Helophyte filter pond | Tips on how to make a swamp filter

Helophyte filters, also known as swamp filters, are designed to naturally purify pond water. These filters use different types of aquatic plants to filter out unwanted substances from the water.

Check out the 10 best plants for in a plant filter ->

All about helophyte filters

• What is a helophyte filter?
• How do you make a helophyte filter?
• How big should a helophyte filter be?
• What aquatic plants to place in a helophyte filter?
• How much does it cost to make a helophyte filter?

What does a helophyte filter do?

A helophyte filter is a natural pond filter that purifies water using aquatic plants. This filter removes waste products and ensures stable water values, resulting in a healthy habitat for pond animals and pond fish. Using a helophyte filter in your pond means that you are purifying water in an environmentally friendly way. This is because the filter uses only natural materials and avoids pollutants and energy-intensive agents that other pond filters do require.

How do you make a helophyte filter?

Creating a helophyte filter for your pond can easily be done by following the following simple steps:

1. Determine the size of the filter

Determine how large the helophyte filter should be based on the size of the type of pond and the amount of water to be filtered. In general, the filter should cover about 10% of the total volume of the pond.

2. Dig a pit

Dig a pit in the place where the filter should be. The pit should be about 60 cm deep and as big as the filter you want to make.

3. Place a layer of pond substrate

Place a layer of pond substrate of about 10-15 cm on the bottom of the pit. The substrate acts as a supporting layer for the helophytes and allows water to flow properly.

5. Plant aquatic plants (helophytes).

Plant the helophytes in the soil and make sure they are firmly established. Choose pond plants that are suitable for the type of pond and the environment in which they are located.

6. Add water

Add water to the filter and allow the water to settle for several days before using the filter.

7. Connect the filter to the pond

Connect the filter to the pond and let the water flow through the filter. The water will flow through the growing medium and filter through the roots of the helophytes.

8. Maintain the filter

Maintain the filter regularly by removing dead plants and leaves and cleaning the growing medium. This will keep the filter functioning properly and keep the water clear and clean.

How big should a helophyte filter be?

The size of a helophyte filter depends on several factors, including the amount of water to be filtered, the effluent load and the type of pond plants being used. As a rule of thumb, it is often held that the helophyte filter should cover about 10% of the total volume of the pond or wastewater. So for example, if you have a 10,000 gallon pond, the helophyte filter should be about 1,000 gallons. It is important to remember that this is only a general guideline and the size of the helophyte filter can vary depending on the specific conditions. For example, if the water is highly polluted, the filter must be larger to handle the additional load. It is therefore advisable to construct the pond from the beginning laid out correctly and setup. This will prevent your pond water from pollution and your pond water will be and remain clear and healthy from the beginning.

What aquatic plants to place in a helophyte filter?

For a helophyte filter, there are several aquatic plants that are well suited. Here are some of the most recommended aquatic plants for a helophyte filter:

1. Lisoddock (Typha Latifolia): Lis duckweed is a popular choice because of its ability to remove nutrients from water. It has distinctive brown flower panicles and upright leaves.
2. Pied Calamus (Acorus Calamus): Calamus has striking, upright leaves and helps filter waste products from water. It also has a pleasant fragrance.
3. Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus): This swamp hyacinth has beautiful yellow flowers and green leaves. It helps absorb nutrients and purify water.
4. Water mint (Mentha aquatica): Water mint has a wonderful fragrance and helps purify water. It also has antibacterial properties.
5. Swan Flower (Buttomus Umbelatus): Swan flower not only adds beauty to the helophyte filter, but also plays an important role in purifying water. The plant absorbs nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, improving water quality. In addition, Swan Flower provides a habitat for various beneficial microorganisms, which help break down organic waste and maintain a healthy balance in the filter.

It is important to choose a combination of different aquatic plants to create a diverse and balanced ecosystem in the helophyte filter. Be sure to select the right plants based on the specific needs of your pond and local conditions.

How much does it cost to make a helophyte filter?

The cost of making a helophyte filter can vary depending on the size of the filter and the materials used. In general, however, a helophyte filter is a relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly option for water treatment compared to other systems such as environmentally damaging pond pumps and pond filters.

Frequently asked questions about helophyte filters