FAQs – Choose a subject below

It is possible to make your own biological filter and we have high quality filter media such as Biomatt for this very purpose. When making your own filter consider the overall cost and extra time it will take to clean. If your time is valuable you’ll be better off buying a filter that’s had all the design work and low maintenance features built in.

No. Swimming pool filters are not suitable for ponds. Pool filters are mechanical filters that are designed to catch small particles in the water. They do not perform biological filtration and are therefore not suitable in ponds. A pond filter will mechanically remove particles in the same way but also remove toxic waste through biological filtration.

Yes but check to see if it needs a clean before you go. Although if going away for an extended period please ask a friend, relative or pond maintenance specialist to check on the whole pond as well as the filter.

If you want clean healthy water yes! You may know someone that tells you their pond is crystal clear and they don’t have a filter but what they’re not telling you is that they’re regularly emptying and scrubbing their pond. A good working filter means you save water by not having to empty your pond and lets you have a good healthy environment for your fish. You wouldn’t let your dog or cat live in their own waste so why do it to your fish?

You should use a filtration pump such as the Oase Aquamax. These pumps are called solids handling pumps as they can remove solid waste out of the pond and put it into the filter. Pumps that have sponge filters can be used on filtration systems but are not recommended as they don’t allow the solid waste to enter the filter.

No, they plug into a normal weatherproof power point.

Only if you’re using a filter with a UV light.

Yes, most UV bulbs have an operating life of around 12 months so you should change them each year. The bulbs will still be shining after this time but they will have no UV effectively and will therefore not be controlling algae.

Yes, if the light is reduced by a build up of dirt or calcification then the UV rays won’t be able to penetrate the algae so ask your retailer how to clean it when you purchase. High quality lights such as the Oase Bitron range are self cleaning.

Yes, the amount of fish in your pond will make a big difference to the size and type of filter you require. The more fish you keep the larger the filter you require. Always let your retailer know how many fish you have in your pond when selecting a filter.

High quality Oase filters let you clean the filter without getting your hands wet but from time to time you’ll need to give them a more thorough clean. You’ll need to turn off your pump then open your filter and take out the media. The filter media should be cleaned with pond water or rain water only as the chlorine in tap water will kill much of the beneficial bacteria. Never use cleaning agents or bleach because this will kill your bacteria and then your fish when you turn your system back on. Ask your retailer how to clean your filter before you purchase it.

Depending on the model, there will be an indicator window or clear hose tail through which you can see the light. Ask your retailer how to check it when you purchase.

Biological filtration performs a process known as the nitrogen cycle. In this cycle organic pollutants that enter the pond via fish waste, decomposed plant matter or excess fish food are converted from toxic to non-toxic substances using oxygen and bacteria. If the harmful substances are not broken down by oxygen and bacteria then algae is encourage to grow and fish kills can occur. The process is the same that occurs in aquariums, just on a larger scale.

It doesn’t, you need a pump to do this. A pump moves water and filter cleans it, you need both to get clean water.

Every pond is different and this will depend on your individual circumstance, although generally, you should get at least two years out of your filter sponges and replacements are available.

A biological filter must run 24/7 to sustain the bacteria and oxygenate the water. This is why pond pumps with low power consumption such as the Oase Aquamax are recommended for filtration systems.

24/7. It should not be turned off as it will give the algae a chance to multiply.

Every pond is different so there is no easy answer to this question. As a general rule you should clean your pump and check your filter when you notice a reduction in water flow on the outlet side of the filter. High quality filtration systems such as the Oase Biotec, Filtoclear or Clearpond Clarity will have inbuilt mechanisms that will tell you when it’s time to clean them.

Yes, Koi are a beautiful fish that can grow to a large size but also produce a lot more waste than other fish species. Koi ponds require high amounts of oxygen and larger filtration systems so please tell your retailer if you have Koi in your pond.

