Can you have a small pond without a pump, filter and UVC?

July 9, 2020

Pond Advice

A small pond can be a beautiful addition to any garden. However, when setting one up, you may wonder if you really need a pump, filter, or UVC. The simple answer is that it depends on the pond’s size, location, and what you plan to keep in it.

While you can have a small pond without a pump, filter, or UVC, it is more challenging and requires careful planning and maintenance. A pump and filter system is the most reliable way to maintain a clean and healthy pond, keeping the water moving and well-oxygenated.

Here at Pond Planet, we have over 40 years of experience helping customers build and maintain thriving ponds of all sizes. We've put together this guide to help you determine whether a pump and filter are the right choice for your small pond.

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Key Takeaways

A pump and filter system is crucial for ponds with fish to manage waste and oxygenate the water.
Ponds without a pump require careful placement (in partial shade) and regular manual cleaning.
Pond plants are your best tool for natural filtration and nutrient control.
Pond treatments offer temporary solutions but don't replace the continuous benefits of a pump and filter.

Why a Pump and Filter are a Good Idea

A pump, filter, and UVC system not only improves the appearance of pond water but also helps maintain your pond’s delicate ecosystem. This system works by pushing water out of the pond and through the UVC and filter, which mechanically removes debris, algae, and other waste.

For Fish Health: If you plan on having fish, a pump and filter are crucial. Fish waste produces harmful toxins, like ammonia, that can make your fish sick. A biological filter turns these toxins into harmless nitrates. The pump also keeps the water oxygenated, which is vital for fish to survive.
To Prevent Green Water: Ponds in direct sunlight are more likely to develop green water algae. A UVC clarifier, often included with a pond filter, uses ultraviolet light to clump these tiny algae particles together, allowing the filter to trap them. This keeps your water crystal clear.
For Overall Water Quality: A pump and filter system helps to remove floating debris and prevents your pond from becoming stagnant. This makes maintenance much easier and keeps the ecosystem balanced.

How to Keep a Pond Clean Without a Pump

Maintaining a pond without a pump and filter is more challenging, but it can be done with careful planning and regular upkeep.

Preventative measures

Shade and Location: Place your pond in a spot with partial shade to reduce algae growth. Avoid placing it directly under trees, as leaves and other debris will fall onto it and create more waste.
Manual Cleaning: You will need to clean your pond manually on a regular basis. Use a pond net to scoop out leaves and other debris. A pond vacuum can also be used to remove sludge from the bottom of the pond.
Feed fish little and often to reduce excess waste and uneaten food, which can promote algae growth. Feed fish only what they can eat in 5 minutes, and remove any uneaten food after this time has elapsed.

Use pond plants

Plants are your best tool for keeping a pond healthy without a pump and filter. They absorb nitrates and phosphates, which are nutrients that algae need to grow.

Submerged Plants: These plants live completely underwater and are excellent at removing nutrients and adding oxygen.
Floating Plants: Plants like water lilies provide shade, which helps to cool the water and limit the amount of sunlight that reaches the bottom, slowing down algae growth.
Marginal Plants: These plants grow at the edge of the pond and are great for helping to filter the water naturally.

Pond Treatments for Water Clarity

Pond treatments can be used as a quick and effective way to deal with specific problems, such as green water or sludge build-up. These products are easy to use and can provide a temporary solution for a murky pond.

However, they don't replace the continuous cleaning and circulation provided by a pump and filter. For the best long-term results, a mechanical filter and pump system is the most reliable option.

Recommended Pond Pumps

If you’ve decided that your small pond would benefit from a pump and filter, we can help you choose your starting point from the vast array of pump options available. At Pond Planet, we stock a wide range of pond pumps from leading brands that will keep your smaller-sized pond spick and span:

Pond Pump

Filter Pumps

Filter pumps are the most commonly used type of pump, designed to keep pond water flowing 24/7 and assist in maintaining a clean pond. Filter pumps are beneficial in comparison to water feature pumps because they can cope with larger solid waste and debris, helping to remove them from your pond's ecosystem. These pumps are ideal for feeding filtration systems to help keep your pond healthy and crystal clear.

Water feature pump

Water Feature Pumps

Water feature pumps are designed to service any small water feature in your pond. Water features help to oxygenate your pond. Some water feature pumps can be ideal for helping to pump water around a smaller pond. For example, the Oase Aquarius Universal Classic 1000 Water Feature Pump is ideal for small water features. This compact pump features an adjustable flow rate, allowing you to control the speed at which water is pumped around your pond, efficiently oxygenating the water while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Water fountain

Water Fountain Pumps

Similar to water feature pumps, water fountain pumps create a decorative visual effect for your pond while also helping to circulate the pond water effectively. Available in a range of capacities, the fountain pumps can be utilised to move water around most sizes. For example, the Hozelock Cascade 450 Fountain Pump features an anti-clog, foam-free strainer cage that requires minimal maintenance.

What Size Pump Do I Need?

The right size pump depends on the volume of your pond. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pump that can circulate the entire volume of your pond at least once every two hours. For more help, you can follow our guide: What Size Pond Pump Do I Need?

For those ponds on the smaller side, the Hozelock Aquaforce 1000 Pond Pump could be a good option. With the capacity to handle solids up to 6mm and a Wildlife Protection System, it is a useful pump that prevents smaller fish and other pond inhabitants, such as newts and frogs, from getting stuck in its cage whilst keeping a continuous water flow.

FAQs About Small Ponds and Filters

Do small ponds need a filter?

Not all small ponds need a filter, but it is highly recommended if you have fish or if your pond gets a lot of direct sunlight. A filter ensures that the water remains clean and healthy for all aquatic life.

Can you keep fish in a pond without a filter?

It is possible, but not recommended. Without a filter, fish waste will build up, creating a toxic environment. While you can do frequent water changes, a filter is a much safer and easier way to ensure your fish are happy and healthy.

Does my pond need a filter?

If your pond is struggling with poor water clarity, is located in direct sunlight, or contains fish, you will benefit from a pond filter. Filters are the best way to maintain a clear and balanced ecosystem.

How do you clear green pond water without a filter?

You can use a pond treatment specifically designed to clear green water. These treatments are very effective and can clear the water within days. However, they are a temporary fix, and you will need to reapply them as needed.

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While a natural, un-filtered pond is possible, particularly for wildlife-focused ponds with no fish, it requires consistent maintenance and a reliance on a delicate natural balance. For most pond owners, especially those who want to keep fish or simply enjoy crystal-clear water, a pump and filter system is the most effective and reliable solution. It reduces the need for constant manual cleaning and provides a stable, healthy environment for your fish and plants.