Japanese garden pond mat

⚙️ HOW THE JAPANESE MAT WORKS
1️⃣ Biological filtration

The mat provides a large surface area for the attachment of beneficial bacteria that convert:

Ammonia (NH₃) → Nitrites (NO₂⁻) → Nitrogen (NO₃⁻)

This process significantly reduces toxic substances in the water and keeps fish healthy.

2️⃣ Mechanical filtration

The structure of the mat captures larger impurities, such as food debris, plants or fish excrement.

This extends the life of the filter and reduces the load on the biological filtration.

3️⃣ Stabilization of the ecosystem

The porous and layered structure supports the formation of a biofilm, which stabilizes the chemical parameters of the water.

Helps prevent sudden fluctuations in pH and algae growth.

🏠 JAPANESE MAT CLAIMS
💧 Water

Suitable for most ponds:

Temperature: 4–35 °C

pH: 6.5–8.5

GH/KH: medium to hard water

⚙️ Environment

The mat is placed:

In biofiltration chambers

In pressure filters

At the bottom of filter containers

It can also be part of waterfalls or ornamental filters.

🧹 Maintenance

Rinse gently in pond water to remove sludge and dirt.

Do not use chemicals or chlorinated water to avoid destroying beneficial bacteria.

Regular cleaning: 1x every 4–6 weeks, depending on the pond load.

🧠 CHARACTERISTICS

Passive material - does not consume anything by itself

Safe for fish, plants and other animals

Works only in conjunction with biological microorganisms that attach to it

🧱 TYPES OF JAPANESE MAT
1️⃣ Standard mat

Coarser structure, captures larger impurities

Used as the first mechanical filtration

2️⃣ Fine mat

Finer pores support the growth of nitrifying bacteria

Suitable as a top bio-insert in filtration systems

3️⃣ Combined mat

Combines mechanical and biological filtration

Ideal for multi-stage filters and koi ponds

4️⃣ Separate modules

Sold in rolls or panels for easy installation into filter chambers

Can be cut to size according to the filter or pond

🩺 IMPACT ON HEALTH POND
POSITIVE

✔️ stabilizes water quality
✔️ reduces ammonia and nitrite levels
✔️ prevents algae and sludge growth
✔️ reduces fish mortality
✔️ extends the life of mechanical filtration

NEGATIVE / FREQUENT PROBLEMS

❌ clogged mat reduces filtration efficiency
❌ improper cleaning with chemicals kills beneficial bacteria
❌ poor quality material can release dust

⚖️ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
👍 ADVANTAGES

✅ highly efficient biological filter
✅ combination of mechanical and biological filtration
✅ easy maintenance - rinse and reuse
✅ frost and UV resistant
✅ safe for fish and plants

👎 DISADVANTAGES

❌ requires the presence of nitrifying bacteria
❌ clogged or long-uncleaned mat can reduce flow
❌ poor quality processing can contain dust and small particles

🛒 HOW TO CHOOSE CORRECT

Purpose of use – mechanical filtration, biological filtration or a combination

Thickness and porosity – coarse for sludge, fine for bacteria

Filter type – pressure, chamber or separate cartridge

Quantity – according to pond volume and number of fish

Material quality – chemical-free and non-toxic

📌 Tip: For koi ponds and larger garden ponds, a combination of coarse and fine mats is recommended to maximize both mechanical and biological filtration.

🧭 PRACTICAL TIPS

Rinse the mat in pond water before first use

Place in the filter chamber where water flows over the entire surface of the mat

Regularly check for clogging and rinse only in pond water

Do not use chemicals to maintain microbial activity

📌 SUMMARY

The Japanese mat is an effective and practical biological filter for garden ponds.

Provides a large surface area for the growth of beneficial bacteria

Combines mechanical and biological filtration

Easy to maintain and resistant to extreme conditions

Safe for fish, plants and the entire pond ecosystem