Asked By: Maria from Morro Bay, CA
A: If you have an aquascape containing only plants, you can likely get away with not adding a filtration system. However, fishponds need filters to eliminate toxins from organic waste, which can build up and contribute to diseases and poor outcomes. This also applies to water gardens containing amphibians and other aquatic fauna like crustaceans and mollusks.
Aquascapes Filter Water
An aquascape differs from a standard water garden or fishpond in that it generally contains only ornamental plants and pond flowers. This aquatic vegetation naturally filters the water by consuming suspended nutrients that lead to poor water quality. The roots of pond plants also fix the soil to prevent murkiness due to sediment disturbances.
Some hobbyists may settle for simple, natural aquascapes that rely entirely on the plants to maintain water quality. This approach often leads to stagnant water, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitos and other pesky insects. We recommend adding an aerator, fountain, or water circulator to keep the water moving and prevent stagnation.
Why Ponds Need Filters
If you add animals of any kind to your aquascape, upgrading your system with a pond filter becomes essential. Biological waste products contain numerous toxins like ammonia that will accumulate and harm aquatic fauna. While plants can handle some of this nutrient load, it can be difficult to scale the vegetation to match your fish population.
Natural Pond Filters
There are natural pond filter options for keeping your water clean and clear. The most common solution is building a (somewhat) complex wetland bog filter, which uses the filtration power of plants to slowly polish and purify water before returning it to your pond. A simpler option that provides spectacular results is a gravity filter with layers of pea gravel inoculated with beneficial bacteria.
More Aquatic Filtration Tips
Finding the perfect pond filter doesn’t need to be a struggle. If you have questions about properly filtering your pond, contact us online or call 866-POND-HELP to speak with one of our helpful pond experts.
Read more about filtration options in the following related guides:
Last Updated: May 13, 2025