You must expect a small amount of algae in a pond because it’s a natural system but if you experience problems caused by excessive string algae or blanket weed then you should consider reducing the amount of feed and ensuring you have a good biological filter that operates 24hrs a day to help remove excess nutrients from the pond. String algae prefers water with high pH so testing your water and reducing your pH with Clearpond pH down or Oase pH minus will also help. Oase Aquahumin will also help with String Algae by naturally reducing the pH of the water and changing the water to conditions unfavourable for string algae. String algae can also be controlled electronically by the Clearpond Algaeguard.

Yes, a UV light does not perform any biological filtration and will not stop the build up of toxic substances in the way a biological filter will. The filter will also catch the dead algae that would otherwise turn into sludge at the bottom of the pond.

Before a hole is dug and you have an idea or the size & type of pond you need. It is feasible to ask your local dealer on the cost of items such as pumps, liners, ponds and filters etc. This will help to save on any cost blowouts once the pond is setup. Ponds without fish stock require the water volume to be turned over a minimum of once every 8 hours, low fish stock require a minimum of once every 4 hours and large fish stock such as Koi, a minimum of once every 2 hours. And to get the correct advice and equipment from the start. For successful fish keeping, a pump and biological filter are essential. A good filter system will give you clear water, aids in keeping fish healthy, aerates and oxygenates water, circulates would be stagnant water and most importantly saves you time. Although many people have said they have never had a pump or filter, they are often cleaning out their entire pond and replacing dead fish on a regular basis. As with most projects, you will forever enjoy something that is setup correctly the first time.

Not at all, it is a natural bacteria that occurs in all natural water systems.

Your bulb could have blown, it could be dirty or it could need replacing. Check to see that it’s clean and working, make sure it’s not more than 12 months old and keep it on 24/7. If you’re still having problems see your retailer for further advice.

Oase filters are so good that low quality manufacturers are trying to imitate them. Whilst these filters may look similar they are not made with the same high quality materials nor have the scientific designs. Filters are used for a purpose and just because a filter looks the same doesn’t mean it will do the same job of keeping your pond clean. While a cheaper imitation may be tempting to buy stop and think about the cost of replacing it when it doesn’t work. Always buy the best filter you can afford, your whole pond depends on it.

No, light bulbs are not covered under warranty due to factors outside of the manufacturers control such as power surges and lightening strikes.

Speak to your local Oase dealer and provide them with a full description of your set up. They will then seek our help if required.

Most filtration systems that are available in Australia & New Zealand are manufactured in Europe and the recommendations on the packaging are for European conditions. We have different environmental conditions and therefore most ratings found on filtration packaging will not hold true in our climate. You should always beware of claims made on filtration packaging and ask your retailer if unsure. The good news is that all Oase filters are tested in Singapore and our Clearpond filters are tested in Australia so our ratings hold true.

A gravity filter sits outside of the pond and is fed water by a pump where it enters the filter and flows through the filter media under gravity and returns to the pond. These filters must be positioned slightly higher than water level to enable its return under gravity. Gravity filters are the most efficient and effective because they have a larger amount of filter media and higher oxygen availability for bacteria than other styles. Gravity filters are suitable for all size ponds. Oase Biotec and Clearpond Biosteps are examples of gravity filters.

A pressurised filter sits outside of the pond and is fed water by a pump where it enters the filter and flows through the filter media under pressure so can therefore be positioned above or below the pond. Pressure filters must never be run with swimming pool or irrigation ‘sump pumps’ as these pump pressures are too high and will cause the filters to burst. Pressurised filters are suitable for ponds with fish up to around 7000 litres or 15000 without. Oase Filtoclear and Clearpond Clarity are examples of pressure filters.

A skimmer is designed to catch leaves before they fall to the pond floor where they break down and form an organic sludge that feeds algae. Skimmers can be attached to the suction side of a solids handling pump such as the Oase Aquamax or be built in to the side wall of the pond during construction. The Oase Filtoskim is a revolutionary product that contains pump, skimmer, biological filter and UV light in one easy to install box.

