Filter question

[grumps140]

I have used filter for many years without knowing whether to clean filter. the pond has been redone with new bacteria and new plants. The Ph is correct the nitrates are correct. I changed half the water in pond and now find the filter is quit full with matter. Do I leave the filter alone or stop pump, shack off matter on filter matter and fill with fresh water and add more Micro Lift.

 

[Mmathis]

Hello! Do I understand that you have gone years without cleaning the filter. Then you redid the pond. Now the filter is full and you are wondering what to do?

Maybe you could give us some more information about your pond. How big is it? Do you have fish? How many and what kind? What kind of filtration system do you have? We need to know the actual numbers for your water tests: pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, KH.

Most of us here don’t recommend the use of chemicals or additives (with the exception of dechlorinator). To clean filter media, you can shake it out and rinse it in a pail of pond water. No need to add more water.

 

[j.w]

@grumps140
I'm surprised your pump did not slow down due to too much gunk in the filter. I would clean the filter.

 

[Lisak1]

Lots of information in that question! Welcome to the GPF by the way!

I'll wait to hear the answers to the questions already posed about size of pond, fish, filtration, etc. But I do have to ask - why the water change? Is that standard practice for you?