxygen deficiency is often easy to recognise. Fish may move slowly, gasp for air at the surface or gather in areas where oxygen levels are still slightly higher.If you notice this behaviour, take immediate action by increasing aeration. This can be done with an air pump, fountain or waterfall. In emergency situations, even a garden hose can temporarily add extra oxygen.
Temperature & Seasonal Pond Management
Heating your pond with a heat pump offers several advantages:Prevents frost damage and a completely frozen pondHelps fish stay healthier and recover better after winterKeeps the filtration system more active at higher temperaturesAllows the pond water to reach a stable balance more quickly in springExtends the swimming and pond season with comfortable water temperatures A heated pond provides healthier water, happier fish and a more enjoyable pond experience.
Fish Health & Feeding
An automatic feeder provides regular and controlled feeding moments, ensuring your fish receive the same amount of food every day. This consistency supports healthy digestion, steady growth and a stronger immune system.Because the feeding quantity can be precisely adjusted, overfeeding is prevented. This results in fewer food leftovers on the pond bottom, less strain on the filtration system and improved water quality. Reduced waste also helps limit algae growth.In addition, an automatic feeder brings calm and structure to the pond. Fish quickly get used to fixed feeding times, which reduces stress and encourages natural behaviour. Not only during holidays or busy periods, but also as part of daily pond care, an automatic feeder is a valuable addition to a healthy and well-balanced pond.
Maintenance & Ease of Use
The UV-C lamp is protected by a quartz glass sleeve. If deposits such as limescale or algae build up on this glass, the UV-C radiation cannot pass through properly, reducing its effectiveness.Therefore, it is important to clean the quartz glass regularly using a suitable cleaning product. Always use a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
Leaves, pollen and dead insects are constantly blown into the pond by changing weather conditions. A skimmer removes this debris directly from the water surface.This keeps the surface clean and prevents waste from sinking to the bottom, where it would decompose and negatively affect oxygen levels.
A pre-filter removes coarse dirt from the pond water before it reaches the main filter. This prevents the main filter from clogging too quickly and allows it to work more efficiently.As a result, maintenance is reduced and water quality improves. AquaForte offers several types of pre-filters, such as sieve bend filters and drum filters, so there is always a suitable solution for your pond setup.
When selecting a pond pump, four key factors are important:Dry or wet installation: A dry-installed pump is placed outside the pond, making maintenance easier. A wet-installed pump is positioned in the pond or filter below water level, resulting in a neat and discreet setup.Head height: This indicates how high the pump can lift water. Always account for losses caused by pipes, filters, UV-C units or heaters.Capacity (litres per hour): This shows how much water the pump can circulate per hour. A general guideline is 25–50% of the total pond volume per hour.Energy consumption: As pond pumps often run continuously, choosing an energy-efficient model is essential. Variable pumps allow you to adjust both flow and power consumption.
Because garden ponds often contain more fish and plants than natural waters, stable water values are essential. Ideal values: pH: 6.5 – 8.5KH (carbonate hardness): 6 – 10 °dHGH (total hardness): 8 – 12 °dHAmmonia / ammonium: 0 mg/lNitrite: 0 mg/lNitrate: < 30 mg/lPhosphate: < 0.03 mg/l Regular testing helps you maintain a healthy balance for fish, plants and microorganisms. Combine this with good filtration and UV-C for best results.