An Ultra Violet light (UV) is a light that emits ultra violet rays. They are used in ponds to control algae that turn water green. The algae that turns water green is microscopic and as it passes over the UV light it is killed and trapped in the filter.

An internal filter sits inside the pond underwater. They are usually attached to the suction side of the pump and are not as efficient as other styles of filtration as they are relatively small and have low oxygen availability for bacteria. Internal filters are used in small ponds up to around 1000 litres. Clearpond foam filters and the Clearpond Internal Tray Filter are examples of internal filters.

Where you can locate it; How often do you want to clean it; How easy it is to clean; The amount and type of fish you have; The size of your pond; Will it do what it claims on the box.

Pond filters are known as biological filters as they purify water through a biological process driven by bacteria. Biological filters convert toxic substances that pollute the water, feed algae and can harm your fish, into non-toxic substances through a natural process known as the nitrogen cycle. There are many types of biological filters but all need to be sized according to the size of your pond and the type and amount of fish you wish to keep. Further assistance and recommendations regarding biological filters can be obtained from our network of retailers found in the ‘where to buy’ section of this website.

It depends on your individual situation and the size of the pond. Each filter has its own advantages so make sure you give your retailer all your relevant information such as size of the pond, type and amount of fish, amount of sun exposure, amount of plants etc. The more information you provide, the easier it will be to get the right recommendation.

Oase filters have been scientifically designed and tested in partnership with German universities. They are backed up with a Clearwater money back guarantee when used in accordance with Oase’s recommendations.

When you’re planning your pond. If you think filtration when you’re planning and constructing your pond you’ll have more choices available to you. We see many cases where customers need a certain type of filter but can’t use it because they’ve already built their pond and there’s nowhere for it to go. Even if you don’t buy your filter right away at least plan for it in your construction so you can install one when required.

It smells because the bacteria is doing its job. A good working filter will produce nitrogen gas as one of its by-products which means it’s working well.

The small sponge filters found on the front of some pumps are only designed to stop particles damaging the moving parts (impellor) of the pump. They are not designed, nor capable of cleaning water. If you have one of these filters and have to clean it more than you’d like, you should consider a Clearpond Internal Tray Filter which will dramatically reduce your maintenance.

Cheap UV lights can have inferior bulbs with life cycles of 6 months or less. Some have even been made using non-UV stable plastics!

A UV light will kill all of the free floating algae in your pond that turns the water green but will not control algae on rocks or the sides of ponds as these are more highly evolved plant life and cannot be passed over the UV because they are not free floating.

Yes, existing ponds with fish are exempt from water restrictions (you’ve got to keep your fish alive) but please check with local authorities before installing a pond or water feature.

No, grey water has excess nutrients and chemicals that will kill your fish and pollute the pond.

Yes, but you will need to use some mineral additives to make it better for the fish. In nature, rain water enters rivers and streams from runoff. During the runoff the water collects minerals from rocks and soil before entering the river or lake. Fish and plants need these minerals to thrive. Rain water collected from your roof has none of these minerals and is classed as ‘soft’. The easiest way to add these minerals is by additives such as Oase’s Hardness Plus. Your fish and plants will thank you for it! It is also best to not use rain water from the first rain and not use rain water if you are in an industrial area. If you’re worried about your water quality it is best to have it tested.

Yes, pond water is an excellent garden fertiliser but don’t put it on the garden if you’ve been using water treatments in your pond. And don’t use pond water on plants that are to be eaten by humans & animals.

Yes, we recommend using a premium quality fish food such as Oase Fishfit. This will ensure you have beautiful strong fish with bright colours. When you do feed your fish only give them what they can finish in two minutes. Uneaten fish food is a major food source of algae in ponds.

The best way to keep your pond clean is by a pump, biological filter and UV clarifier suited to the size and type of your pond. Oase filtration systems offer you a clear water money back guarantee when used within the manufacturer’s specifications. You can read more about these products in the filtration section. You should also remove the sludge from your pond floor because as this breaks down it releases nutrients that encourage algae to grow. The pond vacuum products mentioned above are best for this.

