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It depends on filter type, pond size, and fish load. Generally, mechanical media needs cleaning every 1-4 weeks, while biological media should only be gently rinsed every 2-6 months using pond water (never tap water).
Yes, aggressive cleaning can kill beneficial bacteria and cause ammonia/nitrite spikes. Always rinse biological media in pond water, never hot or chlorinated water. Clean only one section of multi-chamber filters at a time.
Mechanical filtration physically removes debris (foam pads, brushes, screens). Biological filtration uses bacteria colonies to convert toxic ammonia to nitrite and then to less harmful nitrate (bio-balls, lava rock, moving bed media).
UV clarifiers can be turned off when water temperatures drop below 50 degrees F and algae growth stops. Replace the UV bulb annually in spring, as output diminishes over time even if the light still appears to work.
Signs of undersized filtration include persistent green water despite UV, ammonia or nitrite readings above zero, excessive debris accumulation, and the need for very frequent cleaning. Your filter should be rated for at least your full pond volume.