Prefiltration is extremely important. Solid waste accumulates daily in a pond and is the number one problem for filtration.
The prefilter will protect the pump from clogging and prevent heavy debris from entering the biofilter. Your maintenance will be mostly focused on removal of soilds. A good prefilter will make this job easier.
Most pondkeepers know that the best way to ensure clear pond water is with an ultraviolet sterilizer. Some often overlooked factors are what to do when the UV light is not doing the job anymore. Usually, this is a simple as an old lamp. Depending on the brand, UV lamps should generally be replaced about every 12-15 months of use.