A green pond can be caused by several factors. These include lack of filtration, incorrect pH values, overfeeding and overstocking of fish, excess sunlight and lack of proper maintenance. If your pond is well filtered and is still green, often the pH may be too high or low, causing the filter to work inefficiently. High pH levels can cause several problems, such as algal blooms because of the favourable conditions for it to flourish. Overfeeding & or overstocking of your pond can be easily rectified by simply reducing the amount of food given and also the amount of fish. Excess sunlight can also lead to problems with algae blooms. Increased filtration and the use of an Ultra Violet Clarifier will help solve this problem. Alternatively, a cover can be erected over the pond to give more shade. Algaecides are also available, and these are most affective when used as a short term remedy. Sometimes after a long holiday or when regular maintenance has not been possible, an algaecide can help regain the balance and clarity of your pond.

Providing hiding spots for the fish by putting logs, plastic pipes and plants will help but sometimes you may have to resort to netting until the birds loose interest (and the fish grow too big for the birds to eat).

String Algae is usually a sign of an imbalance within the pond. Reducing the amount of feed and ensuring you have a good biological filter that operates 24hrs a day will help remove excess nutrients from the pond. String algae prefers water with high pH so testing your water and reducing your pH with Clearpond pH down or Oase pH minus will also help. Oase Aquahumin will also help with String Algae by naturally reducing the pH of the water and changing the water to conditions unfavourable to string algae. String algae can also be controlled electronically by the Clearpond Algaeguard.

No, as long as they receive a good dose of sunlight and regular fertilising using Aqua Grow Pond Tablets. These are slow release fertiliser tablets that you push down into the roots of the plants so they wont break down and pollute the water. Never add fertiliser directly to the water and don’t use manure as this will provide excess nutrients that will result in algae blooms.

No, in fact emptying your pond is the last thing you want to do, especially if you’ve got fish because they’ve gotten used to the environment in which they’re living and if you change all their water it will put them under much stress. Completely changing the water also provides any algae with nutrients from the new water and could make algae problems worse. The most effective way of cleaning your pond without wasting water or breaking your back is by using a pond vacuum cleaner. These products will remove the sludge from the bottom of the pond and allow you to reuse the water back in the pond or put it on your garden. There are electronic vacuum cleaners such as the Oase Pondovac and Pontec Pondomatic or products that will work from your garden hose such as the Clearpond Turbovac. With these products the need to completely empty your pond will be eliminated.

If you have both sun and shaded areas that you were considering installing a pond, the shaded areas would be preferable. Most plants prefer a little shade, and it is only the “Lily’s” that prefer at least half a day of full sun. If your pond is in full sun, accessories such as Ultra Violet Clarifiers can guarantee clear water when used correctly. They work on a principal of radiating water containing algae cells, effectively killing algae before it can bloom in your pond. The chance of a pond in full sun getting too hot is almost negligible when a pump is moving water. Moving water releases stored heat quicker than a stagnant pond, and if a minimum depth has been applied then you should have no worries.

NO! There is however a low maintenance filtration system which may require as little as ten minutes of your time on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Biological filters remove nutrients and waste products from your pond, thus starving any algae from the essential food it needs to thrive. These types of filters must run 24 hours a day. In an unfiltered pond, a huge amount of aquatic plants and very few fish may result in a temporary biological balance, but once fish grow and breed it may be impossible to sustain this balance.

You can vacuum sludge and all the muck from the bottom of your pond using a pond vacuum cleaner such as the Pondovac from Oase or Pondomatic from Pontec. These are electronic vacuums that do a great job of removing wast and saving water by preventing the need to drain and muck out ponds. The Clearpond Turbovac is another option that operates without the need for power. The Turbovac works off the garden hose and does a great job at a fraction of the cost of the electrical versions. Sludge can also be reduced by using bacterial type products like Clearpond Pondzyme or Oase Silt Remover. These products are a great maintenance aid for all ponds as they consume organic waste and reduce algae within the pond.

