The Size
The size of the filtering trench depends on the size of the pond, the volume of water and the type of use.
For most swimming ponds about 20% of the surface is sufficient, whereas in ponds with intense fish breding the trench can be larger than the actual production area.
The larger the filtering trench is, the better the mud particles will sediment.
|
 Filtering trench (right) and pond have to fit together. The NaturaGart pond advisers calculate this for you. |
 The right mix of pond plants determines function and maintenance requirements. |
The Construction Principle
The filtering trench is densely planted. The pump sits at one end and delivers the water to the source of a stream. This makes the water level sink in the trench and water now flows in from the pond that is a few centimetres higher.
Since the tube ends at the bottom of the pond, muddy sediment is suctioned off and deposited in the filtering trench.
|
 Pond and filtering trench are separate systems that are connected by a tube above the liner. It end at the deepest point in the pond and therefore always sucks in muddy water form the depths. The pump sits at the end of the trench and sends the water to one or more springs. |
 The filtration trench can be mad as a natural meadow trench or a metre high reed bed area. |
Important Advantages
The pump works indirectly by helping to run a gravitative system.
Sediment isn't crushed to bits by the pump but is transported as larger particles. These deposit much easier.
Part of the sediment in the filtration trench is decomposed by the plants, while the rest has to be removed every 5-10 years. |
 Extreme sedimentation in the filtration trench of a fish pond in the NaturaGart Park. The plants are literally covered. |
 One of 6 large filtering trenches next to the underwater park. The are designed for 30.000m³ of water. |
What Doesn't Deposit
In case the filtering trench isn't big enough for the very fine particles to deposit an exterior filter can be used in the spring area of the stream. It can have a large proportion of fine filtering media because the larger particles stay in the filtering trench. The advantage is long maintenance intervals, because 90% of the mud sediments in the trench. |
 Fish chew on the sediment which means that particles in fish ponds are smaller and don't deposit as easily. |
 NaturaGart clients get detailed instructions for the construction of their filtering trench (currently only available in German). |
The Safety Concept
Often floor drains and pipe systems are built that lie unreachable underneath the liner and are under constant high pressure. Nothing can be repaired here! The slightest failure means total loss of the pond. The NaturaGart concept does without perforating the sealing, keeps all pipes pressure free and easily accessible. Usually pond and filtering trench are sealed with one liner.
|
The Connection
Where pond and trench are to be connected, a 'V' shaped incision is made. There a pipe leads through the dam in about a depth of 40-50cm - above the liner. This incision is later closed with a special part. This leads to the separation between pond and filtering trench which is necessary for the system to work.
Everything is easy to install and no previous knowledge required.
|
 Dam duct with well for the target suction technology. The liner is completely covered with the NaturaGart composite mat. |
