Do I need to clean the BioFall?
“How often am I supposed to clean out the BioFall? How do I even do that? And wait… what’s a BioFall?”
I’m here for you!
An Aquascape BioFall is a type of biological filter that’s usually installed at the start of a waterfall and/or stream. We use this type all the time and there are other brands that do the same thing.
This is an Aquascape BioFall. Usually these are installed and start the waterfall and/or stream. We use this type of BioFall all the time!
Not all BioFalls are called “BioFalls.”
Biological filtration specifically happens in the BioFall. The biofall provides extra environment for beneficial bacteria.
A BioFall generally contains two filter pads and bags of BioBalls. The balls and filter pads both provide surface area for the beneficial bacteria to colonize. The bacteria keeps the pond healthy by consuming nutrients from fish waste and decomposing organic matter as it passes through.
Water from the pump is piped in through the bottom of the BioFall and travels upward through the bio media.
A BioFall could have bio balls, ribbon, lava rock or other media with nooks and crannies that support bacteria. BioBalls (or any filter media) should always be in a mesh bag. Without it, cleaning is a nightmare, and the BioBalls can float into the pond.
*Mechanical filtration happens at the skimmer (the basket or net that catches leaves and debris, plus a filter pad for finer particles). It protects the pump from large debris before going up the pipe to the BioFall.
Some features don’t have a BioFall at all. If the water comes out of a rock, a pipe, or a spillway without a tub containing filter pads and biological media, then you don’t have a BioFall.
Water comes from the pump and is piped in through the BOTTOM. Water travels up through 2 filter pads and bags of BioBalls. They are chock full of beneficial bacteria that cleans the water! The bacteria consumes nutrients in the water, like waste from fish and organic debris breaking down.
How and When to Clean It
Once or twice during the summer, clean out the BioFall to help maintain strong water flow.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the pump. If you have a check valve (the bulb-shaped part of the pipe above the pump), water in the BioFall will stay put. If you disconnect the pump above the check valve, most of the water will rush back into the skimmer, making cleaning easier.
- Remove filter pads and media bags. Many people think the brown “mud” they find in the pads is dirt, but it’s actually the byproduct of beneficial bacteria at work—a good sign of a healthy pond ecosystem!
- Rinse the pads and media. Use a hose to rinse them over your lawn, near a tree, or in a garden bed. The rinse water is a fantastic natural fertilizer.
- Don’t stress about chlorine. Yes, city water contains chlorine that can kill beneficial bacteria, but you’ll be replenishing bacteria afterward anyway.
- Remove debris. If needed, use a shop vac to remove the rest of the water and debris from the BioFall tub.
- Clean the stream. Before reassembling, run a flat broom through the rocks in your stream to release trapped muck. Yes, it will flow into the pond—that’s okay. It will be removed at your next full cleanout.
- Reassemble and restart. Put everything back in the same order, reattach the pump, and restart the system.
- Add beneficial bacteria. Give a double dose according to the product’s instructions. Too much can cloud the water temporarily but won’t harm fish or plants.
This is a close-up of Aquascape BioBalls. Other brands make similar products, and it really doesn’t matter which one you use.
Hiding the BioFall
Sweet Potato Vine is an excellent plant to hide the BioFall. Its roots will grow into the water and thrive—but remember, it’s an annual, so it needs replanting each year.
- Floating plants like Water Hyacinth or Water Lettuce can grow in the top of the BioFall. You might have to secure them in the rock tray so they don’t float on down the stream!
- Rocks or drift wood can be placed over the BioFall as well to hide it. Although a large flat rock could be placed on top it can make it more difficult to service.
A little BioFall TLC goes a long way toward keeping your pond beautiful, healthy, and flowing perfectly.
Kristi's Tips
After cleaning the BioFall, expect cloudy water for a short while after cleaning—it will clear in a day or so.
If your media bag tends to float, weigh it down with a rock about the size of your fist. Some BioFalls have racks to hold media in place.
Did you know that Aquascape trademarked the name “BioFall” and “Bioballs”? They did! Very clever! Other companies can’t call them the same thing so there are many different terms for the same piece of equipment. We find the Aquascape BioFall works very well!
* This blog was NOT written by AI. This was written by me. I am not a professional writer, I am a pond person. Therefore, if you see a typo, please forgive me!
*No koi were harmed in the making of this content.