From stores that carry a good selection of products and have knowledgeable staff. Getting the right advice and equipment is critical to the success of your pond. If your store doesn’t have many pond products and can’t answer your questions then you should question their expertise and may be better off going somewhere else. Installing the wrong equipment can prove costly in the long run when you have to replace it. The cheapest way to build a pond is to do it right the first time so it’s worth the time finding a retailer that is right for you. You can select one of our dealers from the “Where to Buy” link at the top of the page.

Some common reasons why fish die are: -build up of toxins caused by lack of filtration, overfeeding or too many fish in the system -poor water conditions or sudden changes to water conditions -low oxygen in the water from lack of aeration -predators such as birds or mammals -parasites or disease Keeping fish in ponds is easy with the right equipment. If you loose fish speak to your local retailer and identify some of the possible reasons why. In most cases simple changes to your system will get you back on track and give your fish a safe environment to thrive.

High quality pumps such as Oase are silent. Mid range pumps such as Eden are very quiet but as you go down in price the noisier a pump becomes. Some pumps can be easily heard in a shop display but sometimes the noise can be hidden by surrounding sounds. Ask your retailer how noisy the pump is before you buy and remember the rule of thumb – the cheaper the pump the noisier it is likely to be.

Yes, pond pumps have been around for many years without problems or safety concerns and we would not be allowed to sell them if they weren’t safe. As a safety precaution we always recommend a safety switch be installed on the house. Also that all water based electrical equipment should be unplugged before water gardeners immerse any part of their body in the water or clean a filter or UV Light.

Yes, depending on your needs there are several application specific pumps available such as fountain, water feature and filtration pumps.

We allow plugs to be cut and replaced if necessary, but for safety and warranty purposes we do not allow you to shorten the cord. We recommend a qualified electrician performs any electrical work but do not permit shortening of cords even if done by an electrician.

Yes you can but remember you will always need to remove the pump from the pond for cleaning, repair or replacement so always keep this in mind when installing pumps or any pond equipment. Always make your equipment easy to remove.

If it is a damaged impellor, yes you can purchase another one and replace this but otherwise you would not be able to fix any other problems that may occur and it is best to return it to your place of purchase to be assessed and repaired if possible by our qualified technicians. Attempting repairs yourself will void the warranty.

Some pumps can but we recommend using them as they were designed – submersed in water. This will enable the pump to run at a cooler temperature. Pumps that can be run outside of the pond will need to be situated below the water level and be gravity fed as no pond pump can suck water upwards. Most of the Oase range of pumps can be run out of the pond but ask your retailer before purchasing to make sure.

No, pond pumps cannot be used in chlorine as the chlorine calcifies on the impellor which can cause damage to both the pump and impellor and will void any warranty claim. Pump friendly water treatments such as Clearpond Feature Clean will have the same effect as chlorine without damaging the pump.

No, as a general rule. The majority of pond pumps on the market cannot be used in salt water as the salt builds up on the impellor which can cause damage to both the pump and impellor and this would not be covered under warranty. You would have to specifically ask for a pump that is rated to be used in salt water such as our Eden range of pumps.

No, not at all, they are a standard electrical product that needs to be plugged into a weatherproof switch if being used outdoors.

Yes, all pond pumps require maintenance and cleaning from time to time depending on the water quality. Pumps with pre filters will require more maintenance as the filters do clog up easily and restrict the performance of the pump. Always ask your retailer to show you how to clean the pump before you buy it.

Yes, the larger the hose you use the more flow you will allow the pump to produce, the smaller the hose the more friction loss or restriction you place on the pump and the less water you will produce.

For pumps with pre filters you will need to remove the pre filter from the front of the pump, rinse out the filter and also check and clean the impellor inside the pump. For those pumps with a cage design like Oase, you will need to wipe any leaves or build up off the cage and open the cage and check the pump and impellor every now and then. Always ask your retailer to show you how to clean the pump before you buy it.

The question is largely dependent on your needs, you must decide whether the pump will be used for filtration, a water feature or to decorate a pond with a fountain. Once you have established the application of the pump you will then need to determine the size of the pump you require, this is best done by visiting one of our Oase dealers to get the right advice.

You should always run your pump 24/7 to ensure good water quality and prevent stagnant water which will allow mosquito’s to breed. This is especially important if you have fish in your pond as stopping the circulation will reduce oxygen levels in the pond and may lead to fish kills.

Pond pumps have a very low power consumption and therefore cost very little to run. As a general guide for every watt of power they will cost roughly $1 a watt per year to run 24 hours, 7 days a week. Eg. 80 watts = $80 per year in running costs. This is an approximation only and will vary between areas. Please check with your local power authority for confirmation.

If the cord cannot be concealed using the natural materials around the pond such as rocks and garden beds, you can use products such as the Oase Tradux which is a cable transition that allows you to pass the cable through the wall of the pond with a water proof seal rather than over the edge. The Oase Tradux does this without the need to cut the plug off the pump.

First turn off the power, then check the pump and impellor and clean if necessary. If it is still not working or damaged then return the pump to your place of purchase and have them check it. If your retailer cannot fix the pump then return it to Clearpond to be assessed for repairs or warranty.

Head height is the maximum height to which a pump can push water, at this height the pump will only produce a trickle.

This will depend on whether your pump has a thermal safety switch or not. Quality pumps such as Oase will have a thermal safety switch built in, this is a safety mechanism that will turn the pump off and protect it if it overheats. Pumps without a thermal safety switch will traditionally burn themselves out when they are run dry and overheat, once this occurs you will notice a warping of the pump at which point the pumps will no longer work, are irrepairable and would not be covered under warranty.

Oase (Germany) are the world leader’s in pond technology, their pumps and other pond products are scientifically tested and proven prior to release on the market so you can be safe in the knowledge that they work and are reliable. The main benefits of the Oase pumps are, lowest power consumption on the market, they’re silent, have a thermal safety switch to prevent overheating, they’re application specific, require little maintenance and come with a 5 year warranty including the impellor.

– The application. – Running costs. – Submersible or External running. – Safety of a thermal safety switch. – Maintenance. – Quiet/Silent. – Reliability. – Extended Warranty.

The best hose to use is Clearpond’s Pondflex Black hose which is a black corrugated, flexible, non kink hose which comes in a range of sizes from 13mm through to 76mm.

Pond pumps are designed to run continuously, have lower power consumption than pool or sump pumps, are compact and submersible.

We do not recommend it, as most pool pumps are not rated to run continuously, have more moving parts and have very high power consumption therefore very high running costs.

Ponds require water movement to maintain a healthy, well-balanced pond or to create an impressive water feature. Moving water can offer benefits to any type of water feature in the form of recirculation, aeration, and ornamentation. The best way to move water in a pond is by installing a pump. Even if your pond is solely ornamental, a pump will be required to prevent stagnation, inhibit algae growth, inhibit insect pests, and to power a decorative water display. Stagnant water tends to have a distinctive, unpleasant scent, which is generally undesirable for an ornamental pond. Streams, waterfalls, fountains, and spitters all require a pump.

With price comes quality, the more expensive pumps such as Oase will have more features and benefits such as thermal safety switches, lower power consumption, silence, reliability and reduced maintenance through the use of cages rather than foam pre filters all backed by a longer warranty period. The cheaper pond pumps are traditionally very basic, have higher power consumption, are less reliable and have a shorter warranty. Generally speaking, European pumps such as Oase (Germany) and Eden (Italy) are made to higher quality standards than Asian pumps. “You get what you pay for”.

No, it will definitely help by turning over and oxygenating the water but at some point you will need the help of filtration or treatments to keep your water clean. The sponge filters that are found on some pumps are not capable of keeping water clean, they are only there to protect the moving impellor from particle damage.

Definitely not, a pump will actually help improve the health of your fish by turning over the water and improving the water quality in your pond.